Your Guide on How to Apply Through Clearing

Wondering how to apply through Clearing? Don’t worry, we’ve put together a Clearing guide to help put your mind at ease. From outlining how the process works to finding your dream course, we make applying through Clearing easy and stress-free.

Whether you haven't applied to university, your results aren't what you were expecting, or you've declined your firm and insurance choices and are looking for new options, find out everything you need to know in our university Clearing guide – from how to apply through Clearing to when Clearing 2024 opens.

Figuring out what you want to do in the future can be stressful, but if you’ve decided that university is right for you, then applying through Clearing is an ideal way to get a head start on your future career.

How does Clearing work?

Before you learn how to apply through Clearing, it’s important to know what it is. Clearing is a UCAS service that offers students a second chance to apply to university. University of Salford Clearing matches applicants to course places that are yet to be filled. It’s available to anyone who wants to start university this year.

So, how does Clearing work? If your grades aren't what you were expecting, you don’t have a university place, or you’ve changed your mind about where or what you want to study, Clearing gives you a second opportunity to apply by enabling you to find courses that still have places available.

In line with UCAS Clearing advice, you can consider applying to uni through Clearing if you:

Are applying after 30 June 2024
Didn’t get your firm or insurance choice universities
Have changed your mind about where or what you want to study
Didn’t receive any offers when you first applied
Were unsure about university during the first round of applications and didn’t apply

Find out more about Clearing on the UCAS website

When does Clearing open?

So, when does Clearing open in 2024? Clearing starts on 5 July 2024. If you applied to university through UCAS after 30 June 2024, didn't meet the entry requirements for your chosen course, or didn’t receive an offer from a UK university, you will automatically be entered into the university Clearing process.

If you’re thinking about applying through Clearing, you will need to have your exam results before you apply.

How to apply through Clearing

Applying through Clearing is how thousands of students obtain a place on their ideal course every year, but it’s always good to prepare yourself for results day, which can feel stressful if you’re not familiar with the Clearing process.

If you’re still feeling unsure about whether applying to uni through Clearing is right for you, don’t worry – we’ve outlined a range of scenarios that might apply to your situation.

Which situation best describes you?

I haven’t applied anywhere yet.

If you want to know how to apply through Clearing at the University of Salford, then we recommend looking at our available courses as soon as possible. Clearing opens on 5 July 2024 and you can apply as soon as you have your results.

If you haven’t registered with UCAS, you can make your application directly through us. As soon as you have your exam results and are ready to apply, get in touch with our friendly Clearing team who will assist with your application and answer any questions you have. 

If you need support or guidance with your course choice or application, then don’t worry. Contact our helpful team to discuss your exam results, what course you’d like to study and why you want to join the University of Salford. We’ll be happy to guide you on how to apply through Clearing.

Before you call us, make sure you have the following information handy:

Which course or courses interest you.
Details of your qualifications (including GCSEs, A-Levels and BTECs).

Once you’ve contacted us to discuss the course you are interested in, we will send you an application form that you should submit, along with copies of any relevant certificates. We will then assess your application and update you on the outcome within five working days.

I applied to university through UCAS, but I didn’t get any offers.

If you applied to university through UCAS by 30 June 2024 but didn’t receive any offers, you will be automatically entered into Clearing, giving you a second opportunity to secure a university place that starts in September.

As soon as you have your exam results, you will be able to apply to the University of Salford.
When you’re ready to apply, contact our friendly team to discuss your options – research our courses now to find out what we offer.
Before you call, get details of which courses interest you, your UCAS ID and your qualifications to hand.
If you are offered a place with us through Clearing, you will need to add this new course to your UCAS Track.

I applied to university through UCAS, but I didn’t get the grades for my firm or insurance choice.

We understand that it can be disheartening to not get the grades you’ve worked so hard for. However, even if it wasn’t your original plan, applying through Clearing can lead you on an exciting new path, with new possibilities, a new course, a new city and new friends.

