Clearing FAQs
Your clearing questions answered
Are you looking to pursue your passion, kick-start your career or become an expert in your field? Whoever you are, whatever your interests, together we can make sure you’re ready for the future.
To ensure your transition to university is as smooth as possible we’ve compiled some handy tips, Q&As and general information about applying for this September.
General Clearing FAQs
1. How will you offer me a place without exams?
Exams have been cancelled so we will be looking at your predicted grades and other factors to decide on offers for places in September 2021.
- Holistic approach to migration
Our admissions policy and processes are designed to take a holistic view of course applications, we use a range of contextualised information including, interviews, auditions, portfolios, personal statements and skills alongside academic achievement. This allows us to make suitable decisions based on the applicant not just the application that takes into account the ability to achieve as well as predicted or achieved grades.
- Confirmation of grades
Admissions Managers review all applications that do not meet minimum requirements and confirmed where further contextual data supplements the grades achieved.
If Admissions Managers are unable to confirm a place applications are referred to a course academic to review where either the place is confirmed or an alternative offer made. If you have not heard back about your offer, do contact: 020 4509 1460, choose option 2.
2. What if I'm holding a firm offer and have accepted but want to go somewhere else?
Clearing self-release allows students who are already holding a university place to release themselves into Clearing, rather than wait for their original choice of university to release them.
Self-release is available in UCAS Track from early July.
3. I am still unsure of my options and what I should do?
Please do not worry – we are here to help you look at your choices.
Please call us on 020 4509 1460 and we will advise you.
4. What is the most effective way to get a place through Clearing?
The best way to get a place through Clearing is to call the university directly.
Emails can take longer to be answered and places on courses are limited on a first come, first served basis. Be sure to make notes and ask lots of questions when you call.
5. Where can I find my Clearing number?
If you're eligible for Clearing, your UCAS clearing number will appear in UCAS Track.
6. What courses are usually in Clearing?
Almost all our undergraduate and postgraduate courses are available in Clearing.
You can search for the specific course of your choice on our course page search.
7. How will I be taught in September?
After a year of online teaching we are ready to return to campus, but we will be keeping the innovations we've made to ensure we deliver a flexible and personalised approach whether you're on campus or online.
You can find out more about our plans for how we teach.
8. How does Clearing affect my student loan?
If you've already applied for funding but changed your course or university, you need to update your details ASAP.
If you haven't applied for finance yet, you will need to do it straightaway to ensure you receive your first loan in time for September 2021 entry. There is a small possibility you may not get your loan in time. More information can be found on the Student Finance England website.
9. Can international students apply for Clearing?
Yes, international students can apply for Clearing.
If you're interested in applying, check out our international students page where you can find all the relevant information about applying through Clearing.
10. How do I find accommodation whilst going through Clearing?
The University of East London is one of the few London universities to offer on-campus accommodation. Our waterfront halls of residence are comfortable, secure and convenient, and have Clearing accommodation availability.
See our accommodation pages for more information.
The "what" of Clearing
Clearing is an opportunity to secure a place at university. It runs every year from July to September. If you apply late, change your mind or miss out on the requirements of a conditional offer, going through Clearing provides another way to get on to a course and start your academic journey. Students who come to University of East London through Clearing have gone on to achieve first-class grades and inspirational careers.
Read on to find out all about the clearing process, what it is, how it works, how to apply as well as our selections of frequently asked questions about UCAS and Clearing.
What is Clearing?
Clearing is an opportunity to secure a place at university. It runs every year from July to September. If you apply late, change your mind or miss out on the requirements of a conditional offer, going through Clearing provides another way to get on to a course and start your academic journey. Students who come to University of East London through Clearing have gone on to achieve first-class grades and inspirational careers.
Read on to find out all about the clearing process, what it is, how it works, how to apply as well as our selections of frequently asked questions about UCAS and Clearing.
What is UCAS Clearing?
UCAS Clearing matches applicants to university places that are yet to be filled. It's available to anyone who has made a UCAS Undergraduate application and doesn't hold any offers.
What is Clearing Plus?
Clearing Plus is a new system where UCAS will match applicants who haven't accepted any offers or have released themselves through Clearing to similar courses they have applied for in the main cycle.
The UCAS Clearing Plus tool allows you to be matched to appropriate courses that you are interested in at universities that still have availability.
How does Clearing work?
Once you have your results you can either contact universities directly to apply for study starting in September or go through UCAS Clearing.
Who can apply for Clearing?
If any of these scenarios apply to you – then you’re eligible for clearing:
- You want a place at a university in September 2021 but haven't applied yet
- You didn't receive any offers for a course from a university
- You've changed your mind about your course or university
- Your predicted grades didn't go as expected and you haven’t been accepted by your university of choice
How to register for UCAS Clearing
You can register for Clearing through UCAS on Track and either search through the 30,000 available courses or go through Clearing Plus and be matched to courses similar to your previous applications.
