The Semester System

Stirling runs two 15-week semesters, rather than the traditional three terms. Each semester has:

• A mid-semester break
• A reading/study block
• A two-week exam period at the end

The Autumn Semester typically runs from mid-September until just before Christmas. There's then an extended winter break of seven weeks. The Spring Semester usually runs from February to the end of May, followed by a 15-week break over the summer. It’s also possible to start your studies in the Spring Semester.

Academically, our eight-semester Honours programmes offer flexible entry for visiting, non-graduating study abroad students, who may study any course for which they have the appropriate academic background, regardless of the semester level or Department involved.