The University of Manchester operates on a two-semester system with Semester 1 running from Monday, September 29, 2025, to Sunday, February 1, 2026, and Semester 2 from Monday, February 2, 2026, to Friday, June 12, 2026.
Welcome Week begins on Monday, September 22, 2025, marking the start of the 2025/26 academic year.
This comprehensive guide provides confirmed term dates, assessment periods, holiday breaks, and graduation schedules for students, parents, and staff planning their 2026 academic commitments at The University of Manchester.
Table of Contents
Manchester University’s Academic Calendar Structure
The University of Manchester follows a semester-based academic calendar divided into two main teaching periods per year. Each semester spans approximately 12 teaching weeks, followed by dedicated assessment periods and scheduled holiday breaks.
The academic year designation uses the format 2025/26, representing the period from September 2025 through August 2026. This differs from Manchester Metropolitan University’s calendar structure and the US-based Manchester University in Indiana, which operate on different term systems.
Key Calendar Components
Teaching periods form the core of each semester, during which lectures, seminars, and practical sessions occur. Assessment periods follow teaching blocks, providing dedicated time for examinations and coursework deadlines. Holiday breaks include Christmas, Easter, and summer recesses, strategically placed between academic terms.
The University schedules non-teaching periods between Semester 2 teaching and assessment windows, allowing independent study and revision time. This structure supports the academic workload across 2,400+ degree programs offered at Manchester.
Manchester University Term Dates 2025/26: Complete Breakdown
Welcome Week and Semester 1 Start Dates
Welcome Week runs from Monday, September 22, 2025, to Sunday, September 28, 2025. This induction period precedes formal teaching and provides orientation activities, accommodation settling time, and course registration for new and returning students.
Semester 1 teaching begins on Monday, September 29, 2025. All undergraduate and postgraduate taught programs commence scheduled lectures and seminars from this date, unless specific program communications indicate alternative arrangements.
| Activity | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|
| Welcome Week | Monday, September 22, 2025 | Sunday, September 28, 2025 |
| Semester 1 Teaching | Monday, September 29, 2025 | Friday, December 19, 2025 |
| Winter Graduation | Thursday, December 11, 2025 | Friday, December 19, 2025 |
Students should arrive during Welcome Week to complete registration, collect student cards, and attend mandatory induction sessions. International students may require earlier arrival to satisfy visa conditions and attend additional orientation programs.
Christmas Break Period
The Christmas break starts on Monday, December 22, 2025, and ends on Wednesday, January 14, 2026. This 24-day recess provides a complete break from teaching, allowing students to return home or travel during the winter holiday period.
University facilities, including libraries, study spaces, and accommodation offices, operate on reduced schedules during this period. Students should verify specific facility opening times through their faculty offices before making travel arrangements.
Semester 1 Assessment and Examination Period
Semester 1 assessments run from Thursday, January 15, 2026, to Friday, January 30, 2026. This dedicated 16-day examination window covers all Semester 1 formal examinations, with individual timetables released to students approximately four weeks in advance.
Semester 1 officially ends on Sunday, February 1, 2026, marking the conclusion of all first-semester academic activities, including assessment result processing and grade submissions.
Students receive examination timetables through their student portal, showing specific dates, times, and locations for each assessment. Timetable clashes should be reported immediately to student support services for resolution.
Semester 2 Manchester University Term Dates 2026
Semester 2 Teaching Block
Semester 2 begins on Monday, February 2, 2026, immediately following the conclusion of Semester 1. Teaching continues through a structured 15-week period encompassing lectures, seminars, practical sessions, and coursework deadlines.
| Activity | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|
| Semester 2 Teaching | Monday, February 2, 2026 | Sunday, May 17, 2026 |
| Easter Break | Monday, March 30, 2026 | Sunday, April 12, 2026 |
| Non-Teaching Period | Monday, April 13, 2026 | Sunday, April 19, 2026 |
The Semester 2 teaching structure incorporates a mid-semester Easter break and a subsequent non-teaching revision period, providing balanced workload distribution across the spring term.
