Key dates

Find key dates for the coming academic year with a short explanation, including your programme-specific Welcome Week activities and the start of your studies.

You can register for all Moray House and University-wide welcome events on the University's UoE Events App linked below. Please always prioritise attending your PROGRAMME-SPECIFIC induction events over general induction events, if timings conflict.

Postgraduate Research (PhD and MSc by Research) Welcome and Induction

Welcome! We host a series of four induction sessions for all postgraduate researchers. These sessions are compulsory and take place in person. MS Teams links are available for those studying PhD by Distance.

Welcome Induction: Tuesday 6 January 11:30 am - 13:00 pm

You will have the chance to meet several staff members and find out about your programme structure, facilities, support and training opportunities. 

Location: Details about room for in-person students or Teams link for distance students will be communicated closer to the start date.

Additional sessions on the following key themes are compulsory

  • Everything about Thematic Hubs: 13 January 13:00- 14:30 pm
  • Supervision and Sharepoint: 20 January 11:30 am-13:30 pm
  • Wellbeing: 27 January 10:30 am - 12:00 pm. 

​​​​​If you have any questions, please contact Mairi or Alannah at Education.PhD@ed.ac.uk.

Formal start date and first day at the University

Formal start date: 5 January 2026

First day at the University: You should get in touch with the PGR Programmes Administrator when you arrive in Edinburgh/begin your studies to confirm your attendance and registration. Mairi and Alannah can be contacted at Education.PhD@ed.ac.uk.

MHSES Welcome/Welcome Back - January refresh and new student welcome event

Date: 8th January 

Time: 10:30 - 11:30

Venue: Godfrey Thomson Hall, Thomsons Land

Whether you’re joining MHSES for the first time in January or returning after the winter break, we’d love for you to join us for a friendly and informative session to help you start the semester feeling confident and supported.

In this session, you’ll: 

  • refresh your knowledge of academic and wellbeing support available to you
  • learn about opportunities to get involved in the MHSES school community
  • meet fellow MHSES students and members of staff
  • ask questions and find out what’s happening this semester.

The event includes: 

  • 30-minute information session
  • 20-minute networking and Q&A, with light conversation and a chance to connect with others.

Come along, get settled in and start the term with the support and community you need to thrive. We look forward to seeing you there! 

Academic Year 2025/26

23 December 2025 to 6 January 2026

The University is typically closed for a holiday period in December. You will be unlikely to access your desk or University resources like the School library during this period. The University is currently scheduled to be closed 23 December 2025 - 5 January 2026, reopening at 9am on 6 January 2026 (dates are indicative).


Typically November and July each year

Graduations are arranged by Student Administration. Those studying for a Postgraduate Research degree (PhD) may graduate in the Winter or Summer Graduation depending on the timing of completion of your studies. 


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