James, Earl of Wessex faces busy first term at university with December finish

James, Earl of Wessex, is beginning an exciting new phase of life after arriving at university to start his undergraduate studies.

The 18-year-old son of the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh has enrolled at the Royal Agricultural University in Cirencester, Gloucestershire, where he will study Rural Land & Property Management.

New students arrived at the university's accommodation on Saturday 20 September, ahead of a week of induction activities. 

James will join fellow first-year students for the programme, which runs from 21 to 25 September, before teaching officially begins on 28 September.

His first term will take him through to December, with the university operating a semester-based academic calendar. 

Students typically study and complete assessments across two semesters, with examinations held towards the end of each term.

James chose to head straight to university after completing his A-levels, rather than taking a gap year. 

His plans were confirmed by Buckingham Palace after he secured the grades required for his chosen course.

"Having achieved the grades he needed, The Earl of Wessex will be going to the Royal Agricultural University to study Rural Land & Property Management. 

He will head straight there without taking a year out," the Palace said.