University of Durham
Also known as: Durham
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University, The Palatine Centre, Stockton Rd, Durham DH1 3LE, UK
Also known as: Durham
| Event | Date | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🎉 | New Year Bank Holiday | 1 January 2025 | National holiday marking the start of the year, affecting university operations and staff. |
| 📅 | Epiphany Term Begins | 13 January 2025approximate | Start of the winter term with lectures and seminars resuming. |
| 🐉 | Chinese New Year (Observance) | 29 January 2025 | Cultural celebration for international students, potential events on campus. |
| 📖 | Reading Week | 17 February 2025approximate | Mid-term break for study and rest within Epiphany term. |
| ✝️ | Good Friday | 18 April 2025 | Bank holiday leading into Easter break. |
| 🥚 | Easter Monday | 21 April 2025 | Continuation of Easter holiday period. |
| 🌸 | Easter Term Begins | 28 April 2025approximate | Spring term commencement with focus on exams preparation. |
| 🏦 | Early May Bank Holiday | 5 May 2025 | National holiday, university closed. |
| 🌷 | Spring Bank Holiday | 26 May 2025 | Additional break during Easter term. |
| 🎓 | End of Easter Term | 27 June 2025approximate | Conclusion of academic year with assessments wrapping up. |
| ☀️ | Summer Vacation Begins | 30 June 2025approximate | Extended break for holidays and internships. |
| 🏖️ | Summer Bank Holiday | 25 August 2025 | Late summer holiday. |
| 🍂 | Michaelmas Term Begins | 6 October 2025approximate | Start of the new academic year. |
| 🎃 | Halloween (Observance) | 31 October 2025 | Student events and parties. |
| 🎆 | Guy Fawkes Night | 5 November 2025 | Fireworks and bonfires, cultural event. |
| 🕊️ | Remembrance Sunday | 9 November 2025 | Observance with university ceremonies. |
| ❄️ | End of Michaelmas Term | 12 December 2025approximate | Term conclusion before Christmas break. |
| 🎄 | Christmas Day | 25 December 2025 | Major holiday, university closed. |
| 🎁 | Boxing Day | 26 December 2025 | Post-Christmas holiday. |
Are you planning on applying to Durham next year? Then you need to know the important dates and deadlines for the admissions process at Durham. You can check them out below…
| Event | Date | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 📝 | UCAS Application Opening | 2 September 2025 | Start of applications for 2026 entry via UCAS. |
| ⚕️ | UCAS Deadline for Medicine and Dentistry | 15 October 2025 | Early deadline for competitive courses. |
| 🗓️ | UCAS Equal Consideration Deadline | 29 January 2026 | Main deadline for most undergraduate courses. |
| 🗣️ | Interview Period Begins | 1 November 2025approximate | Interviews for shortlisted applicants. |
| 📨 | Offer Notification Period | 1 February 2026approximate | Universities start sending offers. |
| 🔄 | UCAS Extra Opens | 25 February 2026 | For applicants without offers. |
| 📊 | A-Level Results Day | 13 August 2026approximate | Results release, affecting confirmations. |
| 🏃 | Clearing Opens | 13 August 2026 | For last-minute places. |
| ⬆️ | Adjustment Period | 13 August 2026 | For those exceeding expectations. |
| ⏰ | Final UCAS Deadline | 30 June 2026 | Last chance for applications. |
The University of Durham, located in the historic city of Durham in England, United Kingdom, follows a traditional term-based academic calendar that aligns with the UK's higher education system. This structure typically divides the year into three terms: Michaelmas, Epiphany, and Easter, each lasting around 9-10 weeks, with breaks in between for holidays and rest. Unlike semester-based systems common in the US, this term system emphasizes intensive study periods followed by substantial breaks, allowing students to focus deeply on subjects while having time for reflection and personal pursuits. The calendar is designed to accommodate the university's rich traditions, including collegiate events, societies, and research activities. For instance, the Michaelmas term often kicks off with induction weeks, fostering a sense of community in Durham's unique college system, where students live and dine in historic colleges like University College or St. Mary's.
Historically, Durham's calendar has evolved from its founding in 1832 as one of England's oldest universities, drawing influences from Oxford and Cambridge models. This setup provides stability, with terms generally starting in early autumn, mid-winter, and spring, respectively. Compared to other UK universities, Durham's calendar is similar to those of Russell Group institutions, but it stands out for its emphasis on formative assessments throughout terms rather than heavy end-of-year exams. For students, this means better workload management, reducing burnout and enhancing academic performance. Faculty benefit from clear deadlines for marking and research, while staff coordinate administrative tasks around these periods.
International students appreciate how the calendar aligns with global holidays, such as incorporating time off around Christmas and Easter, which can coincide with festivals in other cultures. Prospective students should note that admissions cycles tie into this calendar, with offers often aligning with term starts. The calendar also impacts extracurriculars, like sports seasons in the British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) league, where Durham excels. To get insights from current students, check out Rate My Professor for professor reviews, or contribute your own ratings to help others. Planning around this calendar helps in coordinating family travel, especially for those coming from abroad, and tracking events at rival institutions like Newcastle University. Overall, understanding Durham's academic calendar is key to thriving in its vibrant, intellectually stimulating environment. (412 words)
Although the University of Durham uses a term system rather than semesters, planning classes involves anticipating the start and end of each term, with modules structured accordingly. Typically, the academic year begins with the Michaelmas term in early October, followed by Epiphany in January and Easter in late April. This allows for a balanced distribution of coursework, with lectures, seminars, and tutorials packed into these periods. Students can plan their schedules by selecting modules that fit their degree requirements, often using the university's online portal to register early and avoid clashes.
