Planning your academic year at Durham? Here’s everything you need to know about Durham University holidays and term dates. With three distinct breaks—Christmas, Easter, and summer—you’ll have plenty of time to recharge.
Durham University Holidays 2026/2027
Here are the confirmed Durham University holidays and term dates for the 2026/2027 academic year.
| Term | Start | End |
|---|---|---|
| Welcome Week | 28 September 2026 | 4 October 2026 |
| Michaelmas term | 5 October 2026 | 11 December 2026 |
| Christmas vacation | 12 December 2026 | 10 January 2027 |
| Epiphany term | 11 January 2027 | 19 March 2027 |
| Easter vacation | 20 March 2027 | 25 April 2027 |
| Easter term | 26 April 2027 | 25 June 2027 |
| Summer vacation | 26 June 2027 | 26 September 2027 |
Durham University Holidays 2027/2028
| Term | Start | End |
|---|---|---|
| Welcome Week | 27 September 2027 | 3 October 2027 |
| Michaelmas term | 4 October 2027 | 10 December 2027 |
| Christmas vacation | 11 December 2027 | 9 January 2028 |
| Epiphany term | 10 January 2028 | 17 March 2028 |
| Easter vacation | 18 March 2028 | 23 April 2028 |
| Easter term | 24 April 2028 | 23 June 2028 |
| Summer vacation | 24 June 2028 | 24 September 2028 |
Durham University Holidays 2028/2029
| Term | Start | End |
|---|---|---|
| Welcome Week | 25 September 2028 | 1 October 2028 |
| Michaelmas term | 2 October 2028 | 8 December 2028 |
| Christmas vacation | 9 December 2028 | 7 January 2029 |
| Epiphany term | 8 January 2029 | 16 March 2029 |
| Easter vacation | 17 March 2029 | 22 April 2029 |
| Easter term | 23 April 2029 | 22 June 2029 |
| Summer vacation | 23 June 2029 | 30 September 2029 |
Read more: University of Liverpool Term Dates
Durham University Holidays 2029/2030
| Term | Start | End |
|---|---|---|
| Welcome Week | 1 October 2029 | 7 October 2029 |
| Michaelmas term | 8 October 2029 | 14 December 2029 |
| Christmas vacation | 15 December 2029 | 13 January 2030 |
| Epiphany term | 14 January 2030 | 22 March 2030 |
| Easter vacation | 23 March 2030 | 28 April 2030 |
| Easter term | 29 April 2030 | 28 June 2030 |
| Summer vacation | 29 June 2030 | 29 September 2030 |
Durham University Holidays 2030/2031
| Term | Start | End |
|---|---|---|
| Welcome Week | 30 September 2030 | 6 October 2030 |
| Michaelmas term | 7 October 2030 | 13 December 2030 |
| Christmas vacation | 14 December 2030 | 12 January 2031 |
| Epiphany term | 13 January 2031 | 21 March 2031 |
| Easter vacation | 22 March 2031 | 27 April 2031 |
| Easter term | 28 April 2031 | 27 June 2031 |
| Summer vacation | 28 June 2031 | tbc |
Understanding the Durham Academic Structure
The University of Durham follows a unique three-term structure rather than the traditional two-semester system.
Michaelmas term runs from October to December and kicks off with Welcome Week—a chance for new and returning students to settle in. This is followed by the Christmas vacation, giving students a well-deserved break over the festive season.
Epiphany term begins in January and continues through March, ending with the Easter vacation. This spring break typically lasts around five weeks, offering ample time for travel, work, or catching up on studies.
Easter term starts in late April and runs until late June. After final exams and assessments, the summer vacation begins—the longest break of the academic year, lasting until late September.
Student holidays at Durham are carefully scheduled to balance study intensity with rest periods. These study breaks align with major holidays, ensuring undergraduate holidays and postgraduate dates follow the same calendar.
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Also Read: University of Cambridge Holidays
FAQs
Q1. Does Durham University have a reading week?
No, Durham doesn’t have a designated reading week like some other universities, so plan your study time throughout the terms.
Q2. Is Welcome Week mandatory for all students?
Yes, Welcome Week is essential for all new students and highly recommended for returning students to get important updates and settle in.
Q3. Can I stay in accommodation during vacations?
Yes, university accommodation is usually available during breaks, but you may need to apply in advance and pay additional fees.
Q4. Do postgraduate students follow the same term dates?
Yes, postgraduate students generally follow the same academic calendar, though some programmes may have different assessment schedules.
Q5. When do exam results get released?
Exam results are typically released in late June or early July, after the Easter term ends, though specific dates vary by department.
Planning your Durham University holidays and term dates is the key to a smooth academic experience. Whether you’re organising travel, booking accommodation, or simply preparing for the year ahead, having the full calendar at your fingertips makes all the difference.
Official link:Â Durham University Academic Dates
