Durham University operates on a three-term academic calendar running from Monday, 28 September 2026 to Friday, 25 June 2027 for the 2026/27 academic year.
The teaching year is divided into Michaelmas Term (October to December), Epiphany Term (January to March), and Easter Term (April to June), with scheduled vacation periods between each term.
The 2026/27 academic calendar begins with Induction Week from Monday, 28 September 2026, and concludes with the end of Easter Term on Friday, 25 June 2027.
International students typically arrive earlier than the official Induction Week start date to participate in specialized orientation programs.
Table of Contents
Overview of Durham University Academic Calendar Structure
Durham University follows a traditional three-term system distinct from the semester structure used at most UK universities.
The academic year comprises 30 weeks of teaching divided across three 10-week terms, with vacation periods totaling approximately 22 weeks.
Key Dates for 2026/27 Academic Year
| Period | Start Date | End Date | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Induction Week | Monday, 28 September 2026 | Sunday, 4 October 2026 | 7 days |
| Michaelmas Term | Monday, 5 October 2026 | Friday, 11 December 2026 | 10 weeks |
| Christmas Vacation | Saturday, 12 December 2026 | Sunday, 10 January 2027 | 4 weeks |
| Epiphany Term | Monday, 11 January 2027 | Friday, 19 March 2027 | 10 weeks |
| Easter Vacation | Saturday, 20 March 2027 | Sunday, 25 April 2027 | 5 weeks |
| Easter Term | Monday, 26 April 2027 | Friday, 25 June 2027 | 9 weeks |
| Summer Vacation | Saturday, 26 June 2027 | Saturday, 26 September 2027 | 13 weeks |
The term nomenclature—Michaelmas, Epiphany, and Easter—reflects Durham’s collegiate tradition shared with Oxford and Cambridge universities. This naming convention distinguishes Durham from institutions using Autumn/Spring/Summer terminology.
Durham University Michaelmas Term Dates 2026
Michaelmas Term begins on Monday, 5 October 2026 and ends on Friday, 11 December 2026. This first term of the academic year contains 10 weeks of teaching across all undergraduate programs.
Michaelmas Term Schedule Breakdown
| Event | Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Teaching Week 1 | Monday, 5 October 2026 | First day of lectures |
| Teaching Week 5 | Monday, 2 November 2026 | Midterm point |
| Teaching Week 10 | Monday, 7 December 2026 | Final teaching week |
| Term End | Friday, 11 December 2026 | Last day of term |
| Christmas Vacation Start | Saturday, 12 December 2026 | College accommodation closes |
New undergraduate students participate in Welcome and Orientation Week (WoW) from Monday, 28 September 2026, through Sunday, 4 October 2026, one week before Michaelmas Term teaching begins. Each of Durham’s 17 colleges organizes college-specific welcome events during this period.
International students receive dedicated support through the International Induction program, typically scheduled 3-5 days before the general Induction Week start date (approximately Wednesday, 23 September 2026 to Friday, 25 September 2026).
Matriculation Ceremony Timing
Durham University conducts matriculation ceremonies during the first weeks of Michaelmas Term. Matriculation formally enrolls students as members of both the University and their college. Ceremonies typically occur in Weeks 2-3 (October 12-23, 2026), with specific dates varying by college.
Durham University Epiphany Term Dates 2027
Epiphany Term runs from Monday, 11 January 2027 to Friday, 19 March 2027. This 10-week term follows the Christmas vacation period and precedes the Easter break.
Epiphany Term Key Dates
| Event | Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Term Start | Monday, 11 January 2027 | Teaching resumes |
| Teaching Week 1 | Monday, 11 January 2027 | First lectures of Term 2 |
| Teaching Week 5 | Monday, 8 February 2027 | Midterm assessments common |
| Teaching Week 10 | Monday, 15 March 2027 | Final teaching week |
| Term End | Friday, 19 March 2027 | Last day of Epiphany Term |
| Easter Vacation Start | Saturday, 20 March 2027 | Extended break begins |
The Epiphany Term name derives from the Christian feast of Epiphany (January 6), marking the manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles.
