Please note that the semester dates below relate to the general teaching and examination periods at the University.

The Royal Agricultural University is similar to the majority of other British universities and operates its academic delivery via semesters. Programmes are taught across two semesters. For most students, your course will be taught and assessed in each semester with an examination period towards the end of each semester.

The semester dates are shown below.

Academic year 2026-27

Semester 1

DatesEvent
20 September 2026New students arrive in on-campus accommodation
21 - 25 September 2026New student induction
28 September - 18 December 2026Teaching
19 December 2026 - 10 January 2027Christmas break
11 - 17 January 2027Semester 1 exams

Semester 2

DatesEvent
18 - 22 January 2027New postgraduate induction for Jan starters
18 January - 19 March 2027Teaching
20 March - 4 April 2027Easter break
5 April - 30 April 2027Teaching
1 May - 16 May 2027Private study
17 May - 21 May 2027Semester 2 exams

Previous Academic year 2025 - 2026

Semester 1

DatesEvent
21 September 2025New students arrive in on-campus accommodation
22 - 26 September 2025New student induction
29 September - 19 December 2025Teaching
20 December 2025 - 11 January 2026Christmas break
12 - 18 January 2026Semester 1 exams

Semester 2

DatesEvent
19 - 23 January 2026New postgraduate induction for Jan starters
26 January - 27 March 2026Teaching
28 March - 12 April 2026Easter break
13 April - 1 May 2026Teaching
2 May - 17 May 2026Private study
18 May - 22 May 2026Semester 2 exams