What Courses and Universities Are Available Through Clearing

October is approaching, and your heartbeats must be racing more than usual. The Clearing process is super active, and now is the time for students to gear up. Start by narrowing down exactly which course you want to pursue; no more second-guessing. 

This is a crucial moment to research thoroughly and select the university that aligns with your goals. With everything moving at 2x speed, you need to make quick, smart choices for both course and university and apply without delay. Registered with UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) for the Clearing process. It's not just a backup; it's a strategic tool that unlocks incredible opportunities.

Take quick action; this is your moment. Start contacting universities, check for available vacancies, and make sure you meet the entry requirements. Once you've got your options lined up, stay ready and alert for confirmations. If a university has a spot that fits your profile, don’t wait around. The perfect course at the right uni could be just a few clicks away. Move fast, stay focused, and grab the opportunity while it’s still available. In the rush of the application process, make sure you also secure a place to reside. Student accommodation in the UK offers a wide range of options that suit your lifestyle and budget. Get a guide to secure student accommodation during Clearing and enjoy your university life. 

Russell Group Universities: The Prestigious Options

Congratulations! It’s great news that the Clearing process consistently includes places at prestigious Russell Group universities, opening doors to world-class education and exciting career prospects.

Reality check: Not all the top universities in the UK use clearing. Students need to check the university criteria before applying. 

Russell Group Universities in Clearing 

Russell Group Universities That Don’t Offer Clearing

Course Availability by Subject Area

Let's break down what subjects you'll actually find in Clearing. Every year, thousands of students successfully find places in subjects they’re passionate about.

Highly Available Subjects 

Moderately Available Subjects 

Rarely Available Subjects 

Regional University Breakdown

Where you study matters for lifestyle, costs, and future opportunities. It not only offers a degree but also shapes your personal growth, professional network, and overall university experience. Many universities provide excellent transport options, making it easy and affordable for students to commute. Looking for affordable and accessible options? Get our guide on the student railcard in the UK and explore the surroundings. Here's your regional guide:

London & South East

Premium Options:

• King's College London offers a central location, excellent connections.
• Queen Mary University comes with 290+ Clearing courses.
• Royal Holloway is known for its beautiful campus and strong arts programs.

Scotland

Top Choice:

• The University of Edinburgh offers 317 courses and a stunning city.
• The University of Glasgow has a strong research reputation.
• Students at the University of Stirling get a fabulous campus with excellent student support.

Northern England

Engineering Powerhouses:

• At the University of Sheffield, students get 189+ courses and an excellent student life.
• The University of Leeds has 250+ courses and a vibrant city.
• Newcastle University is known for its friendly atmosphere and incredible support for international students. 

Midlands

Research Excellence:

• The University of Birmingham offers 200+ courses and an impressive campus.
• The University of Nottingham is known for its strong graduate employment.
• Students at Coventry University get modern facilities and industry connections.

Wales & South West

Unique Opportunities:

• Cardiff University is the only Russell Group university in Wales.
• The University of Exeter offers a flawless location, an excellent careers service.
• The University of Bath provides a limited Clearing, but worth checking.

The Clearing Timeline Strategy

Timing is everything in Clearing, get our guide and don't miss out the important dates and deadlines. Here's when different opportunities typically appear. 

July 5 - August 13: The Early Bird Phase

What's Available:

Universities often use Clearing to promote courses that have available international student spaces and less competitive subjects. The key strategy is to research and prepare in advance. International students who receive their results early can take advantage of this and apply now.

August 14 - August 20: The Main Event

What Opens Up:

Clearing offers spaces that open up when students don’t meet their conditional offers, make last-minute changes to their university choices, or when premium course opportunities become available.

August 21 - September 15: The Final Push

What Remains:

With universities reaching enrollment targets, unique opportunities may still be available for flexible students, including foundation year options. Strategy: Be open to alternative routes to your goal.

Accommodation Options 

Finding the right place to live during your university journey is just as important as choosing the right course. Get a guide to secure student accommodation during Clearing and make sure you don’t miss out on the best options.

University Halls:
Often located on or near campus, university halls provide a supportive environment designed specifically for students. Living in halls is a great way to meet new people and settle into university life quickly.

Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA):
PBSA offers modern, fully furnished rooms with a range of amenities. These accommodations are popular among international students for their flexible contracts and excellent support services. Purpose-built student accommodation is often located in prime city centre spots, providing easy access to transport, shops, and entertainment.

Private Rentals:
For students who prefer more independence, private rentals offer the chance to live off-campus in shared houses or flats. While these can sometimes be more affordable, it’s important to consider additional costs like bills and internet, which may not be included in rent.

Quality Reality: Clearing vs Regular Admission

Academic Quality Comparison

Subject-Specific Strategies

Each subject requires a unique Clearing approach. It's important to understand the requirements, prepare your documents, and tailor your application based on the course. 

Engineering Students

Best Opportunities:

• Sheffield, Birmingham, and Southampton are consistently available
• Many universities offer foundation year entry
• Strong graduate employment rates

Pro Tip: Consider related fields like Computer Science or Mathematics if your first choice fills up.

Business Students

Wide Availability:

• Most universities offer business-related courses
• Joint honours provide unique combinations
• International business is increasingly popular

Hidden Gems: Look for specialised business courses like Digital Marketing or Sustainable Business.

Arts & Humanities Students

Quality Options:

• Durham, Edinburgh, and Birmingham are regularly available
• Often lower competition than the sciences
• Excellent postgraduate progression rates

Strategy: Consider joint honours to combine interests and increase options.

Science Students

Research Opportunities:

• Russell Group universities offer excellent lab facilities
• Many courses include placement years
• Strong links to industry and graduate schools

Alternative Routes: If Medicine/Dentistry is unavailable, consider Biomedical Sciences as a stepping stone.

Your 48-Hour Clearing Action Plan

When you get your results and need to move fast, just start by checking your UCAS status and available Clearing vacancies.

Hour 1-4: Assessment & Research

• Check UCAS Hub for Clearing eligibility
• Review your backup course list
• Check the latest availability on university websites
• Prepare all documents 

Hour 5-12: University Contact Phase

• Call your top 3 university choices
• Have specific questions ready about courses
• Take detailed notes during conversations
• Ask about accommodation options

Hour 13-24: Decision Making

• Compare the offers received
• Research university locations and facilities
• Discuss with family/advisors

Hour 25-48: Confirmation & Next Steps

• Add your chosen course to UCAS Hub
• Confirm university offer acceptance
• Apply for accommodation immediately
• Start the visa process 
• Celebrate your success! 

Final Words

Clearing isn't Plan B - it's an opportunity. With 26,000+ courses and 18 Russell Group universities actively recruiting, you have incredible options ahead of you. Research early and don’t wait for results day to explore your options. Stay open-minded, as your perfect course might be somewhere unexpected.