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About This Edition Of Loud! Welcome to this special edition of Loud! Magazine. In this issue we have covered two main topics; studying abroad and clearing.


Clearing You will find fantastic advice from organisations like UCAS and The Student Room to guide you through the process. You will also find a complete directory of every single clearing hotline number and website in the UK. Our guide gives you the info you need without over complicating the process, so that you can act fast and make the right choices.


Studying Abroad With tuition fees now at over £9,000 to go to most UK universities, students are now more than ever looking into the possibilities offered by studying abroad. We focus on the incredible opportunities both European and Australian universities are now offering students from the UK.


University of Bristol Web: http://www.bristol.ac.uk/results Email: ug-admissions@bristol.ac.uk Tel: 0117 928 9000


University of the West of England, Bristol


Web: http://www.uwe.ac.uk/ whatcanistudy/clearing


Email: clearing@uwe.ac.uk Tel: 0117 32 83333


Email: debbie.millns@buckingham.ac.uk Tel: 01280 820299


Buckinghamshire New University Web: http://www.bucks.ac.uk Email: advice@bucks.ac.uk Tel: 0800 0565 660


Brunel University Web: http://www.brunel.ac.uk/clearing/ Email: clearing@brunel.ac.uk Tel: 01895 272273


CLEARING HOTLINE NUMBERS AND WEBSITES


University of Cambridge Web: http://www.study.cam.ac.uk/ undergraduate/ Email: admissions@cam.ac.uk Tel: 01223 333308


The University of Buckingham Web: http://www.buckingham. ac.uk/clearing Additional contacts: http://www.buckingham. ac.uk/clearing/contact.html


Canterbury Christ Church University Web: http://www.canterbury.ac.uk/clearing Email: admissions@canterbury.ac.uk Tel: 01227 540980


The University of Aberdeen Web: http://www.abdn.ac.uk/clearing Email: clearing@abdn.ac.uk Tel: 01224 273504


University of Abertay Dundee Web: http://www.abertay.ac.uk/ applying/clearing Email: sro@abertay.ac.uk Tel: 01382 308080


Aberystwyth University Web: http://www.aber.ac.uk/en/ clearing-update Email: clearing@aber.ac.uk/ adjustment@aber.ac.uk Tel: 01970622000


Cardiff University Web: http://www.cardiff.ac.uk/clearing Email: clearing@cardiff.ac.uk Tel: 029 20 876000


Courtauld Institute of Art (University of London) Web: http://www.courtauld.ac.uk Email: ugadmissions@courtauld.ac.uk Tel: 020 7848 2645 Coventry University Web: http://www.coventry.ac.uk/clearing Email: studentenquiries@coventry.ac.uk Tel: 02476 791 791


Bedford College Web: http://www.bedford. ac.uk/


our_courses/clearing_2009.aspx Email: jskelley@bedford.ac.uk Tel: 01234 291902


University for the Creative Arts Web: http://www.ucreative.ac.uk/clearing Email: clearing@ucreative.ac.uk Tel: 0800 068 0088


University of Cumbria web: http://www.cumbria.ac.uk/clearing email: clearing@cumbria.ac.uk tel: 08080 024024


Cardiff Metropolitan University (UWIC) Web: http://www.cardiffmet. ac.uk/clearing Email: askadmissions@cardiffmet.ac.uk Tel: 0300 3300755


Web: http://www.aston.ac.uk/clearing Email: clearing@aston.ac.uk Tel: 0121 204 4444 Bangor University Web: http://www.bangor.ac.uk/ Email: clearing@bangor.ac.uk Tel: 0800 085 1818 / 0800 328 5763 (Welsh Language)


University of Central Lancashire Web: http://www.uclan.ac.uk Email: uadmissions@uclan.ac.uk Tel: 01772 830777


Tel: 020 8090 3020


American InterContinental University Web: http://www.aiulondon.ac.uk Email: admissions@aiulondon.ac.uk Tel: 020 7467 5650


Amersham & Wycombe College Web: http://www.amersham.ac.uk Email: bcotterell@amersham.ac.uk Tel: 01494 585555 Contact: Barbara Cotterell


Anglia Ruskin University Web: http://www.anglia.ac.uk/clearing Email: answers@anglia.ac.uk Tel: 0845 2713333


Aston University, Birmingham


University of Chester Web: http://www.chester.ac.uk Email: admissions@chester.ac.uk Tel: 08081 442249 / 08081 442251 / 01244 512528


University of Bath Web: http://www.bath.ac.uk/clearing/ Email: ask-admissions@bath.ac.uk Tel: 01225 383019


University of Chichester Web: http://www.chi.ac.uk/clearing Email: admissions@chi.ac.uk Tel: 01243 816001


City University Web: http://www.city.ac.uk/clearing Email: clearing@city.ac.uk Tel: 020 7040 8877


