Did you miss the September start, or do you need a little more time to prepare? Good news: you do not have to wait until September 2027. Many UK universities let you start a bachelor's degree in January 2027.
Most January intake lists online are about master's courses. This guide is different. We have checked university websites and listed 25 UK universities that offer undergraduate courses starting in January 2027, with a link to each official course page.
What is the January intake in the UK?
Most UK universities start their courses in September. This is the main intake. Some universities also start courses in January. This is called the January intake or the winter intake.
A January course gives you the same degree as a September course. You study the same subjects and get the same certificate. The only difference is the start date.
Some universities ask January students to study through the summer. This way, you finish your first year by August or September and join the second year with everyone else.
Is the January intake right for you?
The January intake can be a good choice if you:
- missed the September 2026 deadline
- are waiting for your school results or English test score
- need more time to arrange money for your visa
- want to change from another university or course
- do not want to wait almost a full year to start
Please remember that there are fewer undergraduate courses in January than in September. Popular courses can fill up quickly, so it is best to apply early.
List of UK universities with January 2027 undergraduate intake
Below are 25 universities, grouped by location. Click the link to see the university's own list of January courses. Courses can change, so always check the course page before you apply.
| No. | University | Location | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Anglia Ruskin University | Cambridge, Chelmsford, Peterborough, London | View January courses |
| 2 | Bangor University | Bangor, Wales | View January courses |
| 3 | Birmingham City University | Birmingham | View January courses |
| 4 | University of Bedfordshire (Nursing only) | Luton, Bedford | View undergraduate courses |
| 5 | University of Buckingham | Buckingham | View January courses |
| 6 | Coventry University | Coventry | View January courses |
| 7 | University of Derby | Derby | View January courses |
| 8 | University of East London | London | View January courses |
| 9 | University of Greenwich | London, Medway | View January courses |
| 10 | University of Lancashire | Preston | View January courses |
| 11 | London Metropolitan University | London | View undergraduate courses |
| 12 | London South Bank University | London | View January courses |
| 13 | Leeds Trinity University (Nursing only) | Leeds | View undergraduate courses |
| 14 | Middlesex University | London | View January courses |
| 15 | Oxford Brookes University | Oxford | View January courses |
| 16 | University of Portsmouth | Portsmouth, London | View January courses |
| 17 | Regent's University London | London | View courses and fees |
| 18 | University of Roehampton | London | View January courses |
| 19 | University of Stirling | Stirling, Scotland | View January courses |
| 20 | Swansea University | Swansea, Wales | View January courses |
| 21 | University of Sunderland | Sunderland | View January courses |
| 22 | University of Staffordshire | Stoke-on-Trent | View January courses |
| 23 | University of Wolverhampton | Wolverhampton | View January courses |
| 24 | University of West London (February 2027 start) | London | View February courses |
| 25 | University of Winchester | Winchester | View January courses |
When should you apply for January 2027?
Apply as early as you can. Many universities close international applications for January 2027 between late November and early December 2026. For example, Bangor University asks for applications by 4 December 2026, and the University of East London by 27 November 2026.
After your application, you also need time to:
- accept your offer and pay your deposit
- get your CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) from the university
- apply for your UK Student visa
- book your flight and accommodation
If you leave it too late, you may not get your visa before the course starts.
How to apply for a January undergraduate course
Here are the simple steps:
- Choose your course. Use the links above to check that your course starts in January 2027.
- Check the entry requirements. Look at the grades and English level you need. Some universities accept other English tests or Medium of Instruction letters. Read our guide to studying in the UK without IELTS.
- Prepare your documents. You usually need your passport, school certificates and transcripts, an English test result, a personal statement and a reference letter.
- Apply online. Fill in the university's application form or apply with the help of an education agent like Atava.
- Accept your offer and get your CAS. Pay your deposit and send any documents the university asks for.
- Apply for your Student visa. Check the latest rules on UKVI.
Important things to know before you choose January
- Fewer choices. Not every course has a January start. Check the course page, not just the university home page.
- Summer study. Some January courses ask you to study through the summer of your first year.
- Visa money. The amount of money you must show for your Student visa is going up for applications from 30 November 2026. Read our Student visa maintenance update.
- Graduate visa. The Graduate Route is changing. Applications made on or after 1 January 2027 are expected to get 18 months of post-study work instead of 2 years. Always check GOV.UK for the latest rules.
Already have a diploma? Think about a top-up degree
If you already have an HND, a foundation degree or a two-year diploma, you may not need to start from year one. A top-up degree lets you finish a full bachelor's degree in just one year. Many universities, such as Northumbria University in London, offer January top-up degrees. Read our guide: What is a top-up degree in the UK?
How Atava can help
Choosing the right January course can feel confusing, especially when time is short. Our friendly team can help you to:
- find a January 2027 course that matches your grades and budget
- check the entry and English requirements
- prepare your application, personal statement and documents
- get your CAS and prepare for your Student visa
Contact us today. Book a no-obligation call and start your UK study journey this January.
Frequently asked questions
Can international students start a bachelor's degree in the UK in January?
Yes. Many UK universities, including Middlesex, Greenwich, Coventry and Stirling, offer undergraduate courses for international students that start in January 2027.
When is the deadline for the January 2027 intake?
Each university has its own deadline. Most international deadlines are between late November and early December 2026. Apply as early as possible.
Will I graduate later than September students?
Not always. Some universities let January students study through the summer, so they join the second year in September and graduate at the same time.