As students across
the country picked up their A Level results today, a team
of more than 300 experts at Northumbria University, Newcastle, are guiding those
looking to secure a university place through the Clearing process.
The team of trained individuals are on hand to
reassure, answer questions and help students through the Clearing, Adjustment
and Confirmation process.
Within hours of phone lines opening at 7am this morning, the University had
already seen huge demand for its courses with thousands of calls from
prospective students.
With a limited number of places available through Clearing, the team is encouraging
students who either didn’t get the grades they were hoping for, or who have
done better than expected, to get in touch to discuss the options open to them.
Last year, the University’s Clearing hotline received almost 5,000 calls on A
level results day, almost half of them within the first three hours. This year
the university is expecting a similar number of calls and will have 117 hotlines
open in its Clearing hub, staffed by academics and staff and student volunteers.
The team is offering support to students, as recent
survey findings showed that two thirds nationally (66%) were worried that they
wouldn’t get the grades they need to get their university place. The independent
survey, commissioned by Northumbria University, also found that there was a
lack of awareness around the options available to students when they receive
their results.
40% of students surveyed didn’t fully understand the Clearing process and the
vital role it can play, while 79% admitted they didn’t fully understand
the role of Adjustment – the process by which students can change course or
university if they get better results than predicated.
Stephen Welsh, undergraduate marketing manager at Northumbria
University, said: “It’s natural for students to feel nervous on A Level results
day, but we’re reminding them that whatever happens, they have options
available.
“Clearing is a popular way for students to secure their place on an excellent
course and match them to a university that suits their needs, however we’re
finding there’s still a lack of understanding about how the process works.
“We have a big team on the ground here in our Clearing Hub, manning the phones
and talking to thousands of students about the options open to them through
Clearing and Adjustment. Adjustment is a growing trend whereby high achieving
students, who might have done better than expected, can now secure a place at
an alternative university or course during the Clearing process.
“Demand for our courses is high and we’re receiving a large number of calls
with students keen to secure their place through Clearing or Adjustment. We
welcome any students who would like to talk to us to give our Clearing hotline
a call and one of the team will be able to chat to them about the options
available to them, based on their individual situation.”
Dr Mark Moss, Head of Psychology at
Northumbria University, has some reassuring words for students picking up their
A Level results today. He said: “Staying positive by not catastrophising is important.
Many young people go through the process, but if you do find yourself in an
unexpected situation, it’s a good idea to keep an open mind, be proactive and
consider all your options. Try not to get stressed and overwhelmed – remember
not to think worst case scenario.
“If you don’t get the grades you’d hoped for, it’s really not the end of the
process – think of it as an opportunity to reassess things, think creatively
about your options and perhaps move in a new and exciting direction. You may
get into your course anyway, but if not, many students gain a place at
university through Clearing and lots of them end up feeling like it’s the best
thing that could have happened. It’s a good idea to look carefully and with a
clear head at what other options are out there.
“The best way to experience the university you are considering is to visit it,
meet staff and students and view the facilities and accommodation. At
Northumbria, we offer students the chance to come along to our campus tours and
open house events running today, tomorrow and Saturday, to get a feel for the
university and city as a whole.”
Northumbria has a global reputation for
academic excellence and places a strong emphasis on overall student experience.
It is ranked 48th in the Guardian University
League Table – its highest ever position.
Alastair Reekie, Head of Accommodation at
Northumbria University, said: “We know that choosing where to live while
studying is a big decision and it’s always best to explore all your options.
That’s why at Northumbria we make it as easy as possible for students and
support them throughout the process. At Northumbria we guarantee safe and
affordable accommodation within walking distance of the campus for all our
first year students, including those who join us through Clearing. Once a
student accepts a Clearing offer from us through UCAS you can book
accommodation within 24 hours, and often even quicker.”
Student Deri Ford, 19, from Ulverston, Cumbria, lost out on her firm choice of
university after discovering her initial grades weren’t as she’d expected.
Luckily she had prepared a ‘Plan B’ and secured a place at Northumbria
University to study a BA in Psychology at Northumbria last year.
Deri said: “Applying through Clearing was so straightforward and I had
confirmation of my place by lunchtime on results day. The staff on the helpline
made it feel like a really simple process. I was so relieved that I could sort
out my future in just a morning. The Clearing team who looked after my
application took the stress right out of everything.
“When I got confirmation that I had a place at university through Clearing, it
was such a relief. I’d already done my research so knew the University offered
an excellent programme in Psychology, plus I’d visited a few times and just
loved the city.”
21-year-old Alexia Savar, from Leeds, had originally applied to another university
to study Law. However, while taking part in a summer school in Newcastle while
awaiting her A level results she changed her mind having found out about an
Integrated Masters course at Northumbria University. The MLaw (Exempting)
course covers both the theory of law as well as the professional skills needed
to succeed as a solicitor, meeting the requirements of a Qualifying Law Degree.
Alexia said: “I had researched the course in advance and knew it would be
perfect for me so as soon as the Clearing hotline opened on results day I
called the University to see if I could get a place. I was able to talk to the
course leader which allowed me to ask questions and reassured me I was
definitely making the right choice. I already had the points required for the
MLaw course so was offered a place while on the phone. Once I got in touch with
the University the whole process of changing my course was relatively quick and
straightforward.
“Changing my mind quite late in the application process was a bit scary and it
did mean I had to be released from my original course through UCAS before I
could accept my new course at Northumbria. But I’m really glad I did as I’m
really enjoying the course and I know I made the right decision.”
When asked what advice she would give to other students considering applying to
university through the Clearing process, Alexia said: “Make sure you research
the course you’re interested in beforehand if possible and have a list of any
questions at the ready when you call in. Other than that just try and stay calm
as the people on the other end of the phone will do everything they can to help
you.”
NU Clearing 2018 from Northumbria University on Vimeo.
