Published on 16 August 2022
The University of Sunderland is preparing for one of its busiest weeks of the year as hundreds of students take their first step on the road to career success.
Almost 200 University staff and ambassadors are ready to support those going through the Clearing process after receiving their A-level, T-level and BTEC results on Thursday, as school-leavers get ready for the next stage of their studies.
The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) has predicted a very active and busy Clearing period in the coming days.
Francesca Carey, Director of Home Student Recruitment at the University, said: “Results day can always feel a bit daunting and students considering a Clearing place will inevitably have lots of questions – but the students applying this year are the first to sit examinations since 2019, will likely have no prior experience of sitting public exams such as GCSEs, and have worked incredibly hard to catch up with missed education against the backdrop of a pandemic and huge uncertainty.
“So, students this year should be unequivocally proud of their achievements and remember that there is always a range of options available.
“Here at the University of Sunderland, we have a history of supporting students from all walks of life, including many who have decided to apply later in the UCAS cycle. We also know that admission to university is about much more than grades with many of our programmes using interviews, portfolios, and contextual information to inform decisions.
“Our call centre for students searching for a place in Clearing will open at 7.30am on Thursday 18 August. We will have trained staff available to talk students through their options, including a range of our career-focused courses – and can also book students and their supporters onto our open day to see first-hand what the University has to offer.”
The University workers involved in the Clearing effort, will be answering phones, staffing open days, or offering online support. There will be a Clearing Explained online event on Thursday 18 August and Friday 19 August which will guide students through the Clearing process. Clearing advisors will be available on Live Chat from 8am-7pm on the Thursday and 8am-5pm on the Friday to discuss options.
There will be a drop-in event 11am-5pm on Thursday 18 August and 11am-3pm on Friday 19 August at Prospect Building, Sir Tom Cowie Campus at St Peter's, where staff will be on hand to support.
There will also be an open day on Saturday 20 August 10am-3.30pm.
The Clearing line is 0191 515 3000 and the web page packed with information about events and open days is available here
Ashley Liddle, a Business and Financial Management student who came to the University via Clearing, said: “When applying through Clearing, I would highly recommend attending open days as it can give you insights into the reality of becoming a student.
“Try not to let finances deter your decision, there is support available and the financial advisors are very welcoming and happy to discuss individual circumstances.”
Results from this year’s National Student Survey (NSS) show that in 30 of the University’s 55 programme areas overall student satisfaction was above the sector average. In the category, 75.80% of students said that they were satisfied with the quality of their course, compared with a figure of 76.29% for the higher education sector as a whole.
What is Clearing and who is it for?
Clearing is for:
Anyone who has not yet applied for university but wants to enrol on a course in September 2022
Anyone who hasn’t achieved the grades required and who hasn’t been accepted for their first (firm) or second (insurance) choice university
Anyone who has not yet received any offers for a place at a university
Anyone who has changed their mind about their offer for a place at university