YOUR ULTIMATE CLEARING PREP GUIDE
PREPARING FOR CONFIRMATION, CLEARING & RESULTS DAY
PREPARE FOR RESULTS DAY
We’ve got you! Let us help you get prepared for results day this August, so you can relax this summer.
Here’s some simple steps you can take to feel prepared before results day:
Do your research: Make sure you understand the UCAS Clearing process.
Gather the essentials: You will need your phone, a notepad, UCAS ID, login details, your results, and any extra qualifications.
Explore courses in advance: Browse through the available courses at Northumbria and find a course you’d like to do. If you didn’t get the grades you hoped for, don’t panic, you can explore other degrees or consider an extended degree that can help you achieve your goals.
Save the Clearing hotline number: 0800 085 1085.
Stay calm: Calling the hotline can sound overwhelming, but we’re here to help you and this is your opportunity to secure a university place. Keep reading to find out what to expect when you call the hotline. 3
Clearing terms: Decoded
If you’re thinking of applying for university through UCAS Clearing, you may encounter some new terminology along the way.
To keep things simple, we’ve put together a list of terms and their definitions to make your Clearing application that bit easier.
So, let’s start with Clearing...
CLEARING
Clearing is a service you can use to look for alternative courses. If you didn’t receive any offers (or have declined them), didn’t get the grades you needed, did better than you expected, or changed your mind - Clearing allows you to apply for courses that still have vacancies.
If you’ve already made a UCAS application, you may have...
A 10-digit number, used to identify students on UCAS. You will find this on any correspondence from UCAS. It can also be referred to as a Personal ID. This, however, is different to your Clearing ID number. UCAS ID
Applicants with a conditional offer select one university course to be their firm choice. If the conditions are met, everything will be confirmed, and your place will be secured. If you don’t meet the conditions, you’ll move to your insurance choice, which will be confirmed if you meet those conditions.
This is a secondary choice which you’ll move to if you don’t meet the conditions of your firm choice. If you meet the conditions of your insurance offer then this will be confirmed. If you don’t meet the conditions of your firm or insurance choices you will be entered into Clearing.
So, if you do not meet the conditions of either your firm or insurance offer you will be entered into Clearing.
Or, if you’ve changed your mind, and no longer wish to study your firm or insurance choice, you can decline both offers and choose to go through Clearing.
You should however always ensure you have a Clearing offer in writing before you decline any existing offers. You’ll then have access to...
CLEARING ID
If you’re eligible for UCAS Clearing, your Clearing ID number will show on your UCAS Hub welcome page. This number is different to your UCAS personal ID.
CLEARING PLUS
If your initial UCAS application is unsuccessful or you’re applying for the first time through Clearing, you may wish to use the Clearing Plus service. Here, UCAS use what they know about you, including your previous choices, your grades, and your preferences to give you suggestions of other universities which have available spaces and suit your needs.
Don’t worry, you don’t need to remember them all. Our Clearing support advisers will be just a phone call away if you have any questions and they will be ready to guide you through the process.
CALLING THE HOTLINE: WHAT TO EXPECT
We know that calling a hotline can feel overwhelming and stressful – especially if you don’t talk on the phone often!
Here are our top-tips and what to expect so that you can relax on the day.
We’ll ask for:
Your name and contact details
UCAS ID or student number
Course of interest
Your qualifications
We can only speak to you, unless you’ve given us prior consent for someone else to speak on your behalf. You can do this on the day, but we’ll need to speak to you first, to confirm you’re happy.
Stay calm and don’t be afraid to ask questions - we’re here to help and guide you.
You’ll be speaking to real Northumbria University staff based in Newcastle. Our staff work across the University and many of them have been students here too. We’ll be the best people to ask questions if you have any.
ON THE DAY CHECKLIST
Get your results and your personal details ready.
Visit and bookmark our Clearing webpage.
Call the hotline to see if you are eligible for an offer.
If offered a place, you’ll receive information about your next steps, including how to accept it in UCAS.
Got questions? Check our FAQs or offer holder info.
Explore your course and take a virtual tour.
Check your inbox over the coming days for enrolment and accommodation info.
Changed your mind: your next stepS
Changed your mind? Apply through Clearing.
