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Michaelmas term
Michaelmas term
Michaelmas term
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Michaelmas (/ˈmɪkəlməs/ MIK-əl-məs) term is the first academic term of the academic year in a number of English-speaking universities and schools in the northern hemisphere, especially in the United Kingdom. Michaelmas term derives its name from the Feast of St Michael and All Angels, which falls on 29 September. The term runs from September or October to Christmas.

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The term is also the name of the first of four terms into which the legal year is divided by the Courts of England and Wales and the Courts of Northern Ireland.

While the name is not used in the legal systems of the United States, where most American courts operate on continuous year-round calendars without terms, the U.S. Supreme Court roughly follows the English custom by beginning its annual nine-month term on the first Monday in October, a few days after Michaelmas.

Universities

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Universities in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland which use the name 'Michaelmas term' as of July 2018 include:

In addition, the name is used unofficially in several other University of London colleges. It also used to be the third and final term at the University of Sydney before it swapped over to the two-semester system in 1989. It was formerly used at Heythrop College, King's College London, University of Kent, London School of Economics[9] and University of Wales, Lampeter. The University of Exeter no longer seems to use the name officially, as it formerly did (the term dates on their website don't use it), but their Anglican Chaplaincy retains the name.[10]

At the University of Oxford, following the resolution made by Council on 8 May 2002, Michaelmas Term begins on and includes 1 October and ends on and includes 17 December.[11] In the Michaelmas Term, as in Hilary Term and in Trinity Term, there is a period of eight weeks known as Full Term, beginning on a Sunday, within which lectures and other instruction prescribed by statute or regulation are given.[11] The dates on which each Full Term will begin and end in the next academic year but one are published by the Registrar in the University Gazette during each Hilary Term.[11]

See also

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References

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Further reading

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Michaelmas term

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Michaelmas term is the autumn division of the academic year at the universities of and in , typically running from early to early , and is named after the Christian feast day of St. Michael and All Angels on 29 September. This term marks the beginning of the academic calendar at these institutions, followed by in the spring and in the summer, with its name deriving from the medieval English "Michaeles mæsse," meaning the mass or feast of St. Michael. The term's origins trace back to the , when it aligned with one of England's four traditional —key dates for settling rents, hiring servants, and starting legal proceedings—rooted in the religious observance of the Michael's victory over evil as described in biblical tradition. In addition to its academic use, Michaelmas term serves as the first of four sittings in the English , commencing on 1 and typically extending to late , during which the superior convene for hearings and judgments. This dual role underscores its enduring significance in British institutional life, where it structures both educational and judicial activities around the seasonal rhythms of the ecclesiastical calendar.

Etymology and Origins

Name and Religious Roots

The term "Michaelmas" derives from the Old English "Mīchaelmæsse" or "Michaeles mæsse," meaning "Michael's ," a reference to the Christian liturgical celebration honoring the Michael. This nomenclature parallels other feast-day terms like "" for Christ's , originating in the early medieval period as the English adaptation of the Latin "Missa Sancti Michaelis." The name encapsulates the eucharistic service central to the observance, emphasizing Michael's role as a protector and warrior in . Michaelmas, observed on September 29, serves as one of the four traditional in the Western Christian calendar, alongside (March 25), (June 24), and (December 25). These dates, aligned roughly with the solstices and es, marked seasonal transitions; specifically, Michaelmas signified the conclusion of the season and the onset of autumn, a time when agricultural labors waned and preparations for winter began. Its proximity to the autumnal reinforced its symbolic role in acknowledging the shortening days and the spiritual need for divine safeguarding against encroaching darkness. The feast's establishment traces to the early Church in the West, formalized around the 5th to 6th centuries, with in the late promoting devotion to the archangels and consecrating a to St. Michael on the Salarian Way in A.D. 530, setting the date as September 29. This observance draws its biblical foundation from depictions of Michael as the chief angelic prince and defender, notably in the , where he is described as "the great prince who stands for the children of your people" amid end-times tribulations (Daniel 12:1), and in the , where he leads heavenly forces in battle against the dragon, symbolizing victory over evil (Revelation 12:7-9). These scriptural portrayals underscore Michael's role as a celestial guardian, influencing the feast's emphasis on protection and .

