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 registered as “by distance” students. 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.

  • Welcome! 6 October 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
  • Creating a vibrant research community: 13 October 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
  • Navigating supervision: 20 October 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
  • Taking care of yourself: 27 October 10:00 am - 12:00 pm. 

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

Formal start date and first day at the University

Formal start date: 5 October 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 MorayHouse.PGR@ed.ac.uk

Academic Year 2026/27

22 December 2026 to 10 January 2027

If you are studying here on a Tier 4 visa, and move to Edinburgh, you must let us know in advance if you are going to be travelling away from Edinburgh for more than 5 days.

The University campus is typically closed for some period of time during the Winter holidays and staff and students will not be able to access campus facilities. 


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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