Top tips for Clearing

University News Last updated 04 August 2011

Keep calm and don’t panic - that’s the message for anyone who hasn’t received the A Level results they were hoping for.

Birmingham City University opens their ‘Clearing’ hotline at 8am on Thursday 18 August, the day the A Levels results are published. The University will have a dedicated team of advisers available who will be able to help prospective students who have just missed out on the grades needed for the course they want to study.

This year competition for places through Clearing is expected to be fiercer than ever due to next year’s increase in tuition fees at all universities. Before calling Birmingham City University’s Clearing hotline on 0121 331 6777 prospective students are advised to visit the UCAS website and university website http://www.bcu.ac.uk/student-info/how-to-apply/clearing/overview to find out what is available in Clearing, and to ensure that they have enough points to get onto the course of their choice.

Lyn Holder, Head of Outreach and Enquiry Management at the University said: “If you call the University Clearing hotline be calm and clear on the phone, and think through what you want to say before you ring as will need to sell yourself to the academic staff. However remember to be concise and to the point - if you can’t get through at first keep trying as the lines will be busy.”

“At Birmingham City University our aim is to make sure that you are aware of all your options, so that you can choose the course that is right for you. At the same time we place a high value on employability.

“Furthermore, I urge you to discuss your options with your family, tutor or careers adviser. Choosing what course to study is a pretty big decision, so it might help to talk it through with someone else.

“Remember only you can make the decision. Use other people as a sounding board but don’t be pushed into something you’re unsure about or don’t want to do. Your degree can influence not just the next few years but also your whole career so pick what’s right for you."

The Clearing Helpline will be staffed from 8am to 8pm on Thursday 18 August, and on Friday 19th August with reduced opening hours at the weekend. The University will also be holding a dedicated Clearing Open Day on Saturday 20 August from 10am-2pm for which there is no need to register. For more information about this, visit http://www.bcu.ac.uk/student-info/open-days

Birmingham City University is running a major awareness campaign in the Midlands to demonstrate how it is upgrading the future of individuals and companies. To find out more visit www.bcu.ac.uk

Back to News