Easter Break and Non-Teaching Period
The Easter break spans from Monday, March 30, 2026, to Sunday, April 12, 2026, offering a 14-day recess during Semester 2. This break aligns with the UK Easter holiday period, facilitating student travel and family visits.
A non-teaching period follows from Monday, April 13, 2026, to Sunday, April 19, 2026. During this week, no formal teaching occurs, allowing students dedicated revision time before Semester 2 assessments. Libraries and study facilities remain fully operational during non-teaching periods.
Semester 2 Assessment Period and Academic Year Conclusion
Semester 2 examinations run from Monday, May 18, 2026, to Wednesday, June 10, 2026. This 24-day assessment window accommodates the larger volume of end-of-year examinations across all undergraduate and postgraduate taught programs.
Semester 2 ends on Friday, June 12, 2026, marking the official conclusion of the 2025/26 teaching year. Students not graduating in the summer typically receive results by late June, with resit opportunities scheduled for late August.
Manchester University Graduation Dates 2026
Winter Graduation Ceremonies
Winter graduation occurs from Thursday, December 11, 2025, to Friday, December 19, 2025. These ceremonies celebrate students completing degrees in autumn, including those who finished coursework or dissertations over the summer period.
Graduation ceremonies take place at multiple Manchester venues, with specific dates assigned by faculty and degree classification. Graduates receive ceremony allocation details approximately 8-10 weeks before their scheduled date.
Summer Graduation Schedule
Summer graduation runs from Monday, July 13, 2026, to Tuesday, July 28, 2026. This represents the main graduation period for the University of Manchester, with approximately 11,000 students graduating across 40+ individual ceremonies.
| Graduation Period | Start Date | End Date | Typical Attendees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winter Graduation | Thursday, December 11, 2025 | Friday, December 19, 2025 | Autumn completers |
| Summer Graduation | Monday, July 13, 2026 | Tuesday, July 28, 2026 | May/June completers |
Ceremony venues include Whitworth Hall, The Bridgewater Hall, and Manchester Central, with capacity constraints determining venue allocation. Families should book accommodation early, as Manchester hotels experience high demand during summer graduation weeks.
Examination Resit Dates and Late Summer Assessment
Examination resits occur from Monday, August 24, 2026, to Friday, September 4, 2026. This period provides reassessment opportunities for students who did not pass first-attempt examinations or require deferred assessment due to mitigating circumstances.
Resit results are released approximately three weeks after the assessment period concludes, allowing affected students to progress to the next academic year or complete their degree requirements. Students requiring resits receive individual notification through official university email addresses.
The resit period operates on a compressed schedule compared to standard examination windows, with multiple assessments potentially scheduled within a single day. Students should verify specific resit timetables through their student portal once published.
Manchester University Term Dates 2026/27: Provisional Academic Calendar
2026/27 Welcome Week and Semester 1 Dates
Welcome Week for the 2026/27 academic year runs from Monday, September 21, 2026, to Friday, September 25, 2026. This five-day orientation period precedes Semester 1 teaching, providing induction activities for approximately 8,000 new undergraduate students and 6,000 postgraduate students.
Semester 1 teaching begins on Monday, September 28, 2026, three days later than the 2025/26 start date due to calendar variations. This demonstrates the importance of checking confirmed dates annually rather than assuming consistent scheduling.
| Activity | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|
| Welcome Week | Monday, September 21, 2026 | Friday, September 25, 2026 |
| Semester 1 Teaching | Monday, September 28, 2026 | TBC December 2026 |
| Christmas Break | Monday, December 21, 2026 | Wednesday, January 13, 2027 |
Prospective students should note these provisional dates when planning accommodation contracts, visa applications, and travel arrangements. Final confirmation typically occurs 12 months in advance through official university communications.
2026/27 Assessment and Break Periods
The Christmas break 2026 spans from Monday, December 21, 2026, to Wednesday, January 13, 2027, providing a 24-day winter recess. This consistent break duration allows reliable advance planning for flights and family commitments.
