University Key Date Exceptions for Postgraduate Students
The University teaching year follows a semester structure designed to support effective learning and course delivery. The key dates outline the semester structure for the academic year. More detailed, week by week information can be found on your Academic Year Planner 2026-27
There are specific exceptions for Postgraduate Students:
Postgraduate Taught (12-month) students: The summer period forms part of semester time, as teaching, assessments and dissertation projects may take place during this period.
Semester time for all students is semester 1 and semester 2. For Postgraduate taught students this also includes the summer period from the end of semester 2 until your official course end date as stated on your certificate of enrolment, with the exception of the 2-week vacation.
Additional note for Student visa holders: ‘Semester-time’ (referred to by the Home Office as ‘term-time’) means the periods during which you must be in the UK actively engaging with your programme and attending all required on-campus activities, including online examinations, assessments, dissertations and submissions.
Full-time Postgraduate Research students: are required to maintain continuous attendance throughout the year. Any annual leave must be requested and approved in accordance with the PGR Holiday Request process.
Important information
- Mid-semester week does not apply to postgraduate students and is considered semester time.
- Some programmes operate outside the standard Academic Calendar. Any alternative dates will be provided in programme-specific information.
International students who require further clarification and guidance around their specific vacation periods can access: