How Clearing works on results day
Find out what to do on results day - including calling universities and accepting an offer.
What happens on results day?
When you receive your grades, log on to UCAS Hub to find out whether your university place is confirmed. Whether your place is confirmed or not, there are now various options open to you:
You've got your grades, you're in
If you achieved the required grades to meet your firm or insurance choice, then you’ve got a university place.
Congratulations!
Your offer will change from ‘conditional’ to ‘unconditional’ on UCAS Hub and soon after results day, you’ll receive confirmation from UCAS and your chosen university confirming your place.
You’ve not met your offer conditions, but you’ve secured a place
We know that results day is a big deal and we'll be on hand to support you every step of the way.
If you’ve only just missed the required tariff points (or any other offer requirements) for your firm and/or insurance choice, the university may still offer you a place. If so, UCAS Hub will show your offer being changed from ‘conditional’ to ‘unconditional’.
Sometimes a university may offer you a different course than the one you applied for. Consider this and call them if you want to talk it through. UCAS Hub will show the deadline to accept this new offer by.
You’ve not met your offer conditions and not secured a place
You can now apply for a course through Clearing, where you can find an alternative university and/or course.
Read our results day and clearing advice.
With so many courses available through Clearing, you may find it helpful to use Clearing Plus. Through this UCAS can match you with a list of courses that may interest you using your original application and what they know the universities are looking for. Anyone who doesn’t have a firm place can take advantage of Clearing Plus and if you’re eligible you’ll see a ‘See matches’ option in your application. Once selected, you can express an interest in a course and that university can contact you.
Please remember, courses in Clearing fill up quickly, and you may not always receive a call. It’s best to keep your options open and do your own research as well. If you see a course you like then go ahead and contact the university directly.
You've got your grades but changed your mind
You may have achieved the grades you need but be reconsidering where or what you want to study this September. Clearing can be an opportunity to change your mind and apply somewhere new.
If you change your mind, you can use the ‘Decline my place’ button in UCAS Hub. This will release you into Clearing – you will lose the offers you are currently holding and will be able to apply to another university through Clearing.
"The call to UWE Bristol during Clearing was simple. I just had to say the course I wanted to do and the grades I had received. They gave me all the information I needed to apply and happily answered all my questions. I even got a call from the course leader to go through what the course entailed in more detail."
Maisy BSc(Hons) Biomedical Science
Next steps
Calling the university after you've received your results
You may decide to apply to university through Clearing. You may feel nervous but try not to worry as admissions staff know how nerve wracking it all is and they’ll guide you through the process and make you feel at ease.
We recommend you do the following to prepare yourself before you call. So grab a pen and paper and note down:
- your UCAS personal ID number
- personal details (address, postcode, telephone number, email and date of birth)
- exam results, with a breakdown of grades
- GCSE results
- the course title(s) and code(s) you’re enquiring about
- your Personal Statement, as this will highlight your skills and strengths, and you may wish to refer to it while you’re on the phone
- a list of questions you’d like to ask about the university. At UWE Bristol, we want you to make the right decision for you so we’re always happy to answer any queries about our courses, campuses, or any concerns you may have. That way, you’re more likely to find the right university and course for you.
Depending on the university, they may ask some questions to learn a little more about you. At UWE Bristol, we’ll usually ask you why you’re interested in the course you’re applying for, and give you the chance to show you have some knowledge of the course, and of the university itself.
We also recommend that you’re prepared to attend an interview at short notice. If you’re applying for an art, health-related or a teaching course with us, we advise that you’re flexible as interview dates can be limited.
Accepting a Clearing offer
After you receive your results, you may choose to apply to university through Clearing.
If we make you a UWE Bristol Clearing offer, we’ll email you to confirm all the details within 15 minutes. This email will detail everything you then need to do to accept the offer, plus a deadline by which you need to accept. If you don’t receive our offer email within 15 minutes, check your spam folder to see if it's there, and if it’s not please contact us.
Clearing is a competitive process, but don’t feel pressured to accept a place straight away. Take some time to think through your options. All we ask is that if you want to take us up on our offer (and we really hope you will), please do so before the acceptance deadline.
When you’ve made the decision to accept a UWE Bristol Clearing offer, go to UCAS Hub to confirm your choice – and then we’ll look forward to welcoming you at UWE Bristol soon.
Clearing applicant events
If we make you a Clearing offer, you will receive an invite to a range of clearing events to help you find out more about UWE Bristol. These include:
- Accommodation webinars
- Money advice webinars
- Disability services webinars
- Campus tours.
Any questions about Clearing?
Our friendly Admissions team is available if you have any questions about Clearing. Call us now on +44 (0)117 32 83333.
Our phone line opening times are:
- Monday – Thursday – 09:00–17:00
- Friday – 09:00–16:30
- Saturday and Sunday – closed.
You may also be interested in
Clearing
Study at UWE Bristol this September. Find out more about Clearing and key dates.
Clearing advice
There a few things you can do ahead of results day to prepare yourself if you think that you may have to apply to university through Clearing.
Clearing accommodation support
Find out what accommodation options are available when applying through Clearing.