Historical Development

The concept of the term originated in the calendars of 12th-century , where the feast of St. Michael on served as a key anchor for monastic observances and seasonal rhythms, gradually extending into secular legal practices as royal courts expanded under Henry II. By the mid-12th century, the growing centralization of necessitated defined periods for sessions, as travel and agricultural demands limited continuous legal activity; this led to the emergence of four principal terms—, Hilary, , and —tied to feasts to align with communal availability. These terms formalized in century through royal integration, reflecting the shift from fragmented to a unified structure that incorporated church-sanctioned dates into administrative and judicial routines. A pivotal moment came with the Statute of Westminster I in 1275, enacted by Edward I, which codified provisions across 51 chapters. This statute, passed in the king's first parliament after coronation, addressed broader legal redress, where marked one of the four for settling rents, hiring servants, and resolving feudal services, ensuring economic and social obligations aligned with harvest completion. Such integration facilitated royal oversight of manorial courts and accounts, with sessions handling disputes over tenurial dues and labor obligations, thereby embedding the term in the fabric of . The fixed dates of the Michaelmas term were shaped by the , which provided a stable framework for these seasonal alignments until the . In , the Calendar (New Style) Act adopted the , omitting 11 days in September to correct accumulated drift, but an accompanying Act to Abbreviate Michaelmas Term shortened the term by advancing its commencement to 6 to remove unproductive opening days while aligning with the new calendar. This reform, effective from September 14, , minimized disruptions to judicial proceedings while maintaining the term's autumnal essence, though it sparked minor administrative challenges in aligning rents and court sittings. The legal year in commences with the , marking the opening of the judicial calendar for superior courts. Traditionally associated with on 29 , the legal year officially begins on the first working day in early , such as 1 when it falls on a weekday, to accommodate practical scheduling. This structure runs through the four terms until the end of the , followed by a long , after which the cycle restarts the following . The four terms divide the as follows: Michaelmas term, from 1 October (or the following Monday if a weekend) to 21 December (or the preceding Friday if a weekend); , from 11 January to the Wednesday before Sunday; term, from the second Tuesday after Sunday to the Friday before the spring ; and , from the second Tuesday after the spring to 31 . Michaelmas term serves as the principal opening period, initiating the new and facilitating the commencement of many fresh cases in courts like the and Court of Appeal. Modern adjustments to this framework include defined vacation periods between terms—such as the Christmas vacation from late December to mid-January, and the long summer vacation from late July to early October—during which regular sittings are suspended, though courts remain available for urgent or vacation business. Term commencement dates are fixed under Practice Direction 2F to the , with minor variations to avoid non-working days, ensuring consistency across the judicial calendar. The Courts Act 2003 further streamlined these arrangements by establishing Her Majesty's Courts and Tribunals Service, unifying court administration to enhance efficiency in .

Court Sessions and Procedures

The Michaelmas term governs the primary period for court sittings in the superior , traditionally running from 1 October to 21 December for the and Court of Appeal. This timeframe allows for the commencement of substantive hearings, with the divisions—such as the King's Bench, Chancery, and —conducting trials, applications, and other proceedings during these dates. The Crown Court operates on a continuous sitting basis throughout the year to address criminal caseloads. Procedurally, the Michaelmas term facilitates the initiation of new civil actions through the filing of claims under the , where particulars of claim must typically be served within specified timelines following issuance, often aligning with term openings to expedite case management conferences. In criminal matters, new indictments are commonly preferred during this term in the , allowing for arraignments and the start of trials, while appeals from lower courts to the (Criminal Division) are heard, subject to time limits such as 28 days for filing notices in most cases. Significant reforms under the of 1873 and 1875 restructured the superior courts into a unified , with the Michaelmas term fixed from early October to late December to accommodate a broader range of civil and proceedings without the fragmented schedules of pre-reform courts like the Court of Common Pleas and . These acts abolished outdated divisions. Under contemporary , term-time practices emphasize active case progression, with mandatory directions for disclosure and witness statements often issued early in the Michaelmas term to prevent delays, while vacation provisions under Part 39 limit non-urgent filings to ensure focus on ongoing matters during recesses.

