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 number of 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: Monday 6 October 11 am - 12:40 pm

We will host an in-person induction over the month of October to welcome all new postgraduate research students. You will have the chance to meet several staff members and find out about your programme structure, facilities, support and training opportunities. 

Location: Paterson's Land G.21 (find Paterson's Land on campus maps) or by MS Teams link for PhD by Distance students.

Additional sessions on the following key themes are compulsory

Mondays 13, 20, 27 October 2025, 11:00 am - 12:30 pm​​

Location: All events in Paterson's Land G.21 or by MS Teams link for PhD by Distance students. 

  • Everything about Thematic Hubs: Monday 13 October 11 am - 12:30 pm. MS Teams link.
  • Supervision and Sharepoint: Monday 20 October 11 am-12:30 pm. MS Teams link.
  • Wellbeing: Monday 27 October 11 am - 12:30 pm. MS Teams link.

​​​​​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: 1 October 2025

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 Ross can be contacted via email or MS Teams for a chat.

Mairi is a great first point of contact and if you have any questions or need any advice before you arrive, please feel free to contact her and she will be very happy to help.

Mairi’s e-mail is Education.PhD@ed.ac.uk.

School Welcome event

Monday 8 September 2025, 10:45 - 11:15 am, online or in Paterson's Land G1

Join us for our Welcome Event as we kick off the new semester! You'll receive a warm welcome alongside helpful reminders about key university structures and policies, such as the Exceptional Circumstance Policy and the role of your Student Adviser. We'll also highlight essential services like Report and Support, ensuring you know where to find guidance and resources. Don’t miss this chance to start the semester feeling informed and supported!

Join us in person or via MSTeams, if you are an online student.

Industrial action during Welcome Week

Please note that the Edinburgh branch of the University and College Union have confirmed that strike action will take place from Monday 8 to Friday 12 September. We fully respect the right of our staff to take part in industrial disputes but will work hard to reduce the impact on our students. You can find more information on our website:

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. 


Related links