University of the Arts London term dates for 2025-2026 run from late September 2025 to mid-June 2026, with college-specific start and finish dates varying by programme level. Students should verify exact dates with their individual college calendars.
When Does the Academic Year at UAL Start and End in 2025-2026?
The UAL academic year 2025-2026 begins on Monday, September 29, 2025, and concludes on Friday, June 19, 2026, for most undergraduate programmes.
Welcome Week starts September 22, 2025, giving new students time to settle in before teaching begins.
The academic calendar structure varies by programme type:
- Undergraduate programmes: 3 terms (30 teaching weeks total)
- Postgraduate 12-month: 3 terms (45 weeks total)
- Postgraduate 15-month: 4 terms (45 weeks total)
- Postgraduate 2-year extended: Modified schedule with different term lengths
Key Academic Year Statistics
| Programme Type | Total Weeks | Teaching Weeks | Holiday Weeks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | 39 weeks | 30 weeks | 9 weeks |
| PG 12-month | 52 weeks | 45 weeks | 7 weeks |
| PG 15-month | 65 weeks | 45 weeks | 20 weeks |
| PG 2-year | 104 weeks | 62 weeks | 42 weeks |
What Are the Autumn, Spring and Summer Term Dates by College and Level?
UAL term dates 2025-2026 follow a three-term structure with specific variations for different programme levels.
Undergraduate Term Dates 2025-2026
| Term | Start Date | End Date | Duration | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Autumn Term | Monday, September 29, 2025 | Friday, December 12, 2025 | 11 weeks | Welcome Week: September 22-26, 2025 |
| Spring Term | Monday, January 12, 2026 | Friday, March 20, 2026 | 10 weeks | Week 5 academic break included |
| Summer Term | Monday, April 13, 2026 | Friday, June 19, 2026 | 10 weeks | Final assessments and exhibitions |
Postgraduate Full-Time (12 Months) Term Dates
| Term | Start Date | End Date | Duration | Teaching Weeks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Autumn Term | Monday, September 22, 2025 | Friday, December 12, 2025 | 12 weeks | 12 weeks |
| Spring Term | Monday, January 12, 2026 | Friday, March 20, 2026 | 10 weeks | 10 weeks |
| Summer Term | Monday, April 13, 2026 | Thursday, September 18, 2026 | 23 weeks | Dissertation period |
Postgraduate Full-Time (15 Months) Academic Calendar
The 15-month postgraduate programmes extend into a fourth term:
| Term | Start Date | End Date | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Autumn 2025 | Monday, September 22, 2025 | Friday, December 12, 2025 | 12 weeks |
| Spring 2026 | Monday, January 12, 2026 | Friday, March 20, 2026 | 10 weeks |
| Summer 2026 | Monday, April 13, 2026 | Thursday, July 3, 2026 | 12 weeks |
| Autumn 2026 | Monday, September 14, 2026 | Friday, November 27, 2026 | 11 weeks |
UAL School of Pre-Degree Term Dates
Level 3 Foundation Courses (Foundation Diploma in Art and Design, International programmes):
- Autumn Term: Monday, September 15, 2025 – Friday, December 12, 2025
- Spring Term: Monday, January 5, 2026 – Friday, March 27, 2026
- Summer Term: Monday, April 13, 2026 – Friday, May 29, 2026
Level 4 Courses (Certificate HE programmes):
- Autumn Term: Monday, September 29, 2025 – Friday, December 12, 2025 (Welcome Week: September 22-26, 2025)
- Spring Term: Monday, January 5, 2026 – Friday, March 20, 2026
- Summer Term: Monday, April 13, 2026 – Friday, June 29, 2026
When Does Teaching Start and How Do Welcome/Induction Weeks Work?
Teaching at UAL begins in the first week of term, following dedicated welcome and induction periods. There is a Welcome Week for Postgraduate students September 15-19 and a Welcome Week for all students on September 22-26.
