The University of Central Lancashire (UCLan), located in Preston, England, operates on a semester-based academic calendar, typical of many UK universities. The academic year is generally divided into two main semesters: the first running from late September to mid-December, and the second from mid-January to late May or early June. Additionally, UCLan offers a summer term for certain programs, often used for resits, placements, or intensive modules. This structure includes breaks for Christmas, Easter, and summer, aligning with national holiday periods, and provides flexibility for modular course delivery, allowing students to focus on specific subjects in shorter, intensive blocks.
- Autumn Semester Start: Late September 2025 (typically around September 22–29) – Welcome Week and induction activities for new students.
- Christmas Break: Mid-December 2025 to early January 2026 (approximately December 15–January 5) – University closure for holiday period.
- Spring Semester Start: Mid-January 2026 (around January 12–19) – Return for teaching and assessments.
- Easter Break: Late March to mid-April 2026 (approximately March 30–April 13) – Aligns with UK public holidays.
- Examination Period: Mid-May to early June 2026 (typically May 15–June 5) – Main assessment window for most programs.
- Summer Break/Graduation: Mid-June to late September 2026 – Includes commencement ceremonies, often held in July.
- UCAS Application Opening: Early September 2024 (typically September 3) – Start of applications for 2025 entry via UCAS for the Class of 2030.
- Early UCAS Deadline: Mid-October 2024 (around October 15) – For competitive courses like Medicine or Dentistry, if applicable.
- Main UCAS Deadline: Late January 2025 (typically January 31) – Final date for most undergraduate applications to ensure equal consideration.
- Decision Notification: March to May 2025 – Applicants typically receive offers or rejections during this period.
- Confirmation Deadline: Early June 2025 (around June 5) – Deadline to accept offers after receiving all decisions.
- Clearing Opens: Early July 2025 – For students who did not receive offers or meet conditions, subject to availability.
UCLan’s academic calendar aligns closely with the standard UK higher education framework, incorporating breaks that coincide with national holidays such as Christmas and Easter, ensuring accessibility for both domestic and international students. The semester structure offers a predictable rhythm, with flexibility for international students through summer terms and modular options that may accommodate varied start dates or intensive study needs. However, as exact dates for the 2025–2026 academic year and admissions cycle are not yet publicly confirmed, the above timelines are estimates based on typical patterns for UK universities. Students are encouraged to check UCLan’s official resources for precise updates closer to the relevant periods.
