Visiting Cambridge University: Corpus Christi College

What Are The Terms of the University of Cambridge and What Do They Mean?

The University of Cambridge, like the University of Oxford, organizes its academic year into three terms: Michaelmas, Lent, and Easter.

The academic calendar at the University of Cambridge is structured into three terms: Michaelmas, Lent, and Easter. These terms, deeply rooted in tradition and history, define the rhythm of academic and social life for students. Each term serves a unique purpose, from the foundational work of Michaelmas Term to the intensive study and examinations of Easter Term.

Understanding the structure and meaning of these terms is essential for navigating Cambridge’s rigorous academic environment while also appreciating the rich traditions and opportunities they offer. So, let’s take a look at the Cambridge Terms, when they happen, and what they mean (plus, dates for examinations, freshers’ week, and more).

Why is Cambridge Divided into Terms?

The terms serve as a structured framework for academic and personal life at Cambridge. Their origin, in fact, can be traced back to Cambridge’s medieval origins and align with religious festivals, agricultural cycles, and the rhythms of the year.

This structure was practical for both scholars and clergy, as it allowed for breaks during significant liturgical periods like Christmas and Easter. So, in short: Each term builds on the last, dividing the academic year into manageable segments. The rhythm of terms allows for focused learning, followed by vacation periods used for independent study, research, or relaxation.

Key Points About Cambridge Terms

Each term includes an official “Full Term,” typically eight weeks long. This is the core teaching period when students are expected to be in residence. However, some activities might happen outside full term, too. For example, research students and certain programs may require continuous work, and graduate students often engage in year-round research or dissertations.

Students are generally expected to be in residence during Full Term, but specific requirements may vary depending on individual courses and colleges.

The Three Cambridge Terms & Their Dates (2024-25)

The dates are easily accwessible through the University of Cambridge’s Term Dates page 🔗.  Here’s a summary, though:

Michaelmas Term 2024:

  • Begins on Tuesday, 1 October 2024, and ends on Thursday, 19 December 2024.
  • The Full Term (the main teaching period) runs from Tuesday, 8 October 2024, to Friday, 6 December 2024.

Lent Term 2025:

  • Starts on Sunday, 5 January 2025, and concludes on Tuesday, 25 March 2025.
  • The Full Term spans from Tuesday, 21 January 2025, to Friday, 21 March 2025.

Easter Term 2025:

  • Commences on Thursday, 17 April 2025, and finishes on Wednesday, 25 June 2025.
  • The Full Term is scheduled from Tuesday, 29 April 2025, to Friday, 20 June 2025.

Other Important Cambridge Dates

In addition to the standard term dates for the 2024–2025 academic year at the University of Cambridge, several other important dates and periods are noteworthy.

Normal Periods of Residence (NPR)

Students are typically expected to be in residence during specific periods surrounding Full Term, known as Normal Periods of Residence. These periods allow for settling in before term starts and winding down afterward. For the 2024–2025 academic year, the NPRs are (as provided by Downing College, Cambridge):

Michaelmas Term 2024:

  • Starts: Saturday, 5 October 2024
  • Ends: Saturday, 14 December 2024

Lent Term 2025:

  • Starts: Saturday, 11 January 2025
  • Ends: Saturday, 22 March 2025

Easter Term 2025:

  • Starts: Saturday, 19 April 2025
  • Ends: Saturday, 28 June 2025

Cambridge Degree Ceremonies

Degree ceremonies, known as Congregations, are held throughout the year. While specific dates for the 2024–2025 academic year may vary, they typically occur on Saturdays two or three times each term. The General Admission ceremony, primarily for undergraduate degrees, usually takes place in late June. For precise dates, students should consult the official University of Cambridge degree ceremony schedule.

Application Deadlines for Prospective Cambridge Students

Undergraduate Applicants:

  • The application deadline for most courses is typically on 15 October of the preceding year. For the 2025–2026 academic year, this would be 15 October 2024.

Postgraduate Applicants:

  • Deadlines vary by course and department. Many courses have deadlines between December and March for admission in the following academic year. Prospective students should check the specific deadlines for their chosen courses.

Cambridge Examination Periods

Examination schedules are determined by individual faculties and departments. Generally, examinations are held during the Easter Term, with specific dates varying by course. Students will receive their personal examination timetables from their respective departments.

Orientation and Freshers' Week

For new undergraduate students, orientation activities, commonly known as Freshers’ Week, typically commence a few days before the start of Michaelmas Term. For the 2024–2025 academic year, this would likely begin around late September or early October 2024. Exact dates and schedules are provided by individual colleges.