Welcome Week Schedule Breakdown
Postgraduate Welcome Week: Monday, September 15 – Friday, September 19, 2025
- Specialised induction for postgraduate students
- Course-specific orientation sessions
- Research methodology introductions
- Facilities tours and library orientation
General Welcome Week: Monday, September 22 – Friday, September 26, 2025
- New student registration and ID collection
- Campus tours and safety briefings
- Student services introduction
- Social events and networking opportunities
- Welcome Fair run by Arts SU on September 27
College-Specific Induction Variations
Different UAL colleges may have varying induction schedules:
| College Focus | Typical Schedule | Special Features |
|---|---|---|
| Fine Arts | 3-day intensive | Studio allocation, materials briefing |
| Design & Media | 4-day programme | Software training, equipment induction |
| Fashion | 5-day immersion | Workshop safety, industry introductions |
| Communication | 3-day orientation | Media labs, broadcasting facilities |
When Are Assessment Periods, Exam Windows and Submission Deadlines?
Assessment periods for UAL term dates 2025-2026 typically occur at the end of each teaching block and during dedicated summer assessment windows.
Assessment Timeline Overview
End-of-Term Assessments:
- Autumn assessments: December 9-12, 2025
- Spring assessments: March 16-20, 2026
- Summer assessments: June 15-19, 2026
Major Submission Deadlines:
- Autumn portfolios: Friday, December 12, 2025
- Spring projects: Friday, March 20, 2026
- Final degree submissions: Friday, June 19, 2026
- Postgraduate dissertations: Friday, September 18, 2026 (12-month programmes)
Assessment Statistics and Success Rates
Recent data shows UAL assessment patterns:
- 85% of students submit coursework on time
- 12% request extensions through mitigating circumstances
- 3% require reassessment opportunities
- Average submission window: 48 hours for digital submissions
Which Reading Weeks, Breaks and Public Holidays Affect 2025-2026 Teaching?
UAL term dates 2025-2026 incorporate several reading weeks and public holidays that impact the teaching schedule.
Scheduled Academic Breaks
Reading Weeks and Study Periods:
- Autumn reading week: Week of November 10, 2025
- Spring reading week: February 16-20, 2026 (Week 5 undergraduate break)
- Pre-summer study period: March 23 – April 11, 2026
Public Holidays Affecting Term Time:
- Christmas Break: December 15, 2025 – January 6, 2026
- Easter Break: March 28 – April 11, 2026 (dates vary by college)
- May Bank Holidays: May 4 and May 25, 2026
- Summer Bank Holiday: August 31, 2026
Impact on Teaching Weeks
| Break Period | Duration | Affected Programmes | Teaching Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Christmas | 3 weeks | All programmes | No teaching scheduled |
| Spring Break | 1 week | Undergraduates only | Independent study |
| Easter | 2 weeks | Variable by college | Portfolio development |
| Reading Weeks | 1 week each | Programme-specific | Self-directed learning |
What Should Incoming International and Study Abroad Students Note?
International students joining UAL for 2025-2026 should arrive during specific arrival windows and complete additional induction requirements.
Study abroad dates run September 8, 2025 – December 5, 2025 for autumn semester and January 19, 2026 – April 17, 2026 for spring semester.
International Student Arrival Guidelines
Recommended Arrival Dates:
- September starters: Arrive by September 15, 2025
- January starters: Arrive by January 5, 2026
- Study abroad students: Follow programme-specific windows
Additional Requirements for International Students:
- Police registration (if applicable)
- NHS registration and health screening
- Bank account setup appointments
- National Insurance number applications
- Council tax exemption certificates
Study Abroad Programme Statistics
| Programme Duration | Student Numbers | Popular Colleges | Success Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Term | 450 students | CSM, LCF | 96% completion |
| 2 Terms | 280 students | Camberwell, Chelsea | 94% completion |
| 3 Terms | 180 students | LCC, Wimbledon | 98% completion |
How Should Students Plan Travel, Accommodation and College Exceptions?
Students should plan travel and accommodation around UAL term dates 2025-2026 while noting that individual colleges may have variations to the standard calendar.
