What is Clearing?

Think of Clearing as a bit of a matching exercise between prospective students who are looking for a place at university but don’t have one yet, and universities that are looking for students to take places on courses that still have space. So really, it’s all about finding a university that works for you.

This year at Chester, Clearing is about helping prospective students to get going again. As the world starts to open up and recover from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s a chance to make the most of every opportunity, and we think that Clearing is just that – a brilliant opportunity.

Who is Clearing for?

Clearing is for prospective students who are in a range of different circumstances.

People who have just completed their A Levels and/ or BTEC qualifications but have had a change of heart, have achieved higher grades than expected, or don’t quite meet the requirements of their Firm or Insurance offer. It’s important to know that even if you don’t meet your Firm and Insurance offer requirements, that it doesn’t automatically mean you’re in Clearing. Make sure you check UCAS Track on results day; you may find that you’ve still be given a place, or perhaps that a decision has not been made yet. If that’s the case, then we recommend you give that university a call.

People who decided not to go to university last September because of COVID-19, and have chosen to wait closer to this September to see what university could look like for the 2021/2 academic year. A completely understandable choice for anyone who simply refused to give up living university life to the full. Read the University of Chester’s plan for 2021/2 academic year to find out how we’re hitting the ground running this year, and are ready to give our students the best experience possible. Of course, Clearing is also simply for those who didn’t get their application in before 30th June, for whatever reason that may have been.

People who have been out of education for a while and are ready to begin a new career or just pursue something they’re passionate about. Whether you were in education a few years ago or it’s been longer than that, there’s no reason not to apply to university. Our Outreach Team offers advice and guidance for mature students (don’t forget, a mature student means anyone over the age of 21), and we also offer Foundation Years for those who wish to complete an undergraduate course but do not have the necessary academic qualifications to enter directly onto the first year.

So, when we say Clearing is for all kinds of people, it really is true, and there are all sorts of courses in Clearing, too. Just take a look at our A-Z Clearing Course Listing, and you’ll see how much variety there is.

When is Clearing?

The majority of action around Clearing happens on results day, but Clearing isn’t just a crazy day or two, it’s open for over three months. This year, Clearing is open from 5th July – 19th October.

At the University of Chester, our lines are open 9:00 – 17:30 Monday to Thursday, and 9:00 – 16:30 on a Friday during the Clearing period. However, we have extended hours on the following days:

Tuesday 10th August (results day) 8:00 – 19:00

Wednesday 11th August 8:00 – 19:00

Friday 13th August 9:00 – 17:30

Saturday 14th August 9:00 – 17:00

Sunday 15th August 10:00 – 16:00

Saturday 21st August 9:00 – 17:00

How can you find out more information?

There is plenty more to know about Clearing, and to find out more information you can register for Clearing updates and also get your hands on our Guide to Clearing.

We are holding a Preparing for Clearing online event on Tuesday 3rd August, 3:00pm-5:00pm, where we’re bringing together our University staff from Admissions, Student Finance and Funding, and Accommodation for a live chat, to get experts answering your questions about Clearing. You can sign up beforehand and we’ll send you joining instructions on the day.

You can also find out more about Clearing from current Forensic Biology student, Hebe, who came to the University of Chester through Clearing a couple of years ago. In Hebe’s Clearing Story you’ll get an insight into the Clearing process at the University of Chester, and what her experience at the University has been like.