Semester 1 assessments run from Thursday, January 14, 2027, to Friday, January 29, 2027, following the established examination window pattern. Semester 1 concludes on Sunday, January 31, 2027.
Semester 2 begins on Monday, February 1, 2027, maintaining the consistent early-February start date. The Easter break occurs from Monday, March 22, 2027, to Sunday, April 4, 2027, with a non-teaching period from Monday, April 5, 2027, to Sunday, April 11, 2027.
Semester 2 assessments run from Monday, May 17, 2027, to Wednesday, June 9, 2027, with Semester 2 ending on Friday, June 11, 2027. Summer graduation dates remain to be confirmed, while exam resits are scheduled from Monday, August 23, 2027, to Friday, September 3, 2027.
Differences Between the University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University Term Dates
The University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University operate distinct academic calendars despite sharing the same city location. This differentiation affects students considering accommodation, part-time employment, and social activities across both institutions.
Comparative Calendar Structure
| Institution | 2026/27 Induction | Semester 1 Start | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Manchester | September 21-25, 2026 | Monday, September 28, 2026 | Earlier semester start |
| Manchester Metropolitan University | September 28 – October 2, 2026 | Monday, October 5, 2026 | One-week delay vs. UoM |
Manchester Metropolitan University typically begins Semester 1 teaching approximately one week after The University of Manchester. This creates planning considerations for students sharing accommodation across institutions or coordinating with partners attending different universities.
The University of Manchester follows a Russell Group scheduling pattern, aligning its calendar with other research-intensive UK universities. Manchester Metropolitan operates an independent calendar reflecting its distinct institutional priorities and program structures.
Planning Around Manchester University Term Dates
Accommodation Booking and Move-In Coordination
Student accommodation contracts typically begin one week before Welcome Week, allowing move-in during mid-September 2025 for the 2025/26 academic year. University-managed accommodation providers, including Fallowfield, Victoria Park, and City Campus residences, coordinate opening dates with the official academic calendar.
Private accommodation landlords may offer different contract start dates, requiring students to negotiate move-in timing aligned with university term dates. Early arrival may incur additional rental charges, while late arrival can create logistical complications during peak move-in periods.
Approximately 8,500 first-year students secure university-managed accommodation annually, with the majority arriving during the final weekend of Welcome Week. Students should confirm specific move-in dates through accommodation confirmation emails rather than assuming Welcome Week Monday availability.
International Student Arrival and Visa Considerations
International students must arrive in the UK with sufficient time to complete registration before Semester 1 teaching begins on Monday, September 29, 2025. Student visa conditions typically require students to arrive no earlier than one week before course start dates as specified on their Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) documentation.
The University of Manchester’s Welcome Week schedule accommodates international students’ needs through:
- Dedicated international orientation sessions during September 22-24, 2025
- Airport pickup services coordinated with major arrival dates
- Visa verification appointments before general registration opens
- Banking and administrative support for initial UK settlement
Students from countries requiring UK visa applications should initiate processes 3-4 months before intended arrival dates, accounting for processing delays and potential interview requirements. The 2025 intake should begin visa applications by June 2025 to ensure September arrival capability.
Holiday Break Travel Planning
Christmas break booking windows typically open in mid-October, with optimal pricing available for students booking flights by early November. The December 22, 2025, start date allows students to attend final teaching sessions before departing Manchester.
Easter break travel faces higher demand due to the UK bank holiday period coinciding with university recess. Students should book transportation by February 2026 to secure reasonable pricing and preferred travel dates between March 30 and April 12, 2026.
Summer graduation attendees require accommodation booking 8-12 weeks in advance, particularly for July ceremonies when Manchester hotels experience peak demand. Family members attending graduation should coordinate travel around specific ceremony dates once confirmed by the university.
How University of Manchester Term Dates Differ from Other UK Universities
Russell Group Calendar Alignment
The University of Manchester’s academic calendar aligns closely with other Russell Group universities, including the University of Birmingham, the University of Leeds, and the University of Nottingham. This consistency reflects sector-wide coordination on teaching weeks, assessment periods, and holiday breaks.