University of Bedfordshire Web: http://www. beds.ac.uk/clearing Email: clearing@ beds.ac.uk Tel: 0800 013 0925


Bath Spa University Web: http://www.bathspa.ac.uk/clearing Additional contacts: http://www.bathspa. ac.uk/services/student-services/prospective- students/your-application/ Email: admissions@bathspa.ac.uk Tel: 01225


875875


Barking and Dagenham College Web: http://www.


barkingdagenhamcollege.ac.uk Email: engagement.services@ barkingdagenhamcollege.ac.uk


De Montfort University Web: http://www.dmu.ac.uk/clearing Tel: 0116 2577000


Birkbeck, University of London Web: http://www.bbk.ac.uk Email: clearing@bbk.ac.uk Tel: 0207 631 6810


Birmingham City University Web: http://www.bcu.ac.uk/student- info/how-to-apply/clearing Additional contacts: http://www.bcu. ac.uk/student-info/open-days Email: clearing@bcu.ac.uk Tel: 0121 331 6777


University of Derby Web: http://www.derby.ac.uk/clearing Email: askadmissions@derby.ac.uk Tel: 01332 592012


Edge Hill University Web: http://www.edgehill.ac.uk/clearing Email: clearing@edgehill.ac.uk Tel: 0800 0286677


The University of Edinburgh Web: http://www.ed.ac.uk/studying/ undergraduate/2011/ucas/clearing Email: sra.enquiries@ed.ac.uk Tel: 0131 650 4360


Edinburgh Napier University Web: http://www.napier.ac.uk/clearing Email: clearing@napier.ac.uk Tel: 08452 606040


The University of Essex (E70) Web: http://www.essex.ac.uk/clearing/ Additional contacts: http://www.essex.ac.uk/ clearing/contact.aspx Email: clearing@essex.ac.uk Tel: 01206 873666


Tel: 01254 292594 option 2


Birmingham Metropolitan College Web: http://www.bmetc.ac.uk/ Email: faye.perryman@bmetc.ac.uk Tel: 0121 446 4545 ext 5329 Contact: Faye Perryman


University of Dundee Web: http://www.dundee.ac.uk/clearing/ Tel: 01382 386 386


Durham University Web: http://www.dur.ac.uk/undergraduate/ august/vacancies/ Email: clearing@durham.ac.uk Tel: 0191 3340740


University of East Anglia Web: http://www.uea.ac.uk/clearing Email: clearing@uea.ac.uk Tel: 01603 591515


The University of Birmingham Web: http://www.birmingham.ac.uk Email: admissions@bham.ac.uk Tel: 0121 414 2222


University College Birmingham Web: http://www.ucb.ac.uk/clearing Email: admissions@ucb.ac.uk Tel: 0800 073 1472


University of East London (E28) Web: http://www.uel.ac.uk/clearing Email: study@uel.ac.uk Tel: 020 8223 3333


Bishop Burton College Web: http://www.bishopburton.ac.uk/ Email: margaret.grayson@bishopb- college.ac.uk Tel: 01964 553028


European Business School, London Web: http://www.ebslondon.ac.uk Email: exrel@regents.ac.uk Tel: 0207 487 7505


European School of Economics Web: http://www.eselondon.ac.uk Email: r.yaneva@eselondon.ac.uk Tel: 020 7245 6148


University of Exeter Web: http://www.exeter.ac.uk/ undergraduate/clearing/ Email: admissions@exeter.ac.uk Tel: 08446200012 (UK) / 01392723044 (international)


University College Falmouth Web: http://www.falmouth.ac.uk Email: admissions@falmouth.ac.uk Tel: 01326213730


Bishop Grosseteste University College Lincoln Web: http://www.bishopg.ac.uk/?_id=10237 Email: Admissions@bishopg.ac.uk Tel: 07903 680966


Blackpool and The Fylde College Web: http://www.blackpool.ac.uk Email: admissions@blackpool.ac.uk Tel: 01253 504322


University of Bolton Web: http://www2.bolton.ac.uk/clearing Email: clearing@bolton.ac.uk Tel: 01204 903030


Bournemouth University Web: http://www.bournemouth. ac.uk/clearing Email: askbuenquiries@bournemouth.ac.uk Tel: 01202 524111


University of Glamorgan, Cardiff and Pontypridd Web: http://www.glam.ac.uk/clearing/


Blackburn College Web: http://


BPP University College Of Professional Studies Web: http://undergraduate.bpp.com/ clearing-support.htm Email: admissions@bpp.com Tel: 0845 077 5566


The University of Bradford Web: http://www.bradford.ac.uk/clearing Email: clearing@bradford.ac.uk Tel: 0800 073 1225


Bradford College


Web: http://www.bradfordcollege. ac.uk/clearing


www.blackburn.ac.uk Email: he-admissions@blackburn.ac.uk


Make sure that you have your Clearing Number (this will be displayed on UCAS Track) also have your UCAS number and your results to hand.