If you haven't applied through UCAS you can apply direct to the university of your choice. To apply to University of East London please visit our main Clearing page.
How long does Clearing take?
Applying through Clearing is simple and easy and shouldn’t take longer than 24 hours. The application itself only takes 5 minutes but you may have to send in supporting documents before you are accepted onto a course.
The "when" of Clearing
When is Clearing?
Clearing can feel like a confusing time, but University of East London wants to take some of the stress out of the situation by providing this easy-to-understand guide to the timings around Clearing. Read on to find out all about those all-important UCAS Clearing dates and deadlines.
When does Clearing open?
Clearing opens on 5th July 2021, and if you already have your results, you can apply through Clearing from this date.
If you already hold a place at a university, you can release yourself into clearing and apply via UCAS Track from 6th July.
If you don’t yet have your results and are dependent on the August 10th A-level and BTEC results day, you can still register for UEL's Priority Clearing service, so you can skip the queue on results day.
If you already hold a place at a university, you can release yourself into clearing and apply via UCAS Track from 5th July.
When does Clearing close?
Clearing remains open until there are no longer any vacancies. There is no official UCAS Clearing deadline, although we would recommend applying as soon as you can as courses are on a first-come-first-served basis.
How long does Clearing last?
Although Clearing officially ends on October 19, it will finish when there are no more vacancies left, if this is sooner than October 19.
When can I apply through Clearing?
If you already have your results, you can apply through Clearing from July.
If you are waiting for predicted grades, these will come out on August 10th.
How to apply through Clearing to UEL
How to apply through Clearing to UEL
Step 1: How to choose a course
Have a look at the courses you’re interested in. You can find our Clearing list of courses with places on our course search or the full Clearing vacancy listings for all universities on the UCAS course finder.
Step 2: How to get in touch
Give us a call on +44 (0)20 8223 3333 and one of our helpful advisors will talk you through the process. Try to call us as soon as possible, as Clearing places are competitive. If you can't get through straight away, keep trying. We will answer calls as soon as we can.
Step 3: How to add a Clearing choice on UCAS
You'll find a UCAS Clearing number located on the welcome and choices pages in UCAS Track. As soon as you have this number (and we’ve given you a verbal offer over the phone), you can officially enter your Clearing choice in UCAS Track.
You'll receive an offer email from us with a link to UCAS Track, or you can log in to UCAS Track directly. Adding your course in UCAS Track confirms your application. You must do this within the timeframe set out in the email we send you.
If you aren't registered with UCAS, give us a call on +44 (0)20 8223 3333 and an adviser will talk you through the steps.
Step 4: Confirming your place
You're in! Your enrolment details will be sent to you via email and we’ll see you in September.
You don't need to reply to a Clearing offer. Once you've added the choice, we'll confirm your place in Track.
How to accept your offer
To find out how to accept your offer, please follow the instructions below
If you are currently in UCAS
Step 1: Once we've given you a verbal offer over the phone, you can officially enter your Clearing choice in UCAS Track. You'll receive an offer email from us with a link to UCAS track - or login to your UCAS Track account here.
Step 2: Log on to your UCAS Track account and select the 'Your Choices' menu and click the 'Add Clearing Choice' button. This means that you can now refer yourself to the University of East London. However, if you're already holding a firm or insurance offer from another university, you'll have to contact them to release you in order to refer yourself to University of East London.
Step 3: We will process this change as quickly as possible and then UCAS will send you a confirmation email notifying you of the update to your UCAS Track.
Step 4: Book accommodation (if needed)
Step 5: You're in! Your enrolment details will be sent to you via email and we will see you in September!
If you are not in UCAS this academic year
Step 1: Once you've had a verbal offer over the phone you will receive a confirmation email from us with the detail of your offer. The email will contain a link to a UCAS registration form for you to complete and return to us within 48 hours. Once we've received the completed UCAS registration form, we'll contact you if anything is unclear.
Step 2: You're in! Your enrolment details will be sent to you via email and we will see you in September!
Student finance and Clearing
Student finance and Clearing
Once you have accepted your offer through Clearing you should apply for student finance, or if you have already applied then make sure you update the details of your university and choice.
More information on fees and funding can be found on our pages here.
A-levels and Clearing FAQs
When Do A-Level Results come out?
UK A-level results for 2021 will be published on the originally planned date – Tuesday 10 August 2021. This includes Scottish A-level results this year.
Exam results day can be an emotional and stressful time, so we’ve created a Clearing guide to help you navigate UCAS results day.
Hopefully you’ll get the exam results you were expecting but if you miss out there are plenty of options for your future.
1. What time do the A-Level results come out?
Your school or college should have contacted you to let you know what to expect on the day. You will either be going into school, receive an e-mail or log in to the UCAS Portal. UCAS opening time on results day is 8am so your A-level results for 2021 can be received anytime from then.
2. When do AS results come out?
AS Level results come out on 10 August from 8am and for some subjects will be counted as stand-alone qualifications. AS results day will run in a similar manner as A-level results day and if you are unhappy with the predicted grade received, you can sit the exam further in the year.
3. How will A-level results be awarded in 2021?
This year's results are going to be very different because Covid-19 has meant students were not able to sit their exams.
Schools and colleges across the UK will have to predict the grades they think their students would get and then send these over to exam boards who have taken into account data from previous years before awarding the appropriate grades.
4. Can I get my A-level results online?
You can check your A-level results for 2021 via UCAS, your school's portal or via e-mail.
5. When do universities receive A-level results?
Universities receive A-level results a few days in advance of results day to give us plenty of time to inform UCAS of our decision in advance. UCAS then publish the decisions on results day.
6. Do universities email students on results day?
Sometimes you may receive a welcome e-mail from your first choice University as a welcome. Universities won't e-mail students their results so it is always worth checking on UCAS Track.
7. When does UCAS Track update on results day?
Track updated at 8am on results day, which for 2021 is still not confirmed. If decisions have been made by your university choices, and UCAS have been notified, you can expect to see the following changes to offers on your Track:
- Unconditional - your place on the course has been confirmed. This may be your firm or insurance offer, or both.
- Unsuccessful - you've not been accepted by your choice(s). You're now eligible to enter Clearing.
- Unconditional Changed Course (UCC) - you don't have the necessary grades for your offer, but the university has proposed a similar course requiring lower grades. They may also offer an alternative start date, such as deferred entry. You have five days to decide and can discuss the opportunity with the university in question.
8. Can employers check A-level results?
Employers can ask for your certificates but are unable to check your A-level results without your consent.
9. Your results day checklist
The more prepared you are ahead of results day, the more relaxed you will be on the day.
This way you are more likely to make the right decisions. Check out our results day checklist to make sure you’re well prepared:
- Keep the day free
- Make sure you check what time your school or college opens
- Organise all your UCAS documents ahead of time
- List back-up courses you would be interested in studying
- Make sure your phone and laptop are fully charged
10. I didn't get the results I wanted. What can I do now?
No need to panic – there are still plenty of options available to you through Clearing. Call your University of choice and see what they can offer you.
11. What does Q mean in exam results?
A Grade Q indicates a pending result and is given when a result cannot be issued at present, but will follow in due course.
BTEC and Clearing FAQs
For more information and to speak to one of our team about your options call us on 020 4509 1460 or apply directly to university of East London please visit our clearing pages.
Exam results day can be an emotional and stressful time, so we’ve created this helpful guide to help you navigate college results day. Hopefully you’ll get the exam results you were expecting but if you miss out there are plenty of options for your future.
1. When do BTEC results come out?
UK BTEC results for 2021 will be published on 10 August 2021. Some BTEC results may be received in July meaning you have a few extra weeks to get on with your university application.
BTEC results will be available from 8am on the day.
2. How will BTEC results be awarded in 2021?
BTEC results will be awarded based on the work you have done so far. Some students whose BTEC qualifications are tied to practical work may have to undergo an assessment to obtain full qualifications.
3. How do I get my BTEC results?
BTEC Students will be told by their respective school or college whether you need to go in to get your results, log in to an online portal or be emailed them directly. Check with your school or college ahead of time.
4. When do universities get BTEC results?
For those BTEC students that have applied to University, your institution will be able to view your results from mid-July.
5. When does UCAS Track update on BTEC results day?
Track updated at 8am on results day, which for 2021 is August 24th. If decisions have been made by your university choices, and UCAS have been notified, you can expect to see the following changes to offers on your Track:
- Unconditional - your place on the course has been confirmed. This may be your firm or insurance offer, or both.
- Unsuccessful - you've not been accepted by your choice(s). You're now eligible to enter Clearing.
- Unconditional Changed Course (UCC) - you don't have the necessary grades for your offer, but the university has proposed a similar course requiring lower grades. They may also offer an alternative start date, such as deferred entry. You have five days to decide and can discuss the opportunity with the university in question.
6. What to expect on BTEC results day
The more prepared you are ahead of results day the better. Do your research on universities and courses of interest so you have a back-up should your first choice fall through.
Your BTEC results day checklist:
- Keep the day free
- Make sure you check what time your school or college opens
- Organise all your UCAS documents ahead of time
- List back-up courses you would be interested in studying
- Make sure your phone and laptop are fully charged
Check out our Clearing tips for more information and advice
7. I didn’t get the BTEC results I hoped for – what should I do?
No need to panic – there are still plenty of options available to you through Clearing. Call your University of choice and see what they can offer you.
Still not sure?
Get in touch with one of our experts for advice on all things Clearing, university admissions and student finance at study@uel.ac.uk or 020 8223 3333.