This traditional nomenclature appears uniquely at Durham and Oxford universities (where Oxford uses “Hilary Term” for their equivalent period).
January Examination Period
Many departments schedule summative assessments during Epiphany Term, particularly in Weeks 8-10 (March 1-19, 2027). Students should consult department-specific timetables as examination schedules vary across faculties.
Durham University Easter Term Dates 2027
Easter Term begins on Monday, 26 April 2027 and concludes on Friday, 25 June 2027. This final term contains 9 weeks of teaching and represents the primary examination period for undergraduate students.
Easter Term Schedule
| Event | Date | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Term Start | Monday, 26 April 2027 | Teaching recommences |
| Teaching Week 1 | Monday, 26 April 2027 | Final term lectures begin |
| Examination Period Start | Monday, 17 May 2027* | Main exam season (typical) |
| Teaching Week 9 | Monday, 21 June 2027 | Final teaching week |
| Term End | Friday, 25 June 2027 | Official term conclusion |
| Summer Vacation Start | Saturday, 26 June 2027 | Extended break begins |
*Examination periods vary by department. Most undergraduate examinations occur during May and June, with specific dates published by individual departments in March 2027.
Summer Congregation (Graduation) Dates
Durham University holds Congregation ceremonies (graduation) in late June and early July following the conclusion of Easter Term. For students completing degrees in 2026/27, Congregation ceremonies are scheduled for:
- Wednesday, 30 June 2027
- Thursday, 1 July 2027
- Monday, 5 July 2027
- Tuesday, 6 July 2027
Individual colleges host separate ceremonies on assigned dates. Students receive college-specific Congregation invitations in March 2027.
Durham University Christmas Vacation 2026 Dates
The Christmas vacation runs from Saturday, 12 December 2026 to Sunday, 10 January 2027, providing a 4-week break between Michaelmas and Epiphany Terms.
Christmas Break Planning Information
| Date | Event | Student Action Required |
|---|---|---|
| Friday, 11 December 2026 | Last day of Michaelmas Term | Final lectures/seminars |
| Saturday, 12 December 2026 | Vacation begins | College accommodation may close* |
| Sunday, 10 January 2027 | Vacation ends | Return to Durham |
| Monday, 11 January 2027 | Epiphany Term starts | Teaching resumes |
*College accommodation closure varies by college. Most undergraduate colleges close accommodation during Christmas vacation, requiring students to vacate by Monday, 14 December 2026. Colleges typically reopen accommodation on Saturday, 9 January 2027 or Sunday, 10 January 2027.
International students unable to travel home during the 4-week break should contact their college office by October 2026 to arrange alternative accommodation. Some colleges offer limited vacation accommodation; others coordinate with partner colleges.
Bank Holiday Considerations
The Christmas vacation period includes:
- Wednesday, 25 December 2026 (Christmas Day)
- Thursday, 26 December 2026 (Boxing Day)
- Friday, 1 January 2027 (New Year’s Day)
University administrative offices close during these bank holidays. The main University Library maintains limited opening hours during vacation periods, excluding bank holidays.
Durham University Easter Vacation 2027 Dates
Easter vacation extends from Saturday, 20 March 2027 to Sunday, 25 April 2027, creating a 5-week break between Epiphany and Easter Terms.
Easter Break Timeline
| Date | Event | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Friday, 19 March 2027 | Epiphany Term ends | Last day of teaching |
| Saturday, 20 March 2027 | Easter vacation begins | College accommodation access varies |
| Friday, 2 April 2027 | Good Friday | Bank holiday |
| Monday, 5 April 2027 | Easter Monday | Bank holiday |
| Sunday, 25 April 2027 | Vacation ends | Students return |
| Monday, 26 April 2027 | Easter Term starts | Final term begins |
Unlike Christmas vacation, most colleges maintain accommodation access during Easter vacation as students prepare for summer examinations. Students should verify college-specific policies regarding vacation accommodation.