Comparative semester start dates for 2025/26:
| University | Semester 1 Start | Semester 2 Start |
|---|---|---|
| University of Manchester | Monday, September 29, 2025 | Monday, February 2, 2026 |
| University of Birmingham | Monday, September 29, 2025 | Monday, February 2, 2026 |
| University of Leeds | Monday, September 29, 2025 | Monday, February 2, 2026 |
| University of Nottingham | Monday, September 29, 2025 | Monday, February 2, 2026 |
This calendar coordination facilitates student transfers, collaborative research programs, and inter-university academic partnerships across the Russell Group network.
Semester vs. Trimester Systems
The University of Manchester operates a traditional semester system with two main teaching periods per academic year. Some UK universities, including Winchester and Bournemouth, use trimester structures with three distinct teaching blocks, creating different holiday patterns and assessment schedules.
The semester system provides:
- Longer continuous teaching blocks support in-depth subject coverage
- Extended winter and summer breaks facilitate internships and work placements
- Consolidated assessment periods rather than distributed examinations across three terms
- Alignment with international academic calendars benefits study abroad programs
Students considering multiple UK universities should verify calendar structures during the application process, as term date variations affect accommodation contracts, part-time employment opportunities, and vacation planning.
Frequently Asked Questions About Manchester University Term Dates
When Does Manchester University Start in 2026?
Semester 2 starts on Monday, February 2, 2026, for continuing students. New students beginning in September 2026 should arrive during Welcome Week, which runs from Monday, September 21, 2026, to Friday, September 25, 2026, with teaching starting Monday, September 28, 2026.
When Are Manchester University Exams in 2026?
Semester 1 exams run from Thursday, January 15, 2026, to Friday, January 30, 2026. Semester 2 exams occur from Monday, May 18, 2026, to Wednesday, June 10, 2026. Resit examinations take place from Monday, August 24, 2026, to Friday, September 4, 2026.
How Long Is Christmas Break at Manchester University?
The Christmas break lasts 24 days, running from Monday, December 22, 2025, to Wednesday, January 14, 2026, for the 2025/26 academic year. The 2026/27 Christmas break also spans 24 days, from Monday, December 21, 2026, to Wednesday, January 13, 2027.
When Is Welcome Week at Manchester University 2025?
Welcome Week 2025 runs from Monday, September 22, 2025, to Sunday, September 28, 2025. This seven-day period precedes Semester 1 teaching and includes orientation activities, registration, and social events for new and returning students.
What Are the Manchester University Holiday Dates for 2026?
The 2025/26 academic year includes three main holiday periods: Christmas break (December 22, 2025 – January 14, 2026), Easter break (March 30 – April 12, 2026), and summer break (June 13 – September 27, 2026). A non-teaching period occurs from April 13-19, 2026.
When Do Manchester University Timetables Come Out?
Individual course timetables typically release in mid-August for Semester 1 and early January for Semester 2. Students access timetables through the My Manchester student portal approximately 4-6 weeks before teaching begins.
Can I Arrive Early at Manchester University Accommodation?
Most university-managed accommodation opens one week before Welcome Week begins, around September 15, 2025, for the 2025/26 academic year. Early arrival requests require approval from the accommodation office and may incur additional charges.
When Does Manchester University Finish for the summer of 2026?
Semester 2 ends on Friday, June 12, 2026, marking the conclusion of teaching and assessments. Students who are not graduating typically vacate their accommodation by late June, though exact dates depend on the individual accommodation contract end dates.
Important Considerations for Specific Student Groups
Undergraduate Student Term Dates
Undergraduate programs follow the standard semester structure outlined above, with 120 credits delivered across two semesters for most three-year degree programs. Some courses include January start options or integrated placement years, affecting individual term date applications.
First-year undergraduates must attend all Welcome Week activities, including faculty-specific induction sessions, academic skills workshops, and wellbeing orientation programs. Attendance monitoring begins on Monday of Welcome Week across all undergraduate programs.
