The run up to results day can be a stressful time for students and parents alike but taking some time to prepare for the Clearing process will help put your mind at ease.
Every year thousands of students in the UK find a university place through Clearing. Clearing is a great option for those who do not secure a place at their chosen universities and it is also open to those who perhaps achieved better results than expected or have decided another course would be better suited for them. Increasingly more and more students are applying to university for the first time through Clearing as they want to have their grades in hand when they apply
Indeed, Clearing can offer up a world of opportunities for students with places often available on many highly-ranked courses. This year at Ulster University places are available for Pharmacy, Biomedical Science, Architecture and within Engineering.
Places on newly established courses can also become available for the first time via clearing so there are lots of exciting new courses that may be new to students. At Ulster, there are nine brand new courses available. New courses on the Magee campus include Mechanical Engineering with Enterprise Development; International Business; and Music with Education, while Coleraine is welcoming applications for its new Marine Science course.
If you miss out on your first choice there are lots of options available via Clearing. This is especially true for those keen to pursue a career in healthcare, with a range of courses offering similar and transferable skills.
Claire Beeton, current Mental Health Nursing student went through the Clearing process two years ago to secure a place at Ulster,
“In 2019 I had applied to Mental Health Nursing but it wasn’t meant to be so I applied through Clearing to study Health Physiology and Healthcare Science. Much of the same skills required for nursing where required for this course so I felt it was a good fit. I was so well supported during the first year of the degree and my lecturers and tutors encouraged me to reapply for Mental Health Nursing for this year and I got in. I firmly believe that going through clearing and having done even the first year of an alternative course was a fabulous choice for me.”
Our Top Tips for Clearing
1. Be prepared
Gather all the documents and information you'll need on results day including your UCAS number, Clearing number, your UCAS points, A-level and GCSE grades.
Visit the Ulster University Clearing website: ulster.ac.uk/clearing to find out more about how the process works and the courses available at Ulster. Make a note of the Ulster University Clearing phone number and opening times to make sure you are ready to go on results day.
2. Don’t panic
If you miss out on your first choice don’t worry! Every year thousands of students in the UK find a place through Clearing. Take time to think about what you want to do before starting the process.
3. Do your research
Consider the courses and universities that you are interested in and make a shortlist. Think about where you want to study, the reputation of the university, what benefits it offers, and how well the course will prepare you for your future career.
4. Consider your options
What happens if you miss out on your first-choice university, or you get better results than expected? Clearing or Adjustment could offer you a place at a new university. Remember to consider all your options including those courses you might not have thought about before. Who knows - you may discover a passion for something you’ve never even considered! As a first step, visit the Ulster University website and browse the list of courses.
5. Get in touch
Entry requirements for courses with vacancies during Clearing can be flexible so don’t sit there worrying – get in touch by completing the enquiry form or calling the Enquiry Line on 028 7028 7028. Advisers will be available to guide you through the process.
6. Attend a webinar
Still confused about Clearing? Then why not attend an Ulster University webinar where the student recruitment team will be on hand to help you prepare for results day and consider your options.
Pre-Results webinar: Monday 9 Aug, 7pm -7.30pm
Results day webinar: Tuesday 10 August, 10am-12pm or 1pm – 3pm
Post-results day webinar: Wednesday 11 August: 10am-12pm or 1pm – 3pm
To find out more and join the webinars here visit our dedicated Clearing website.
To hear more of Claire’s story and Ulster’s advice for Clearing listen to this special Clearing podcast.
