For Moroccan students considering pursuing their Bachelor’s Degree or Master’s Degree in the United Kingdom, it is essential to understand the different intake periods offered by universities. These periods determine when your academic program will begin and influence application deadlines. Education Club sheds light on the main UK intake periods for both levels of study. Although the majority of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in the UK have a main intake in September/October, some universities also offer January intakes and, more rarely, April/May intakes. Let’s take a closer look at each of these periods:

• September/October Intake: The Main Intake
  • This is the most common and important intake period for the vast majority of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in the UK.
  • The traditional academic year generally begins in late September or early October and ends in June/July.
  • For Bachelor’s Degrees: Application deadlines for this intake via the UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) platform are generally around mid-January for most programs. However, some universities and programs (notably Oxford and Cambridge, as well as medicine, veterinary medicine, and dentistry) have earlier deadlines, often in mid-October of the previous year.
  • For Master’s Degrees: Application deadlines for the September/October intake vary significantly depending on the university and program. Some universities have strict deadlines, while others operate on a rolling basis until places are filled. It is advisable to apply as early as possible, ideally between October and June of the year prior to your intake.
• January Intake: A Secondary Option for Some Programs
  • Some universities in the UK offer a January intake for a limited number of undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
  • The academic year for a January intake may follow a different structure, with semesters spanning slightly different periods compared to the September intake.
  • Application deadlines for the January intake vary by university and program, but generally fall between September and November of the previous year.
  • This option can be beneficial for students who missed the September intake or completed their previous studies later in the year. However, it’s important to note that not all programs are available for a January intake.
• April/May Intake: Less Common and Often for Specific Programs
  • An April or May intake is less common for undergraduate and postgraduate programs in the UK.
  • It may be offered by some institutions for specific types of programs, such as intensive courses, short programs, top-up degrees (for students who already have partial qualifications), or certain professional master’s degrees.
  • Application deadlines for these intakes vary widely and are specific to each institution and program.
  • If you are interested in an April/May intake, it is essential to check directly with the universities of interest to learn about their offerings and deadlines.

It is crucial for Moroccan students to plan their applications according to the desired intake period:

• For the September/October intake (Bachelor’s): Start researching programs and universities at the beginning of your final year of high school. Prepare your documents (transcripts, diploma, English test, personal statement, recommendation letters) well in advance to meet UCAS deadlines.
• For the September/October intake (Master’s): Start researching programs and universities at least one year in advance. Prepare your documents (transcripts, diploma, proof of English, personal statement, recommendation letters, CV) and aim to apply as early as possible, ideally between October and June.
• For the January intake (Bachelor’s and Master’s): If this intake interests you, start researching available programs in the summer before. Check the specific deadlines for each university.
• For the April/May intake (Bachelor’s and Master’s): Inquire directly with universities to find out if they offer programs during this intake period and what the deadlines are.

Education Club is here to help you understand the subtleties of UK intake periods for Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees and to help you strategically plan your application. Our expert advisors will provide you with accurate information on UCAS deadlines for undergraduate programs and university-specific deadlines for postgraduate programs, ensuring you don’t miss any opportunity. Do you have questions about intake periods for undergraduate or postgraduate studies in the UK? Contact Education Club today for a free consultation and get personalized guidance to plan your academic journey!