Postgraduate Taught Term Dates
Postgraduate taught programs (Master’s courses) generally follow identical term dates to undergraduate programs, with Semester 1 beginning Monday, September 29, 2025. Some specialized Master’s programs operate intensive delivery models with alternative calendars, particularly in business and clinical disciplines.
Dissertation periods for one-year Master’s programs typically extend beyond the conclusion of Semester 2, with submission deadlines in August or September 2026, depending on course requirements. Students should verify specific dissertation deadlines through program handbooks.
Postgraduate Research Student Dates
PhD and research-based Master’s students operate on continuous enrollment rather than semester-based calendars. However, university facilities, including libraries, IT services, and administrative offices, follow the standard term date schedule for opening hours and support availability.
Research students should note assessment and examination periods when planning supervisory meetings, as academic staff availability decreases during peak examination marking periods in January and May/June.
Part-Time Student Calendar Adjustments
Part-time undergraduate and postgraduate programs may follow modified semester patterns with teaching concentrated on specific weekdays or evening sessions. Part-time students should consult program-specific calendars provided during enrollment, as term dates may differ from full-time equivalents.
How to Access Official Manchester University Term Dates
Student Portal and Academic Calendar Access
Current students access definitive term dates through My Manchester, the official student portal. The Academic Calendar section provides downloadable PDF versions, calendar subscription options, and program-specific variations affecting individual students.
Faculty-Specific Date Variations
Some faculties, including Medicine, Dentistry, and Health Sciences, operate modified calendars to accommodate clinical placements and NHS partnership requirements. Students in these programs receive faculty-specific calendars during induction, which take precedence over general university dates.
Subscribing to Calendar Updates
Students can subscribe to the Manchester University academic calendar using iCal or Google Calendar integration, automatically syncing term dates to personal calendars. This service includes automatic updates when dates change or additional information becomes available.
Key Dates Summary Table
| Academic Period | 2025/26 Start | 2025/26 End | 2026/27 Start | 2026/27 End |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Welcome Week | Monday, September 22, 2025 | Sunday, September 28, 2025 | Monday, September 21, 2026 | Friday, September 25, 2026 |
| Semester 1 Teaching | Monday, September 29, 2025 | Friday, December 19, 2025 | Monday, September 28, 2026 | TBC December 2026 |
| Christmas Break | Monday, December 22, 2025 | Wednesday, January 14, 2026 | Monday, December 21, 2026 | Wednesday, January 13, 2027 |
| Semester 1 Exams | Thursday, January 15, 2026 | Friday, January 30, 2026 | Thursday, January 14, 2027 | Friday, January 29, 2027 |
| Semester 2 Teaching | Monday, February 2, 2026 | Sunday, May 17, 2026 | Monday, February 1, 2027 | TBC May 2027 |
| Easter Break | Monday, March 30, 2026 | Sunday, April 12, 2026 | Monday, March 22, 2027 | Sunday, April 4, 2027 |
| Semester 2 Exams | Monday, May 18, 2026 | Wednesday, June 10, 2026 | Monday, May 17, 2027 | Wednesday, June 9, 2027 |
| Summer Graduation | Monday, July 13, 2026 | Tuesday, July 28, 2026 | TBC | TBC |
| Exam Resits | Monday, August 24, 2026 | Friday, September 4, 2026 | Monday, August 23, 2027 | Friday, September 3, 2027 |
Conclusion
The University of Manchester academic calendar for 2025/26 provides a structured semester system with clearly defined teaching periods, assessment windows, and holiday breaks.
Students should note the September 29, 2025, Semester 1 start date and February 2, 2026, Semester 2 commencement when planning accommodation, travel, and academic preparation.
Provisional 2026/27 dates indicate similar scheduling patterns, though students should verify final confirmation through official university communications. Program-specific variations exist for certain faculties, making individual course handbook consultation essential for accurate planning.
Prospective and current students should monitor the official University of Manchester website for term date updates, particularly regarding examination timetables, graduation ceremony allocations, and faculty-specific calendar modifications affecting individual academic programs.