Revision Period Considerations
The 5-week Easter break serves as the primary revision period for students sitting summer examinations. University libraries extend opening hours during April 2027, and colleges often provide additional study facilities.
Departments may schedule revision lectures or exam preparation sessions during the first week of Easter vacation (March 23-27, 2027). Students receive notification of these sessions through departmental communications in late February 2027.
Durham University Induction Week 2026 Schedule
Induction Week (Welcome and Orientation Week) runs from Monday, 28 September 2026 to Sunday, 4 October 2026. This week-long orientation period precedes the start of Michaelmas Term teaching.
Induction Week Daily Breakdown
| Date | Primary Activities | Participants |
|---|---|---|
| Monday, 28 September | International student welcome events | International students only |
| Tuesday, 29 September | College registration opens | All new students |
| Wednesday, 30 September | College welcome events, parent programs | New students and families |
| Thursday, 1 October | Department inductions begin | All new students by department |
| Friday, 2 October | Societies fair, college formal dinners | All new students |
| Saturday, 3 October | College-organized social activities | All new students |
| Sunday, 4 October | Final preparation day | All new students |
College-Specific Welcome Programs
Each of Durham’s colleges manages independent welcome schedules within the broader Induction Week framework. Students receive college-specific timetables through their college office in August 2026, detailing:
- Room allocation and key collection times
- Mandatory registration appointments
- College-based orientation sessions
- Social events and formal dinners
International Student Arrival Recommendations
International students should plan to arrive in Durham between Wednesday, 23 September 2026, and Friday, 25 September 2026 to participate in the International Induction program. This specialized orientation covers:
- UK immigration compliance
- Opening UK bank accounts
- NHS registration
- Cultural adjustment support
The Global Opportunities team coordinates airport pickup services from Newcastle International Airport and Durham Tees Valley Airport on September 23-25, 2026. Students must register for pickup services by September 1, 2026.
Durham University Term Dates for Postgraduate Students
Postgraduate Taught (PGT) students follow a 12-month academic calendar distinct from the undergraduate three-term structure. The PGT academic year runs from Monday, 28 September 2026 to Friday, 18 September 2027.
Postgraduate Taught Program Timeline
| Period | Dates | Activity |
|---|---|---|
| Induction Week | 28 September – 4 October 2026 | Program orientation |
| Teaching Period 1 | 5 October – 11 December 2026 | Michaelmas Term modules |
| Teaching Period 2 | 11 January – 19 March 2027 | Epiphany Term modules |
| Teaching Period 3 | 26 April – 25 June 2027 | Easter Term modules |
| Dissertation Period | 26 June – 18 September 2027 | Independent research |
| Academic Year End | Friday, 18 September 2027 | Program completion |
PGT students typically attend all three terms for taught modules, then complete dissertation work during the summer period (June-September 2027). Unlike undergraduates, postgraduate students remain in Durham during the summer months to complete research projects.
Durham Business School Specific Dates
Business School postgraduate programs follow a modified calendar:
| Event | Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Induction Week | 28 September – 4 October 2026 | Business School orientation |
| Term 1 Teaching | 5 October – 11 December 2026 | Core modules |
| Term 2 Teaching | 11 January – 19 March 2027 | Elective modules begin |
| Term 3 Teaching | 26 April – 25 June 2027 | Final modules, project begins |
| Dissertation Period | June – September 2027 | Business Analytics Project |
| Resit Period | Mid-August 2027* | Examination resits if required |
| Dissertation Deadline | Friday, 4 September 2027 | Final submission |
| Graduation | January 2028* | Congregation ceremony |
*Exact dates confirmed in spring 2027
Business School students must remain in Durham for the dissertation period (June-September 2027) as the Business Analytics Project requires university resources and supervisor access.