Academic Usage

University Calendars in the UK

In the , the Michaelmas term forms the first segment of the at several prominent universities, particularly those with historical ties to calendars, marking the commencement of formal instruction following the summer recess. This term typically spans from early October to mid-December, aligning with the feast of St. Michael on 29 September, though exact start and end dates vary slightly by institution to accommodate weekends or administrative needs. For instance, at the , Michaelmas Term 2025 runs from Sunday, 12 October, to Saturday, 6 December, while at the , it begins on Wednesday, 1 October 2025, with full term lectures starting Tuesday, 7 October, and concluding on Friday, 5 December 2025. The London School of Economics (LSE), part of the , historically observed Michaelmas Term in this period until renaming it Autumn Term for the 2024/25 academic year, with dates from Monday, 30 September, to Friday, 13 December 2024. The primary purpose of Michaelmas Term is to initiate the academic year with key orientation and instructional activities, including ceremonies, the start of lectures, tutorials, and initial assessments. At , occurs at the end of the first week of Michaelmas Term for most undergraduates, formally admitting students to membership in the and their colleges. Lectures and seminars predominate during the eight-week full term, fostering intensive engagement before the vacation, with examinations often scheduled toward the end or in subsequent terms. follows a parallel structure, with its eight-week Michaelmas Term dedicated to core teaching and , emphasizing small-group discussions alongside lectures to build foundational . These activities underscore the term's role in transitioning students into life, rooted briefly in medieval clerical practices that synchronized academic cycles with religious observances. Michaelmas Term integrates into a tripartite academic calendar alongside Hilary (or Lent) Term and , separated by vacations including the extended from late June to early October, which allows for or summer schools. This structure, emphasizing concentrated periods of residence and instruction, contrasts with semester systems elsewhere and is codified in university statutes; for example, the Oxford University Act 1854 references Michaelmas Term in provisions for governance meetings and degree conferrals, ensuring alignment with the term's traditional timing for administrative and ceremonial functions. At , the terms maintain similar durations and purposes, with serving as a period for advanced research or optional courses, preserving the historic rhythm of the academic year. Such variations ensure flexibility for interdisciplinary programs while upholding the term's foundational position in the curriculum.

Variations in Other Institutions

In English public schools such as , the term (also referred to as the Michaelmas Half) denotes the autumn term, beginning in early and extending to mid-December, marking the start of the academic year for boarding students aged 13 to 18. This structure emphasizes a traditional aligned with historical educational practices, differing from calendars by incorporating "halves" rather than full terms and allowing for optional weekend leaves. Similar usage appears in other historic institutions like , where the autumn period aligns with traditions, though often termed the "short half" starting around late . Beyond the , the term persists in select Irish universities with strong historical ties to British academic traditions, such as , where it runs from early (e.g., teaching commencing around 15) to late , encompassing orientation, lectures, and assessments. This adaptation maintains the term's role as the first of three in the academic year—followed by Hilary and terms—while accommodating local administrative needs like a revision period in early . In broader contexts, direct adoption remains limited, with most Canadian and Australian universities favoring semester-based nomenclature (e.g., Fall or Semester 1 starting in ), though some exchange programs reference for alignment with partners. In theological seminaries, particularly those oriented toward calendars, the Michaelmas term sees rare but continued modern application, often as a fall session tied to the feast of St. Michael on , with durations typically shorter than norms at 8 to 12 weeks to facilitate focused ministerial . For instance, the General Theological in New York structures its Fall (Michaelmas) term from early to mid-December, integrating liturgical studies and refund policies aligned with this period. Similarly, institutions like Davenant Hall and St. Bede's Anglican Catholic Theological College limit the Michaelmas term to approximately 10 weeks (e.g., to November 15), emphasizing patristic theology and biblical seminars within an framework that diverges from secular academic lengths. These variations underscore the term's adaptability in faith-based , prioritizing over extended coursework.

Broader Cultural and Administrative Contexts

Quarter Days and Financial Implications

Michaelmas, celebrated on 29 , serves as one of the four traditional in , alongside (25 March), Day (24 June), and Day (25 December). These dates historically divided the year into quarters and functioned as key administrative benchmarks for economic transactions, including the payment of rents, the hiring of servants, and the settlement of taxes or other debts. This system facilitated organized financial dealings in agrarian societies, ensuring obligations were met at predictable intervals tied to seasonal changes. In medieval , particularly from the 13th century onward, held significant financial ties to agricultural cycles, marking the approximate end of the season. Farmers and tenants used this period to settle outstanding debts, including feudal rents and tithes, after crops such as and had been gathered, providing the necessary income for payments to landlords and the church. This alignment with the not only reflected practical economic needs but also reinforced social structures, as the day often coincided with the exchange of land tenancies and the conclusion of labor contracts, blending fiscal responsibilities with communal gatherings. While the widespread use of has become largely obsolete following 19th-century land reforms that modernized property tenure and payment structures, remnants persist in contemporary practices. In some commercial leases, rents are still due on these traditional dates, maintaining a link to historical conventions in . Additionally, certain ecclesiastical payments, such as residual tithes or church dues, continue to reference in specific contexts, though such applications are now limited and often overridden by statutory timelines.

