We have three terms and two half-sessions in every year. The three terms are conventional ones, with a break for Christmas/New Year and a break somewhere around Easter. For dates, see www.abdn.ac.uk/central/termdates.shtml and scroll down to the appropriate year.
The first half-session starts at the beginning of the Autumn term and goes on through to the end of January. Towards the end of that first half-session, there is Christmas vacation, followed by revision week, followed by exams.
The second half-session starts around the beginning of February and new courses begin at this point. This continues after Easter, but depending on the date of Easter, there may be very few teaching weeks thereafter, followed by revision week, followed by exams in May/June.
Diploma students and undergrads then go home for Summer vacation. Taught Master's students write (or continue) their dissertations, which are usually due by the beginning of September.
Graduation in persona takes place both in July and in November; in absentia is about 6 times per year.
The university year starts 1st October but Freshers/Arrivals week (late September) varies and teaching normally starts the following week. All postgraduates are welcome to arrive around this time; research postgraduates may wish to arrive later, but should try to arrive by 1st October. If you will arrive later, it is helpful if you email h.m.thomas@abdn.ac.uk or phone (+44 1224 272890) and give details and probable arrival date.
When you arrive at the campus, please come and meet the Postgraduate Secretary (Helena Thomas) in KCG12, in King’s College Quadrangle. You will then receive your Welcome pack, which is designed to assist you with registration, email registration, recording your term-time address, finding your way around, making an appointment to meet your programme co-ordinator (taught students) or your supervisor (research students)
You will register and pay fees when your programme starts and can then have an ID card, which is used for identity and for access to some rooms on campus, and as a library membership card. If you arrive early and have guaranteed finance, you can have a pass to enable you to obtain library books immediately.