Postgraduate Research Students
PhD and MPhil students operate outside the standard term structure. Research students maintain year-round access to university facilities, though supervisory availability may be reduced during vacation periods.
Research students should discuss vacation schedules with supervisors to ensure adequate support coverage.
Academic Year 2025/26 Remaining Term Dates
Students currently enrolled in the 2025/26 academic year should reference the following dates for Epiphany Term 2026 and Easter Term 2026:
2025/26 Spring and Summer Terms
| Term | Start Date | End Date | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Epiphany Term | Monday, 12 January 2026 | Friday, 20 March 2026 | 10 weeks |
| Easter Vacation | Saturday, 21 March 2026 | Sunday, 26 April 2026 | 5 weeks |
| Easter Term | Monday, 27 April 2026 | Friday, 26 June 2026 | 9 weeks |
| Summer Vacation | Saturday, 27 June 2026 | Sunday, 27 September 2026 | 13 weeks |
2026 Summer Congregation Dates (2025/26 Graduates)
Students completing degrees in the 2025/26 academic year attend Congregation ceremonies in late June and early July 2026:
- Tuesday, 30 June 2026
- Wednesday, 1 July 2026
- Monday, 6 July 2026
- Tuesday, 7 July 2026
Colleges assign specific Congregation dates based on faculty and college affiliation. Students receive Congregation invitations through their college office in March 2026.
Academic Year 2027/28 Provisional Term Dates
Durham University publishes provisional term dates for the 2027/28 academic year to support long-term planning for accommodation, travel, and work placements.
2027/28 Term Structure (Provisional)
| Period | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|
| Induction Week | Monday, 27 September 2027 | Sunday, 3 October 2027 |
| Michaelmas Term | Monday, 4 October 2027 | Friday, 10 December 2027 |
| Christmas Vacation | Saturday, 11 December 2027 | Sunday, 9 January 2028 |
| Epiphany Term | Monday, 10 January 2028 | Friday, 17 March 2028 |
| Easter Vacation | Saturday, 18 March 2028 | Sunday, 23 April 2028 |
| Easter Term | Monday, 24 April 2028 | Friday, 23 June 2028 |
| Summer Vacation | Saturday, 24 June 2028 | Saturday, 24 September 2028 |
These dates are subject to confirmation by the University Senate in spring 2027. Students planning travel or employment for 2027/28 should verify final dates through the official Academic Calendar page in June 2027.
College Accommodation and Term Dates
Durham operates a collegiate system with 17 colleges managing independent accommodation. College accommodation contracts typically align with term dates but include specific move-in and move-out periods.
Standard Accommodation Contract Periods
| Contract Type | Start Date | End Date | Includes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate (Full Year) | Saturday, 27 September 2026 | Saturday, 27 June 2027 | All three terms |
| Undergraduate (Michaelmas only) | Saturday, 27 September 2026 | Saturday, 13 December 2026 | Term 1 only |
| Postgraduate (12-month) | Saturday, 27 September 2026 | Saturday, 18 September 2027 | Full academic year |
Move-In Dates by College
Colleges open accommodation for new students during Induction Week with specific arrival windows:
| Arrival Type | Recommended Dates | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| International Students | Wednesday, 23 September – Friday, 25 September 2026 | International Induction participants |
| UK First-Year Students | Saturday, 27 September – Monday, 29 September 2026 | College welcome events begin |
| Returning Students | Sunday, 28 September – Tuesday, 30 September 2026 | Flexible arrival within window |
Students must contact their college accommodation office by August 1, 2026, if arriving outside these standard windows. Late arrivals require advance notification to ensure room access and key collection.