Modern Observances and Traditions

In contemporary England, Michaelmas term retains cultural vibrancy through festivals that echo its historical roots as a harvest celebration. The Nottingham Goose Fair, held annually in early October at the Forest Recreation Ground, attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors with its rides, stalls, and amusements, originating from medieval trading fairs around September 29. A central tradition involves the consumption of goose, symbolizing prosperity for the coming year, as geese fattened on post-harvest stubble were historically roasted and shared to invoke good fortune and protection against hardship. Similar events, such as the Michaelmas Fair in St Ives, Cambridgeshire, or community gatherings in rural Hampshire, feature local crafts, music, and seasonal foods, fostering communal bonds in areas where agricultural rhythms persist. Symbolically, Michaelmas term serves as a marker for the transition from summer abundance to autumn's introspection, often depicted in as a pivot toward cooler, reflective seasons. alludes to it in , where characters reference the term's start amid everyday disputes, underscoring its role in Elizabethan social timing, and in to mark timekeeping in a tavern scene. In broader folklore, it signals the harvest's end and impending winter, with sayings like "If you eat on Day, you will never want for money" reinforcing themes of resilience against darkening days. Rural communities today maintain this through events like seasonal or dragon-slaying reenactments honoring St. Michael, blending Christian lore with pagan motifs to highlight human endurance. While and industrialization have diminished widespread observance since the , replacing agrarian quarter-day customs with modern calendars, traditions endure in niche cultural and professional spheres. In legal circles, such as London's , the term's commencement prompts formal banquets and qualifying dinners for barristers, preserving a sense of ceremonial renewal amid contemporary practice. These events, though less prominent than in , continue to mark societal rhythms in select communities, countering broader decline through localized revival efforts.

References

  1. https://www.ox.ac.uk/about/facts-and-figures/dates-of-term
  2. https://www.cam.ac.uk/about-the-university/term-dates-and-calendars
  3. https://staff.admin.ox.ac.uk/working-at-oxford/new-to-the-university/university-year-and-events
  4. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Michaelmas
  5. https://www.rosecalendars.co.uk/resource/michaelmas-day
  6. https://www.judiciary.uk/about-the-judiciary/our-justice-system/legal-year/
  7. https://www.gov.uk/government/news/opening-of-the-legal-year-2025
  8. https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/manuscriptsandspecialcollections/researchguidance/datingdocuments/lawterms.aspx
  9. https://www.christianity.com/wiki/holidays/what-is-michaelmas-history-meaning.html
  10. https://www.etymonline.com/word/Michaelmas
  11. https://www.historic-uk.com/CultureUK/Michaelmas/
  12. https://www.newliturgicalmovement.org/2021/09/michaelmas-day-and-its-customs.html
  13. https://www.legislation.gov.uk/aep/Edw1/3/5
  14. https://www.wealddown.co.uk/museum-news/michaelmas/
  15. https://insight.cumbria.ac.uk/id/eprint/684/1/Poole_GiveUsOurEleven.pdf
  16. https://www.justice.gov.uk/courts/procedure-rules/civil/rules/part02/pd_part39b
  17. https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2003/39/contents
  18. https://www.parliament.uk/about-living-heritage/transformingsociety/laworder/court/overview/judicatureacts/
  19. https://info.lse.ac.uk/current-students/term-dates
  20. https://www.ox.ac.uk/students/new/matriculation
  21. https://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/courses/academic-year
  22. https://www.undergraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/student-life/why-cambridge/cambridge-explained
  23. https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1854/81/pdfs/ukpga_18540081_en.pdf
  24. https://www.etoncollege.com/news-and-diary/term-dates/
  25. https://www.independentschoolparent.com/school/senior-sixth-form/weird-and-wonderful-independent-school-traditions/
  26. https://www.tcd.ie/calendar/
  27. https://www.tcd.ie/students/orientation/dates/
  28. https://goglobal.ubc.ca/go-global/programs-ubc-students/exchange/lancaster-university
  29. https://davenanthall.com/
  30. https://www.gts.edu/general-learners
  31. https://sbactc.org/courses/
  32. https://www.timms-law.com/commercial-property-what-are-quarter-days/
  33. https://www.legendarydartmoor.co.uk/2016/03/31/michaelmas_day/
  34. https://www.landlordzone.co.uk/news/quarter-days
  35. https://www.stivestowncouncil.gov.uk/council_events/michaelmas-fair/
  36. https://www.visit-hampshire.co.uk/whats-on/michaelmas-fair-p2663291
  37. https://www.cassidycash.com/what-is-michaelmas/
  38. https://www.spookyisles.com/michaelmas-traditions/
  39. https://hypnogoria.com/folklore_michaelmas.html
  40. https://www.theguardian.com/law/2011/may/17/breaking-myth-barristers-dinner
  41. https://crisismagazine.com/opinion/america-needs-michaelmas
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