Follow these steps from our Clearing guide to find out how to apply through University of Salford Clearing:

The first thing to do is to check the status of your application via UCAS Track to see if your firm or insurance choice university has confirmed your place.
If you’ve been unsuccessful at your chosen university, you can contact our friendly Clearing team to discuss your options.
Before you call, make sure that you have the following information handy:
- Which course or courses interest you.
- Your UCAS ID.
- Details of your qualifications (such as GCSEs, A-Levels and BTECs).
If we offer you a place through Clearing, you will need to add this new course as your Clearing choice.

I’ve accepted a place elsewhere, but I want to study at Salford.

We’re so happy to hear that you’re considering the University of Salford. Follow these steps to find out what to do next:

If you’ve been accepted by your firm or insurance choice university but want to study at the University of Salford instead, you can contact our friendly Clearing team to discuss your options.
If we offer you a place through Clearing and you choose to accept it, you will need to visit UCAS Track and release yourself into Clearing. You’ll then need to add your new course as a Clearing choice on UCAS.
Before you release yourself into Clearing, please make sure that you talk to us first to check our vacancies and your eligibility for the course you want to study.
Search our full list of courses today.

Salford is my first choice, but I’m not sure if my place is confirmed.

To see whether your place is confirmed, you can check UCAS Track or call our confirmation helpline.
If your place with us is confirmed – congratulations! We’ll be in touch with you soon with details about what happens next.
If you’ve been unsuccessful, we’re sorry – this means we’re unable to offer you a place on your chosen course this year. If this happens, you can still contact our friendly Confirmation team to discuss your options.

How long do universities take to respond to Clearing applications?

Once you’ve decided that you’ll be applying to uni through Clearing, you’ll probably be anxious to hear back. So how long do universities take to respond to Clearing applications? The University of Salford Clearing team will confirm your place with five working days.

Clearing Plus

In 2024 you'll be able to use Clearing Plus, a tool developed by UCAS designed to match you to your ideal course. If this is the first time you've applied to a university, or if you previously applied but didn’t receive an offer, you’re eligible to use Clearing Plus. Learn more about how Clearing Plus works on the UCAS website.

Explore Clearing Plus

The University of Salford Clearing Guide

We understand the university Clearing process can feel a bit overwhelming. Choosing the right university and course is a big decision, and one you may feel pressured into making quickly. If you’re thinking about applying through Clearing 2024, we recommend getting a head start on doing your research – the sooner you start this, the better. That way, you have more time to consider your options. 

When you’re researching different options for applying to uni through Clearing, make sure you find out about the university’s location, what modules are offered on your course, the facilities available and whether the style of teaching is going to suit you. These factors will differ at each university, which is why it’s important to find out as much as you can before applying.

It's also wise to look around universities wherever possible. We know that this is an important part of the Clearing process, which is why we're offering a number of Clearing events. Learn more today.

During the process of figuring out the best option for you, it’s a good idea to speak to your teachers, parents, and friends. They might have useful advice or may have been through the process themselves. 

Lloyd's story

Salford student Lloyd Townsend stood in front of a stone wall at night with river and lit up building behind him.

Lloyd, who applied to the University of Salford through Clearing to study accounting and finance, tells us about his experience:

"After calling the Clearing line I was moving into halls less than two weeks later. I couldn’t have asked for an easier or more straightforward process. I literally just gave my A-level grades, shared a bit about myself, and I was made a provisional offer shortly after."

Our courses

We offer a wide range of UCAS Clearing courses here at Salford. Expand the accordion below to learn more about some of our popular programmes or explore our full range of courses. Find your ideal course and become unstoppable at the University of Salford.

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Contact us

If you have a question about studying any of our courses, or you’d like to learn more about joining the University of Salford, contact our friendly team today on 0161 295 4545 or enquiries@salford.ac.uk.