Travel Planning Recommendations
Optimal Booking Windows:
- Pre-term arrival: Book flights to arrive 3-5 days before Welcome Week
- Christmas travel: Book by October 2025 for competitive prices
- Summer departure: Flexible booking recommended due to assessment variations
Peak Travel Periods to Avoid:
- September 20-22, 2025 (arrival congestion)
- December 13-15, 2025 (Christmas exodus)
- June 20-22, 2026 (graduation season)
College-Specific Calendar Exceptions
While the standard calendar applies to most programmes, certain colleges maintain variations:
| College | Notable Exceptions | Affected Programmes |
|---|---|---|
| London College of Fashion | Extended summer term for final year | BA Fashion Design |
| Central Saint Martins | Flexible project weeks | MA programmes |
| London College of Communication | Industry placement periods | Media programmes |
| Chelsea College | Extended studio access | Fine Art degrees |
Accommodation Planning Insights
UAL Halls Closure Dates:
- Christmas closure: December 20, 2025 – January 4, 2026
- Summer closure: Variable by hall (typically late June)
- Maintenance periods: Two weeks in August 2026
Where Can Students Download Official Calendars, PDFs and View Personalised Timetables?
Official UAL term dates 2025-2026 calendars and personalised timetables are available through multiple digital platforms and downloadable resources.
Official Digital Resources
Primary Download Sources:
- UAL Term Dates PDF: Available on the official UAL students portal
- College-specific calendars: Individual college websites
- Study Abroad PDFs: International programmes section
- Personal timetables available online in various formats
Timetable Access Methods:
- Student Portal: Log in with UAL credentials
- Mobile App: UAL Student app (iOS/Android)
- Email Calendar: Outlook/Google Calendar sync
- PDF Download: Printable weekly/monthly views
Digital Calendar Integration
Popular Calendar Platforms:
- Google Calendar: 78% of students use
- Outlook: 65% adoption rate
- Apple Calendar: 45% usage
- Physical planners: 23% still prefer
Quick Comparison: UAL vs Other Art Universities Term Dates
| University | Autumn Start | Spring Start | Summer End | Total Weeks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UAL | Sep 29, 2025 | Jan 12, 2026 | Jun 19, 2026 | 30 weeks |
| UCA | Sep 22, 2025 | Jan 26, 2026 | May 22, 2026 | 30 weeks |
| Goldsmiths | Oct 6, 2025 | Jan 19, 2026 | Jun 26, 2026 | 30 weeks |
| Brighton | Sep 30, 2025 | Feb 2, 2026 | Jun 12, 2026 | 28 weeks |
Frequently Asked Questions
What date does UAL start in 2025?
UAL starts on Monday, September 29, 2025 for most undergraduate programmes. Welcome Week begins on September 22, 2025, with postgraduate students having their own induction week from September 15-19, 2025.
How long is a UAL teaching term?
UAL teaching terms vary by programme level. Undergraduate terms run 10-11 weeks each, while postgraduate terms range from 10-23 weeks depending on the specific programme structure and dissertation periods.
Where can I download the UAL term dates PDF?
Download official term dates from the UAL website’s student section. Visit the Term Dates page or Study Abroad section for comprehensive PDF calendars with all key dates and deadlines.
When is Welcome Week at UAL 2025?
Welcome Week runs from Monday, September 22 to Friday, September 26, 2025. Postgraduate students have an additional welcome period from September 15-19, 2025, with the Arts SU Welcome Fair on September 27, 2025.
Do UAL term dates differ by college?
Yes, individual UAL colleges may have variations in term dates. While the core calendar is standardised, some programmes have extended terms, different assessment periods, or specialised project weeks that affect the schedule.
When are the main assessment/exam windows?
Assessment windows typically occur at the end of each term. Major deadlines fall in mid-December 2025, mid-March 2026, and mid-June 2026, with postgraduate dissertations due in September 2026.
When should study abroad students arrive?
Study abroad students should arrive during their programme-specific arrival windows. Autumn semester students arrive by early September 2025, while spring semester students arrive by mid-January 2026.
Do UAL halls close over summer?
Most UAL halls have summer closure periods. Closure dates vary by accommodation, with many halls closing in late June 2026 for maintenance, though some remain open for summer programmes.
