How to apply through Clearing

Now you’ve decided to apply through Clearing there are a few things you need to know.

University Clearing is much easier than you might think
Every year all kinds of people come through Clearing and go on to achieve excellent results.
Clearing is about finding the right place for you.

Before you make a start, it can be really useful to understand the process of how to apply through Clearing.

It's actually pretty simple if you get a few things ready before you make the call.

Need advice?

We can help. Just call us on

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Make a list of questions you’d like to ask us - remember, Clearing is a chance for you to look again at your plans before you decide where you’re heading next.
Have the following things ready before you call:
- a list of the courses or subject areas you’re interested in
- your qualifications and grades
- your UCAS ID number (If you haven’t already applied through UCAS, when you call us we'll send you an RPA form to complete).
- your date of birth, postal address, email address and phone number.

For some courses you’ll also need to have a link to an online portfolio. Here’s how to create an online portfolio.

Call our Clearing hotline on 01273 644000.
You’ll speak with a member of the enquiries team to discuss your grades and what you are interested in studying.
At this point you might speak with an admissions tutor who can make you a verbal offer.
A verbal offer means you have a place being held for you. This will be followed up with an email giving you clear instructions on how to accept your place with us.
If you need to come to interview, here’s the guidance on how you can prepare for a Clearing interview.