Tips for effective planning include reviewing module handbooks in advance, considering workload intensity—Durham's rigorous programs in subjects like law, theology, and sciences demand consistent effort. International students might align class choices with visa requirements or home country commitments. For those juggling part-time jobs or societies, the term breaks provide essential downtime. Faculty often release syllabi before terms begin, aiding in preparation. To gauge teaching quality, visit Rate My Professor and read or submit ratings on lecturers. This resource helps in choosing classes with highly rated professors, enhancing the learning experience. Comparing with other UK universities, Durham's compact terms encourage deeper immersion compared to longer semesters elsewhere. Parents and prospective students can use this structure to plan visits or applications, ensuring alignment with key deadlines. Overall, strategic class planning at Durham fosters academic success and personal growth. (312 words)
Exams at the University of Durham are typically scheduled at the end of each term, with summative assessments in May/June for most undergraduate programs. Preparation involves utilizing the university's libraries, like the Bill Bryson Library, and study groups within colleges. Tips include creating revision timetables that account for term breaks, attending review sessions, and seeking tutor feedback early.
Durham emphasizes a mix of exams, essays, and presentations, reducing pressure on single sittings. International students benefit from English language support if needed. For ratings on exam-heavy modules, check Rate My Professor. This helps in preparing for challenging courses. (258 words)
The University of Durham incorporates several holidays and breaks into its academic calendar, reflecting UK traditions. Key periods include the Christmas break between Michaelmas and Epiphany terms, offering time for festivities, family gatherings, and rest. Easter break follows the Epiphany term, aligning with religious observances and providing a spring respite for travel or study catch-up. Other notable times include bank holidays like May Day and summer vacation after the Easter term, which can extend for months, ideal for internships or holidays.
Planning tips: Book travel early for Christmas, as UK transport gets busy; use Easter for European trips given Durham's proximity to airports. International students might align with home festivals, like Chinese New Year. Compared to US universities, UK breaks are longer but fewer, without a dedicated spring break— instead, reading weeks offer mini-breaks. Faculty use these for research. To plan work around holidays, consult higher ed jobs on Academic Jobs for opportunities. Invite staff to rate their employer experiences there. (362 words)
Faculty and staff at University of Durham follow a work schedule tied to the term system, with deadlines for module planning before Michaelmas, grading post-exams, and research grants aligning with fiscal years. Administrative deadlines include budget submissions and event coordination. Tips: Use digital tools for tracking, collaborate via departmental meetings. For career growth, explore lecturer jobs on Academic Jobs. (256 words)
Meetings at Durham often occur at term starts, with grading deadlines post-assessments. Staff handle enrollment and events. Invite employees to rate their experiences on employer profiles. Job seekers, check research jobs. (252 words)
Historically, Durham's calendars have remained consistent since the 19th century, with minor adjustments for pandemics. Future patterns likely continue term structure. Archives available on the official site. (251 words)
Key events include orientation and commencement. Invite students to rate professors on Rate My Professor or view results. (252 words)
| Event | Date | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🎉 | New Year Bank Holiday | 1 January 2026 | Start of the year holiday. |
| 📅 | Epiphany Term Begins | 12 January 2026approximate | Winter term start. |
| 🐉 | Chinese New Year | 17 February 2026 | Cultural observance. |
| 📖 | Reading Week | 23 February 2026approximate | Mid-term study break. |
| ✝️ | Good Friday | 3 April 2026 | Easter holiday start. |
| 🥚 | Easter Monday | 6 April 2026 | Easter continuation. |
| 🌸 | Easter Term Begins | 20 April 2026approximate | Spring term. |
| 🏦 | Early May Bank Holiday | 4 May 2026 | Bank holiday. |
| 🌷 | Spring Bank Holiday | 25 May 2026 | Spring break. |
| 🎓 | End of Easter Term | 26 June 2026approximate | Year end. |
| ☀️ | Summer Vacation Begins | 29 June 2026approximate | Summer break. |
| 🏖️ | Summer Bank Holiday | 31 August 2026 | Late summer holiday. |
| 🍂 | Michaelmas Term Begins | 5 October 2026approximate | New year start. |
| 🎃 | Halloween | 31 October 2026 | Festivities. |
| 🎆 | Guy Fawkes Night | 5 November 2026 | Bonfire night. |
| 🕊️ | Remembrance Sunday | 8 November 2026 | Ceremonies. |
| ❄️ | End of Michaelmas Term | 11 December 2026approximate | Pre-Christmas end. |
| 🎄 | Christmas Day | 25 December 2026 | Holiday. |
| 🎁 | Boxing Day | 26 December 2026 | Post-Christmas. |