Vacation Accommodation Access
| Vacation Period | College Accommodation Status | Alternative Options |
|---|---|---|
| Christmas (Dec 12 – Jan 10) | Most colleges close; students must vacate | Limited vacation accommodation by application |
| Easter (Mar 20 – Apr 25) | Most colleges remain open | Students retain room access for exam revision |
| Summer (Jun 26 – Sep 26) | Undergraduate accommodation closes | Postgraduate students retain access |
Students requiring Christmas vacation accommodation must apply through their college office by October 31, 2026. Colleges charge additional fees for vacation accommodation ranging from £15 to £ 25 per night.
Durham University Key Academic Dates 2026/27
Beyond term dates, students should note these critical academic deadlines and events:
Examination Periods
| Examination Period | Approximate Dates* | Applies To |
|---|---|---|
| January Assessments | Monday, 11 January – Friday, 29 January 2027 | Varies by department |
| Summer Examinations | Monday, 17 May – Friday, 18 June 2027 | Most undergraduate programs |
| Resit Period | Mid-August 2027 | Students with failed assessments |
*Exact examination timetables published by individual departments in March 2027 for summer exams and October 2026 for January assessments.
Module Registration Deadlines
| Academic Level | Registration Opens | Registration Closes |
|---|---|---|
| Continuing Students | Monday, 1 September 2026 | Friday, 2 October 2026 |
| New Students | Monday, 28 September 2026 | Friday, 9 October 2026 |
| Module Changes | Monday, 5 October 2026 | Friday, 23 October 2026 |
Students must complete module registration through the online registration system before the deadlines. Late registration may prevent access to teaching materials and assessments.
University Closure Dates
Durham University closes for statutory bank holidays during term time:
- Monday, 4 May 2027 (Early May Bank Holiday)
The University remains open during other bank holidays that fall within term periods, including Good Friday (April 2, 2027) and Easter Monday (April 5, 2027), though teaching schedules may adjust.
Important Planning Information for Durham Students
Visa Requirements for International Students
International students requiring UK Student visas should note:
| Visa Milestone | Recommended Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| CAS Request | June 2026 | Submit through applicant portal |
| Visa Application | July 2026 | After receiving CAS document |
| Arrival in UK | Up to 1 week before course start | Visa allows entry from late September 2026 |
Students should arrive in Durham between September 23 and 25, 2026, to participate in International Induction, which addresses immigration compliance, including visa reporting requirements and permission to work limitations.
Travel Booking Recommendations
| Journey Type | Recommended Booking Window | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| September Arrival | Book by June 2026 | Peak travel period; early booking essential |
| Christmas Home Travel | Book by October 2026 | High demand for December 12-14, 2026 departures |
| Christmas Return Travel | Book by October 2026 | High demand for January 9-10, 2027 returns |
| Easter Vacation | Book by January 2027 | More flexible due to extended break |
| Summer Departure | Book by April 2027 | Examination schedules vary; book after exam timetable release |
Students should avoid booking travel that conflicts with the first or last days of term. Lectures typically occur on Monday, October 5, 2026 (first day of Michaelmas Term) and continue through Friday, June 25, 2027 (last day of Easter Term).
Library Opening Hours During Term
The Bill Bryson Library (main university library) maintains extended opening hours during term time:
| Period | Opening Hours | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Term Time (Mon-Fri) | 7:00 AM – 2:00 AM | Standard term schedule |
| Term Time (Sat-Sun) | 9:00 AM – 2:00 AM | Weekend access |
| Vacation Periods | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Reduced hours |
| Examination Periods | 24-hour access | May-June 2027 |
College libraries maintain independent opening schedules. Students should consult their college library for specific vacation and examination period hours.
Frequently Asked Questions About Durham University Term Dates
When does Durham University start in 2026?
Durham University begins the 2026/27 academic year with Induction Week on Monday, 28 September 2026. Teaching for the Michaelmas Term starts on Monday, 5 October 2026.
What are the Michaelmas term dates for Durham University in 2026?
