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: Tuesday 7 January 10am-1pm

Tuesday 7 January 2025, 10:00 am - 1:00 pm

We will host an in-person Induction 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 January and 3 February 2025, 10:00 am - 12:00 noon​​

Location: All events in Old Moray House, Balcony Room 1.09 (find Old Moray House on campus maps) or by MS Teams link for PhD by Distance students. 

  • Everything about Thematic Hubs: Monday 13 January 10am-12noon. MS Teams link.
  • Supervision and Sharepoint: Monday 20 January 10am-12noon. MS Teams link.
  • Wellbeing: Monday 27 January 10am-12noon. MS Teams link.
  • Study and Academic skills: Monday 03 February 10am-12noon. MS Teams link.

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

Formal start date and first day at the University

Formal start date: 7 January 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

Thursday 9 January 2025, 10:00 - 10:45 am, online or in Godfrey Thomson's Hall

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.

Join via MSTeams 

Academic Year 2024/25

23 December 2024 to 10 January 2025

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 2024 - 3 January 2025, reopening at 9am on 4 January 2024 (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. 

Graduation at the University of Edinburgh


Related links