Clearing made simple

What is Clearing?

Clearing is how universities fill empty spaces on their courses and there are many reasons why students use Clearing to secure a university place. Maybe you didn't get the grades you needed, did better than expected, or applied for university after the UCAS deadline which was the case for me.

Steps to secure a University Place

Clearing might seem daunting at first, but it’s straightforward if you break it down. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process with confidence:

Check your eligibility

You are eligible to apply through Clearing if:

- You have your results but no offers.
- You didn't receive the grades to meet your conditional offers.
- You received better grades than expected.
- You have declined offers you have received or not responded on time. 
- UCAS received your application after the application deadline, or you haven't yet applied for a university place.

Research available courses

If you already know what universities you’re interested in attending, the universities that are open for Clearing will have information on their website about what courses they have available. You can view Leeds Beckett’s available courses here.

Another way to research your options is to use UCAS Matches, a tool that combines your interests and grades with universities’ available courses and entry requirements to match you with a course that’s right for you.

Alternatively, if you have a particular subject in mind you can use the websites of professional bodies or unions to see which courses they recommend. For example, as I wanted to study PR, I looked at which courses were certified by the CIPR - Chartered Institute of Public Relations, and researched which courses and universities would be the best fit from there.

Contact universities

The best way to contact universities to discuss Clearing is to phone them. Most universities have a dedicated Clearing team to handle any concerns or queries from prospective students, so they’ll be well-informed and best placed to help you.

Submit your application quickly

Though it’s important not to rush into any decision, once you have settled on the course you want to study, it’s important not to delay as universities will only have so many places on each course available. To secure your place, it's best to submit your application quickly so you don't miss out. The best way to submit your application is through your UCAS Hub, or Leeds Beckett's Becky the Chatbot will be able to help you.

Stay calm and positive

Remember to look after yourself when going through Clearing. Take some time to reflect, and think carefully about your options to ensure you're choosing a course that's right for you. You might not realise it yet, but Clearing can be a positive experience. Perhaps you'll find your perfect course through Clearing! And remember, if you’re nervous about going through Clearing, you can always delay, have a year out and apply for the next academic year.

Top tips

I think the most important thing to keep in mind when going through Clearing is that you need to be proactive. Make sure you do your research and get your application submitted in a timely manner to secure a place on your chosen course. Remember, there are tons of resources available to help you, from university websites and Clearing hotlines to chat facilities and the UCAS website. And don't forget your friends and family who will be able to offer advice that's tailored to you, as well as emotional support.

If you're worried you might need to use Clearing to find a place at university, it's worth registering for Leeds Beckett's Clearing Priority Pass. You'll get a priority phone number (so you can avoid that results day panic!), as well as additional resources and advice on accommodation and finance which will help you navigate the Clearing process with ease.