Michaelmas Term runs from Monday, 5 October 2026 to Friday, 11 December 2026, comprising 10 weeks of teaching. This represents the first term of the 2026/27 academic year.
When is Durham University Epiphany Term 2027?
Epiphany Term begins on Monday, 11 January 2027 and ends on Friday, 19 March 2027. This 10-week term follows the Christmas vacation and precedes the Easter break.
What are the Durham University Easter Term dates for 2027?
Easter Term runs from Monday, 26 April 2027 to Friday, 25 June 2027. This final term contains 9 weeks of teaching and includes the main examination period for undergraduate students.
When is the Durham University graduation 2027?
Durham University holds Congregation ceremonies in late June and early July 2027 for students completing degrees in the 2026/27 academic year. Specific dates include Wednesday, June 30; Thursday, July 1; Monday, July 5; and Tuesday, July 6, 2027.
How long is the Christmas break at Durham University?
The Christmas vacation extends for 4 weeks from Saturday, 12 December 2026 to Sunday, 10 January 2027. Most college accommodation closes during this period, requiring students to vacate by mid-December.
When should international students arrive at Durham for September 2026?
International students should arrive between Wednesday, 23 September 2026, and Friday, 25 September 2026 to participate in the International Induction program, which precedes the general Induction Week starting September 28, 2026.
Do Durham University term dates apply to postgraduate students?
Postgraduate Taught students follow the same three-term teaching structure but continue through a dissertation period extending to Friday, 18 September 2027, creating a 12-month academic year rather than the undergraduate 9-month calendar.
When are Durham University exam periods in 2027?
Summer examinations typically occur during May and June 2027, with most assessments scheduled between Monday, May 17, and Friday, June 18, 2027. Exact examination timetables vary by department and are published in March 2027.
Can students stay in college accommodation during Easter vacation?
Most colleges maintain accommodation access during Easter vacation (March 20 – April 25, 2027) to support examination revision. Christmas vacation typically requires students to vacate accommodation unless they apply for vacation housing.
How to Access Official Durham University Term Dates
Students and parents can access the most current term dates through these official channels:
Official University Resources
| Resource | URL Path | Updated |
|---|---|---|
| Academic Calendar Page | durham.ac.uk/academic-dates | Annually in March |
| Student Portal (DUO) | duo.dur.ac.uk | Real-time updates |
| College Websites | Individual college pages | College-specific information |
| Department Pages | Department microsites | Program-specific variations |
Downloadable Calendar Formats
Durham University provides term dates in multiple formats:
- PDF Academic Calendar: Printable year-at-a-glance format
- iCal/Google Calendar: Import to personal calendars
- Outlook Integration: Sync with Microsoft Outlook
Students access downloadable calendars through the Student Portal (DUO) after enrollment in August 2026.
College-Specific Information
Each of Durham’s 17 colleges publishes supplementary information about:
- Move-in dates and key collection times
- College welcome events during Induction Week
- Vacation accommodation application procedures
- Congregation (graduation) ceremony assignments
Students receive college-specific communications through their college office email in July and August 2026.
Conclusion
Durham University operates on a traditional three-term calendar for the 2026/27 academic year, beginning with Induction Week on Monday, 28 September 2026 and concluding with the end of Easter Term on Friday, 25 June 2027. The unique Michaelmas, Epiphany, and Easter term structure provides 30 weeks of teaching across the academic year, with scheduled vacation periods for Christmas (4 weeks) and Easter (5 weeks).
Students planning travel, accommodation, or work commitments should note that teaching occurs on the first and last days of each term, requiring presence in Durham throughout the published term dates. International students benefit from arriving 3-5 days before Induction Week to participate in specialized orientation programs.
The University publishes confirmed term dates annually through the official Academic Calendar page, with provisional dates for future years available to support long-term planning. Students should verify college-specific dates and departmental variations through their college office and academic department, as individual programs may implement modified schedules for examinations, field work, or clinical placements.
