University, UCAS & Clearing

Thinking about university?

This page brings together the key information, guidance and resources you need to research your options, make a strong application and understand what happens on results day.

You do not need to have everything figured out straight away. Choosing what to do after sixth form is a process. Start by exploring your options, researching what interests you and speaking to people who can help.

Why university?

University can be a great option if you want to study a subject in greater depth, gain a degree-level qualification or work towards a career that requires a degree.

University could offer you:

The opportunity to study a subject you are passionate about in greater depth
A qualification required for certain careers and professions
Access to placements, internships, work experience and industry opportunities
Opportunities to develop your independence, confidence and transferable skills
The chance to meet new people and experience life in a different city or part of the country
Access to careers services, societies, volunteering and extracurricular activities

However, university isn't the only route to a successful career. Apprenticeships, degree apprenticeships, further education, employment, professional qualifications and other routes can also lead to rewarding careers.

Equally, a degree alone does not make you 100% employable! Expect to combine your degree with practical work experiences, internships, networking and industry links to build up your professional portfolio. Graduate employment is becoming increasingly competitive. The latest graduate outcomes data shows graduate unemployment rising, while the proportion of graduates moving directly into professional-level employment has fallen.

Two graduates can leave university with the same degree classification, but one may have completed internships, attended industry events, developed professional contacts and built a portfolio of relevant experience — while the other has focused almost entirely on their academic work.

Your degree gets you through the door. Your experience, skills and professional connections can help you get through the interview.

This means that simply graduating with a degree is no longer enough to stand out in a competitive job market.

Before applying, think about what you want to achieve rather than simply whether you think you should go to university.

Questions to ask yourself

What subjects or areas am I interested in?
What careers could I see myself doing?
Does my chosen career require a degree?
Would an apprenticeship or degree apprenticeship suit me better?
What grades am I likely to achieve?
What courses and universities could I realistically apply to?
Where would I like to live and study?
What will university cost and what financial support could I receive?

Researching universities and courses

Don't choose a university based solely on its reputation or league table position. The course itself is one of the most important things to research.

When comparing courses, look at:

Entry requirements
Course content and modules
Assessment methods
Placements and work experience opportunities
Accreditation and professional recognition
Graduate outcomes and career opportunities
Location and campus
Accommodation and living costs
Student support
Transport links
Student life, societies and extracurricular opportunities

Open Days

Open days are one of the best ways to find out whether a university is right for you. Where possible, visit universities before making your final decisions.

You can use the UCAS Open Days and Events search to find upcoming opportunities.

Useful link: UCAS Open Days and Events

What is UCAS?

UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) is the organisation that manages applications to higher education courses in the UK.

If you are applying for most undergraduate university courses, you will make your application through UCAS.

Your application includes information such as:

Your personal details
Your education and qualifications
Your course choices
Your employment and experience
Your personal statement
Your reference

You can apply to up to five choices on most undergraduate UCAS applications.

Your application is not simply about getting the highest grades. Universities will also want to see that you understand why you have chosen your course and why you are suited to studying it.

Your UCAS journey

1. Research - Explore courses, universities and entry requirements

2. Decide -Choose your courses and make a shortlist

3. Apply - Complete your UCAS application with support from school

4. Receive offers - Universities make decisions about your application

5. Choose your options - Select your Firm and Insurance choices

6. Results day - Your results determine whether your university place is confirmed

7. Start university - Complete your enrolment and begin your course

Your personal statement

Your personal statement is your opportunity to explain why you want to study your chosen subject and what makes you a strong applicant.

Think beyond simply saying that you are "passionate" about a subject. Use specific examples to demonstrate your interest.

You could include:

Wider reading
Podcasts, lectures or documentaries
Relevant work experience
Volunteering
Subject-related projects
Competitions or events
Relevant employment
Skills you have developed
What you have learned from your experiences
Your ambitions for the future

Remember: it is not about listing everything you have ever done. Focus on the experiences that demonstrate your interest, understanding, skills and suitability for the course.

Useful link: UCAS Personal Statement Guide

Student Finance:

You don't normally have to pay your university tuition fees upfront.

Home fee status students can apply for student finance to help with tuition fees and living costs. The amount of support you receive can depend on factors such as your household income, where you study and your circumstances.

You should research student finance early so that you understand:

Tuition fee loans
Maintenance loans
Repayments
Additional support you may be eligible for
University scholarships and bursaries
Living costs and budgeting

What happens after I apply on UCAS?

Universities may make you a conditional offer, meaning you will need to achieve certain grades or qualifications, or an unconditional offer, meaning your place is offered without specific academic conditions.

You may also be invited to:

Attend an interview
Complete an admissions test
Submit additional work
Attend an audition
Complete a portfolio review

If you receive offers, you will normally select:

Firm choice: Your first choice university.
Insurance choice: Your backup choice if you do not meet the conditions of your Firm choice.

Choose your Insurance choice carefully. It should be a course and university that you would genuinely be happy to attend, not simply the course with the lowest entry requirements.

Results Day & Confirmation

Results day can feel stressful, but remember that not getting the exact grades you expected does not necessarily mean your university plans are over.

If you meet the conditions of your Firm choice, your place will normally be confirmed.

If you narrowly miss your offer, the university may still accept you. Check UCAS before assuming that your place has been lost.

If your Firm choice cannot offer you a place, you may be able to attend your Insurance choice.

And if neither option works out, Clearing may provide another route into university.

What is Clearing?

Clearing is a UCAS service that helps universities and colleges fill places on courses that still have vacancies.

It can be used by students who:

Did not receive any offers
Declined their offers
Did not meet the conditions of their Firm and Insurance choices
Applied after the main application deadline
Have changed their mind and want to explore other courses

Clearing is not a list of "bad" universities or courses. Places can become available for many different reasons, and students can find excellent opportunities through Clearing.

Information for Parents & Carers

Parents and carers can play an important role in supporting students with university decisions and applications.

UCAS provides guidance covering: