UK Universities with January Intakes

While the main university intake in the UK takes place in September, many institutions also offer January Intakes, giving students another opportunity to begin their studies earlier in the year.

Starting in the winter or spring can be an ideal option for students who missed autumn application deadlines, need more time to prepare their documents, or want greater flexibility in planning their studies abroad.

In this guide, we explore universities with January Intakes, application requirements, available courses, tuition fees, and tips for applying to study in the United Kingdom.

Study in the UK: Find Bachelors & Masters

⏰ Intakes in the United Kingdom: September or January?

Universities in the United Kingdom typically offer multiple intakes throughout the year, giving international students greater flexibility. The two most common admission periods are:

• The September Intake, which begins in September or October, is the main intake at most UK universities. This is when the largest number of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes are available, along with scholarships, campus activities, and student accommodation options. Because it is the primary academic intake, most international students choose to begin their studies during this period.
• The January Intake, which typically starts between January and March, includes a more limited selection of programmes. While not every degree is available, many universities offer a good range of Master’s programmes and selected Bachelor’s degrees. 

Students who miss the main September application deadlines may also have the option of applying through UCAS Clearing, which helps fill remaining places on undergraduate courses starting in September. Unlike Clearing, the January Intake offers a separate admission cycle with selected programmes beginning at the start of the calendar year. 

Some universities may also provide a Summer Intake, often beginning around May or June, but this is generally limited to specific courses, pathway programmes, or business schools.

📝 UK Universities with January Intakes:

Below, you can find universities in the United Kingdom that are open for the January Intake, including key information about programme availability, deadlines, and start dates.

Institution	Deadline	Start date	Degrees available
Anglia Ruskin University	Mid-December	January	Undergraduate and postgraduate degrees
Brunel University London	Early-to-mid January	January	Postgraduate degrees
Coventry University	Close to the start date	January or March	Master’s degrees
Escape Studios	Rolling admissions	1 March	Postgraduate degrees and short courses
London South Bank University	December	January or May	Limited number of bachelor’s and master’s
Royal College of Art	Early December	January	Some Master’s degrees, PhD study, and the Graduate Diploma
The University of Buckingham	December	January	Almost all programmes
University of Exeter	Early January	January	Master’s degrees
University of Kent	Between mid-October and mid-November	January	Postgraduate degrees and specialized International Foundation Programmes
University of Strathclyde	December	January	Postgraduate taught courses

💭 Application Deadlines for the January Intake in the UK:

Application deadlines for the January intake in the UK usually fall between October and December, although some universities may still accept late applications up until shortly before the course begins. To avoid missing deadlines or having to rush the application process, international students are advised to start preparing their applications several months in advance. 

• Many UK public universities accept applications for January Intake programmes until October or November, although some competitive courses may close earlier. 
• Private universities and business schools may offer more flexible admissions timelines and multiple application rounds throughout the year.

As an example, at MJM Graphic Design School London applications submitted after the deadline may still be considered and applications can often be accepted into the spring and early summer period. 

In general, students should also allow enough time for important preparations such as obtaining academic documents, meeting English language requirements, arranging accommodation, and applying for a student visa. 

📝 How to Apply for the January Intake in the UK:  

Applying for a Bachelor in the UK or applying for a Master in the UK for the January Intake is a similar process compared to the main September Intake. The first step is to research universities and confirm that your chosen degree is available. While many UK universities offer January admissions, programme availability may be more limited compared to September starts, especially at undergraduate level.

Most universities will require the following application documents:

• Academic transcripts and diplomas
• Proof of English language proficiency (such as IELTS or TOEFL)
• Copy of your passport
• Personal statement or motivation letter
• CV or résumé
• Letters of recommendation
• Portfolio or interview (for selected degrees)

Undergraduate students may need to apply through the UCAS system, while many postgraduate programmes allow students to apply directly through the university website.

💡 Advantages and Disadvantages:

Starting your journey to study in the United Kingdom during the Spring Term can offer greater flexibility for international students, but it also comes with a few limitations. 

The main advantages are:

• More time to prepare application documents and visas
• Greater flexibility for gap year or transfer students
• Opportunity to begin studying earlier instead of waiting for autumn
• Availability of English-taught programmes at many universities
• Less competition for certain programmes
• Tuition fees are the same for both semesters

Disadvantages of the Summer Intake:

• Limited programme availability, especially for undergraduate degrees
• Fewer orientation events and student activities
• Some internship or exchange schedules may align better with a September start
• Fewer accommodation options in some cities
• Fewer scholarships available

Understanding the pros and cons can help you decide which intake is the best fit for your academic plans. 

 

Study in the UK: Find Bachelors & Masters

8204 Programmes in the United Kingdom