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How does Clearing work?

Clearing can be confusing, and if you’re applying for a course through Clearing, it’s completely normal to experience a range of emotions. To help you navigate the process, we’ve broken down how Clearing works, so you can feel confident about what to do next and focus on finding the right path forward. 

Whether you didn’t get the results you were expecting, have decided a change of direction is right for you, or you’re applying to university for the first time, Clearing gives you the opportunity to apply to university courses after general applications close. 

Key dates for Clearing

  • From 1 June: Sign up to join our Early Access Club to get a dedicated Clearing hotline number with fast-track access to our advisors, plus regular emails with advice, guidance, and support. 
  • 30 June: Any applications made after 30 June will automatically be entered into Clearing. 
  • 2 July: Clearing officially opens. If you have your results now, contact us to discuss your options and apply. 
  • 13 August: A-level Results Day – other qualifications, like BTEC and T-Levels, are also released on 13 August. Other course results might vary – you can find out more about when your confirmed results are released on the UCAS website. Contact us as soon as you receive your results. 
  • 15 August: If you receive a Clearing offer from us, you’ll be invited to our Clearing Visit Day on Saturday 15 August – the perfect chance to explore our campus, check out our facilities, and start picturing yourself here. 
  • August: We’ll continue to make offers for available courses through Clearing throughout August – although it’s best to get in touch as soon as you get your results because places fill up. If you have accepted a place with us, we’ll start sending out registration emails in the second half of August. 
  • September: Your course begins! You’ll receive exact information about your timetable early in September, before Welcome and Induction Week starts. 

Your step-by-step guide to Clearing

How does Clearing work? If this is a question you’re looking to answer, we’ve listed the steps involved, from researching your options to confidently accepting your Clearing place. 

  1. Search for your course 

Whether you need to use Clearing because you haven’t applied yet, have changed your mind about your original choices, or are worried about not getting the grades you need, it’s important to start researching your options. This means looking at which universities offer the course you’re interested in and whether there are still places available in Clearing.  

To do this, visit our course search page. You can research course options before 2 July, but you won’t be able to apply to any until Clearing opens and you have your exam results.  

  1. Calculate your UCAS tariff points 

When you apply through Clearing, you’ll need to know how many UCAS Tariff points you have. Our Clearing call handlers will use this to tell you whether you have enough points to meet the course entry requirements. UCAS Tariff points turn your qualifications (like A-levels or BTECs) into a single score. 
 
So, when you’ve got your results, use our UCAS Tariff Points Calculator to work out your points, then have this information ready when you get in touch. If you’re not sure whether your tariff points will meet our requirements, it’s still worth contacting us – we can talk you through your options.

  1. Get ready to apply 

Before you apply, make sure you have everything you need, including: 

  • The courses you're interested in 
  • Your UCAS Personal ID 
  • Details of your academic qualifications, including GCSEs, A-Levels, and BTECs 
  • Your UCAS Tariff points 
  • A pen and paper to write down any important details 

Having this ready can help make the process quicker and less stressful when you speak to us.

  1. Apply through Clearing 

To apply through Clearing, call our Clearing hotline. Calling us is the fastest way to speak to us and secure your offer, but you can also request a call back, or apply online. We'll publish our Clearing hotline opening times soon. We usually open longer on results days.

Course places can fill quickly, so we recommend getting in touch as soon as you receive your exam results. Our team is here to talk things through and help you understand your options. 

  1. Receive your offer in Clearing 

During the call, we’ll ask a few questions about you and the course you’re interested in. You can also ask us any questions you have. It’s a two-way conversation, and we’re here to help. If we’re able to offer you a place, you’ll then need to visit the UCAS Applicant Hub and add us as your Clearing choice.  

To do this: 

  • Head to the 'your choices' section 
  • Select 'add Clearing choice' 

If you’ve not applied to any courses through UCAS this year, then you’ll need to use our applicant portal – we’ll send you information on how to do this along with your Clearing offer. 

In some cases, we may ask for additional information to support your application. Once we’ve received everything, we’ll update you on the outcome within five working days. We’ll keep you informed at every step. 

Still got questions?

Our Clearing FAQs explain everything you need to know about the Clearing application process – from general information to what happens after you’ve got your place, as well as giving helpful tips and advice. 

Contact us

University of Salford Clearing team sat at computers with headsets answering calls and enquiries.

If you have a question about studying any of our courses, contact our friendly team today on +44 (0)161 295 4545 or enquiries@salford.ac.uk.