Current semester dates
We have set dates for our academic year but some programmes are structured differently, typically those which include professional placements - check with your academic department. For our York Online programmes, please see Online Learning Periods for the York Online academic year.
2026/2027
- Semester 1
- All students: 21 September 2026 - 31 January 2027
- Semester 2
- Undergraduates: 1 February 2027 - 6 June 2027
- Postgraduates: 1 February 2027 - 17 September 2027
- Vacation periods
- Winter: 19 December 2026 - 3 January 2027
- Easter: 20 March 2027 - 4 April 2027
See how semesters are comprised of teaching weeks, consolidation weeks and revision and assessment weeks in our semester guide:
New students
New students (both undergraduate and taught postgraduate) normally need to arrive before the beginning of semester to take part in orientation activities.
Taught postgraduates
Taught postgraduate students are required to be in attendance over the summer period.
Postgraduate research students
If you are a new postgraduate research student your start date will depend on your department and your particular programme, please check with your department for details.
If you are required to undertake taught modules, it is likely that your start date will align with the start of Semester 1.
Postgraduate research students are not ruled by the semester dates. However, the availability of your supervisor, plus some services and academic activities, will vary across the year and may be particularly limited during vacation periods.