Clearing (University)

If you do not get the grades that you were expecting in your end of course exams at college it is not the end of the world.  You may still be able to get on the course that you want through clearing.

Clearing is the scheme in which all universities advertise the last of their course vacancies to students who want to apply late.  This means that if you get your results and they are not as you thought they would be, or you have not received an offer, it gives you the opportunity to search for a similar course.

Of course the disadvantage is that you may not be able to find a relevant course that you want to do. However, the idea is that clearing will give you the opportunity to apply for other courses that you would not have previously thought of doing. 

Although clearing is available, it is worth checking with your chosen university whether or not you’re lower than required grades are unsatisfactory.  You may find that some universities will allow for a small margin of lower than expected marks, and then you can enter your originally desired degree programme.

The clearing period runs from the middle of July to the middle of September each year.   You must have entered a UCAS application before you are able to apply for clearing. You are only able to apply for one clearing place at a time, and, if you are offered a place on a course, once you accept it you are not able to look for a place somewhere else.