CLEARING ADVICE AND TIPS Just in case


CLEARING GIVES SECOND CHANCE FOR VET HOSPITAL


Amy Thomas was unsure of her academic future when she was applying for a university place this time last year. Having taken a number of A-Levels to fulfil the criteria to study to be a vet she missed out on a place at the Royal Veterinary College by falling just short with her grades.


Not to be deterred, Amy, now 20, started looking at other options immediately. “I heard about the University of Surrey’s Veterinary Biosciences degree and was immediately intrigued as very few universities outside of veterinary schools offer this type of training,” she explained. “I also realised after I’d done a bit of research what a great offer the University of Surrey has, and what a fantastic place it would be to come and study.”


Amy, from East Sussex, identified the course at the University of Surrey and was determined to make use of the opportunities brought by Clearing. “I was really disappointed not to get into the


Royal Veterinary College. I’m a really hard worker and felt that I was being judged too harshly on my A-Level results alone and not enough on my other capabilities. Clearing has given me the chance to prove to myself and others that I can excel in this area of study. I did really well in my first year and I’m continuing to learn and develop. I don’t have any regrets about how things have turned out and am loving life at Surrey.”


In retrospect, Amy sees Clearing as being a positive turning point in her life. “Clearing forced me to think very hard about what I wanted to do and it steered me in a different direction which I’m now really happy with. By studying Veterinary Biosciences I am getting the experience I need to either continue down the research route or at a later date, pick up the option of becoming a vet. I’m delighted with how everything has turned out.”


The University of Surrey’s Clearing hotline will open as soon as A-level results are announced on Thursday 16th August 2012.


The University of Surrey’s Clearing hotline number is 0800 052 2248 and the lines will be open from 7am. In addition, students will be able to access a dedicated Clearing portal from Wednesday 1st August at www.surrey.ac.uk/clearing. There will be a live online chat from 9am on


CLEARING THE RIGHT PATH From Literary Beginnings To Mental Health Nursing


Natalie Moore’s first degree was in English Literature and Film, but it was her experience after graduation of working in a support role looking after adults with learning disabilities that led her to consider nursing as a future career. The 23-year-old from Sutton made a last-minute decision in June 2011 to apply for the BSc in Mental Health Nursing at the University of Surrey and was accepted through Clearing almost straight away.


Natalie’s experience of working in a support environment had given her the kind of insight she needed to make the decision to specialise in nursing, but she was immediately faced with the stark realisation that she had missed the UCAS application deadline by just one day.


Natalie admits she was nervous about what to expect from Clearing. “My teachers had always said that Clearing was a nightmare and to avoid it at all costs, but my experience through the University of Surrey wasn’t like that at all,” she said. “The day that Clearing opened, I had a telephone interview with a mental health tutor who then invited me to a face-to-face interview the following week. There I met tutors and had a numeracy and literacy test. I was offered a place at the University the next day and just had to post in proof of my qualifications before the course started. There was no hassle at all”.


Natalie had originally planned to study nearer to home but when she saw that studying at the University of Surrey, based in Guildford, was an option she jumped


Why not do a little early research before you get your results, take a view on what other universities and courses may be an option. Make sure you look at entry criteria, be realistic about what you expect to achieve and consider some alternative courses which will still take you in the direction you wish


you expected Firstly, don’t panic – check UCAS Track or your universities applicant portal (if they have one) – some universities will be flexible and students who are “near miss” may still be offered a place. Tip: you should be able to do this around 8am on August 16th At approximately 08.10 UCAS will send emails advising applicants if they have been accepted or if they are eligible for Clearing.


What to do if you were not offered a place.


Again, don’t panic – keep calm and remember that thousands of students are in exactly the same place as you are. You are not alone and help is available from your school tutors and advisors and from the university help lines.


at the opportunity. “I had only thought of applying to courses nearer to where I Iived - Surrey has a great reputation and I had heard good things about the nursing course,” she explained. “When I met the tutors at the interview they were really helpful and encouraging. As well as being able to gain practical experience I knew that the University of Surrey would be a great place to challenge myself academically, so I accepted their offer straight away.”


One year into her course, Natalie is thoroughly enjoying the experience. “I am absolutely loving going out on clinical placement and getting to experience what nursing is all about. I’ve also really enjoyed the theory elements and I’ve gained a lot from the lecturers who make it all as accessible as possible. In essence, I love being able to do something I feel passionate about whilst meeting like- minded people.”


“Students do not need to worry about the


to pursue. Tip: You can check UCAS Extra and see which courses are still open from the end of June.


What to do if you didn’t get the results


Step 1: call your university of choice When you were looking around at universities, before you decided on your firm and insurance choices did another university offer you a place which you had to decline? If so you could call this university and see if they would still consider you for a place.


