This page covers all Heriot-Watt University Term Dates, including official semester dates, the key academic calendar, and University Holidays. From winter break to Easter break, we have your full schedule.
Heriot-Watt University Term Dates 2026/2027
Here are the complete Heriot-Watt University term dates for the 2026/27 academic year. This schedule applies to the UK campus, including the Edinburgh campus and Scottish Borders campus.
| Activity | Dates |
|---|---|
| September Semester Welcome Week | 7 – 11 September 2026 |
| September Semester Teaching | 14 September – 4 December 2026 |
| September Semester Flexible Learning Week | 19 – 23 October 2026 |
| December Exam and Assessment Diet | 7 – 18 December 2026 |
| December Break | 21 December 2026 – 15 January 2027 |
| January Semester Welcome Week | 11 – 15 January 2027 |
| January Semester Teaching | 18 January – 9 April 2027 |
| January Semester Flexible Learning Week | 22 – 26 February 2027 |
| April Break | 12 – 23 April 2027 |
| April Exam and Assessment Diet | 26 April – 7 May 2027 |
| May Semester Welcome Week | 3 – 7 May 2027 |
| May Semester Teaching | 10 May – 30 July 2027 |
| May Semester Flexible Learning Week | 14 – 18 June 2027 |
| Summer Graduations | Scottish Borders: 18 June 2027* Edinburgh: 21 June – 25 June 2027* |
| August Exam and Assessment Diet | 2 – 13 August 2027 |
| August Break | 16 August – 3 September 2027 |
| Winter Graduations (Edinburgh) | Edinburgh: 4, 6 – 7 December 2027* |
*Subject to change.
Heriot-Watt University Term Dates 2027/2028
While the university has not yet released the official Heriot-Watt University term dates for the 2027/28 academic session, we can anticipate a similar structure to previous years. Typically, the academic year follows this pattern:
- Semester 1 (September): Starts mid-September, ends mid-December.
- Winter Break: Late December to mid-January.
- Semester 2 (January): Starts mid-January, ends early April.
- Spring Break: Early to mid-April.
- Semester 3 (May): Starts early May, ends late July.
- Summer Break: August to early September.
We will update this section as soon as Heriot-Watt University publishes the official 2027/28 academic calendar.
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Check more: Scotland University Holidays
Heriot-Watt University Term Dates 2028/2029
The 2028/29 academic year will likely mirror the established pattern. Expect the September semester to commence in the second week of September 2028, with the December break occurring around the third week of December. Keep an eye on the official university term dates for confirmation closer to the time.
UK Campus Building Closure Dates 2026/27
Please note that university buildings—except student halls of residence—will be closed on the following dates. This is essential information for anyone planning to access campus facilities during the holidays.
- Christmas Closure: 24 to 31 December 2026 (inclusive)
- New Year Closure: 1 January 2027
- Additional Closure: 4 January 2027
- Easter Closure: 26 March 2027 (Good Friday) and 29 March 2027 (Easter Monday)
Heriot-Watt University Holidays & Breaks
Beyond the standard term dates, it’s important to note the official Heriot-Watt University Holidays. The academic year features several key breaks:
- December Break (Christmas Break): 21 December 2026 – 15 January 2027
- April Break (Easter Break): 12 – 23 April 2027
- August Break: 16 August – 3 September 2027
These periods are perfect for rest, travel, or catching up on studies. Remember that “reading week” or “flexible learning week” is a study break, not a holiday, and is intended for independent learning and revision.
Heriot-Watt University Semester Dates
The academic year is divided into three main semesters. Here are the key semester dates for 2026/27:
- September Semester: 14 September – 4 December 2026
- January Semester: 18 January – 9 April 2027
- May Semester: 10 May – 30 July 2027
Heriot-Watt University Graduation Dates
Celebrate your achievements! The graduation ceremony dates for the 2026/27 academic year are:
- Summer Graduations: Scottish Borders (18 June 2027) and Edinburgh (21 – 25 June 2027)
- Winter Graduations (Edinburgh): 4, 6 – 7 December 2027
Explore UK University Holidays
Find useful information about university holidays, term dates, reading weeks, and other key academic dates.
Official University Source
FAQs
The academic year typically starts in early to mid-September with Welcome Week, followed by teaching.
Yes, it is called a Flexible Learning Week. It is a study break without scheduled teaching, designed for independent learning.
Summer graduations are in June, and winter graduations are in December.
At Heriot-Watt, the academic year is divided into three semesters: September, January, and May.
The dates are generally the same for UK campuses, but always check the official calendar for specific campus details.
The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only. All Heriot-Watt University term dates are subject to change. UK University Holidays is not affiliated with Heriot-Watt University. For the most accurate information, please check the official Heriot-Watt University website.
Related Calendar: University of Edinburgh Term Dates