Step 2: Time to look further?


Start looking at the course lists which will be published in the newspapers and on the UCAS website (do you still want to study the same subject, or is there something else that you want to think about now, you could consider a joint honours course or a different subject that takes you in the same direction as your eventual ambitions – make sure you know what you want to do as this will be for at least the next 3 years of your life).


Step 3: Make the call If you see courses which you want to study are open in Clearing now it is time to phone the university – keep calm and sell yourself. Stay positive and be enthusiastic, the staff are there to help you make the right choice. You will need make the call not your parents!


You will need to tell them which course you are interested in and give them all of your details – particularly your results, quite often you will speak to an advisor first who may then pass you on to talk to an admissions tutor who will be an expert in the subject. Remember keep calm, stay positive and do not make a panic decision, ask questions about the course and demonstrate to the admissions tutor that you have done some homework – check the contents of modules and how they are assessed and impress them! If you are offered a place over the phone you will usually be given a deadline by which time you need to apply for the course.


Tip: have a copy of your personal statement ready along with details of the course you are interested in and be prepared to sell yourself.


Step 4: Try again


If you didn’t get an offer first time, don’t worry – keep looking and try again. Some universities will be very busy and you should keep trying and do remember things change quickly so don’t give up. There are lots of options and you should try to be open minded. Do make sure that you chose a place where you will be happy.


Tip: if you were unsuccessful with a university once it may be worth trying again as things change very fast and students sometimes change their mind.


Step 5: Accepting a course offer If you choose to accept a clearing offer you will need to visit the UCAS Track website.


Click on the ‘Add Clearing Choice’ button and enter the institution and course details. You can only enter details for one choice, but don’t forget you do not need to make the decision immediately. Universities will normally give you a deadline by which you must enter these details to formally


CLEARING ADVICE FROM UCAS


Clearing could be the route to university if you are still seeking a place on results day, writes James Durant of UCAS


It’s a myth that Clearing is only for people who haven’t got the grades needed for their university choices. In fact, Clearing is for anyone who is without a place after receiving their results.


For example, you might have become interested in higher education after getting unexpectedly good results. In this case, Clearing could be your way in.


If you are using the service because your results haven’t quite worked out, be positive. Almost 52,000 people were accepted into university or college through the system last year, on courses ranging from Law to Linguistics.


Checking Track on the UCAS website (www. ucas.com/students/track) on the morning of results day (16 August) will show if you are eligible for Clearing.


You’ll be able to log in from around 8am on the day to see if you have been accepted or are eligible for Clearing - but you won’t be able to make a formal clearing choice until around 5pm in the afternoon.


For that reason, you should call universities and colleges much earlier in the day to discuss courses that interest you, in search of a provisional offer.


Course vacancies in Clearing are a moving target as people turn down offers and universities fill places, so keep checking the list of vacancies on the UCAS website. You can’t approach a university for a Clearing place until you have received your exam results but you can start thinking about what kind of courses you would like to consider and whether you meet the requirements.


Before making a decision, you might also find it helpful to discuss your options with professional careers advisers on the free Exam Results Helpline 0808 100 8000.


Another free service you may wish to make use of is UCAS Connect (www.ucasconnect. com). This is also available as a free mobile app and provides access to our Twitter and Facebook pages. Here you can ask questions of our advisers in real-time.


If you are serious about Clearing, it’s also a good idea to talk to those who know you best and have been advising you so far.


When you have found a course that looks interesting, contact the university or college’s admissions office to confirm places are still available and to discuss the course demands.


The institutions will want to discuss your application and qualifications with you, not with your parents, advisers or friends. Vacancies can be filled quickly so it is far better to confirm your place before taking a break.


We advise preparing for that phone call with the admissions staff as seriously as you would for a job interview.


If the admissions tutor offers you a place provisionally you need to think carefully about accepting it.


When you contact a university or college they will ask for your Personal ID and Clearing Number to confirm that they can consider you in Clearing.


If a university or college offers you a provisional place, it’s likely you’ll be given a deadline for making a formal commitment to that course on Track, by adding a Clearing choice.


You can only make one choice at a time, and remember that if you haven’t discussed your application with the university first, it is very likely to delay the process.


The UCAS system tells the institution that you have entered its details on Track. If you are successful, you will see the acceptance in the “choices” section. UCAS will also send you a letter confirming the place and giving further guidance.


Again, you should have researched the course requirements and the university carefully during the day. You are committing to at least three years of study, so you should be a confident as possible that you are doing the right thing.


If you aren’t successful, the “Add Clearing Choice” button will be reactivated and you can consider another choice.


Good luck – and remember if that if you can’t find a course that you really want to study, you can always reapply next year. You can start browsing courses for 2013 entry now.


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