You can use Clearing if you have changed your mind about where or what you want to study – it’s not too late to make a change and you don’t have to wait until results day.
THE PROCESS
Step 1
Find the course you’re interested in on our website.
Step 2
Contact the university. If you’re interested in a course at Northumbria, enquire using our NU Clearing Form. Only complete the form if you have completed your qualifications and are in receipt of your results. If you are waiting for your results to be confirmed, please ring our Clearing hotline on 0800 085 1085 for further advice.
Step 3
We’ll contact you if you are eligible to apply for one of our courses. If so, you’ll be given all the info on how to complete the application process.
Step 4
If you receive an offer from us, congratulations! Find out more about offer types and common queries on our Offer Holder Information webpage.
application faqs
What if I already have an offer at Northumbria, but I want to change my course?
APPLICATION GUIDANCE
PORTFOLIOS AND INTERVIEWS
Some of our Clearing courses require a portfolio or an interview. This is your opportunity to tell us about yourself and share your passion.
If you’ve applied to Northumbria and wish to change your course, you don’t necessarily need to use Clearing. You can use our Request a Change Form to enquire about making a change to your application.
How do I know if I need to submit a portfolio or attend an interview?
How do I change to deferred entry?
Deferred entry means that you wish to delay your university start date. For example, if you’ve applied this year, you may wish to defer your place and not join Northumbria until 2027. If you wish to defer your place, you can enquire using our Request a Change Form.
If the course you have applied for requires a portfolio or interview, it will be specified on the course webpage under the ‘Entry Requirements’ section, along with any other additional requirements. Our Clearing Hotline advisors will also advise if the course you are enquiring about requires a portfolio or interview.
?Got more questions?
We have lots more advice and guidance on the Clearing application process on our website.
STUDENT EXPERIENCES
Hear from some of our students who have been in your shoes, find out more about their stories and what advice they would give you.
“Clearing introduced me to my second home”
Archie Dyer Economics, from Manchester
After changing his mind about where he wanted to study, Archie called Northumbria’s Clearing hotline and secured a place in just ten minutes. Clearing gave Archie the fresh start he needed to pursue a degree that aligns with his ambitions.
Tianna Hunkins Law, from Nottingham
When her results didn’t go as planned, Tianna turned to Clearing and confidently chose Northumbria. Moving far from home was daunting, but she quickly found her place in Newcastle’s vibrant community.
“Whatever your reason for ringing the hotline, it will be over within a few minutes, and then you’re free to celebrate.”
Extended Degrees
What is an extended degree?
“A foundation year gave me extra time to develop as a professional”
Renee
Frase-Shepherd Entrepreneurship, from Newcastle
After not quite meeting the grades she needed to get onto her original course, Renee was offered a foundation year at Northumbria and didn’t look back.
Extended degree courses include an extra year at the start of a standard degree. Sometimes referred to as a foundation year, this year helps you build the skills, knowledge and confidence you need before moving on to the main course.
Should I do an extended degree?
Our extended degree courses are ideal for different types of students, you could consider an extended degree if:
You don’t meet the grades for the 3-year course
You are changing subject areas, or don’t have the required subjects at A-Level
You want additional preparation before starting university-level study.
For more details and to explore available courses, visit our Extended Degrees page.
FINANCE & FUNDING
If you applied through Clearing, or simply accepted your offer, here’s what you need to know about your student finance!
If you haven’t yet applied for student finance, it’s recommended that you apply as soon as possible.
If you have already applied for student finance but have made some changes through Clearing, here’s what you’ll need to do.
Top Tip: You won’t receive any payments until your university confirms your registration. Find out more about the steps you need to take on our website.
Changed your course, university or living situation?
Log into your student finance account and update your details.
No changes? Great!
Just check all your details to avoid delays.
For full guidance, visit the Student Loans Company.
YOUR HOME GUARANTEED ACCOMMODATION
We guarantee accommodation in university-owned and university-commissioned residences to all new full-time undergraduate students who book their accommodation by midnight, 30th June 2026 (T&Cs apply).
3D VIRTUAL TOUR
Choosing where to live next year is an exciting decision. To help you, we have lots of useful information available on the accommodation website. Including our interactive virtual tours.
Step inside and explore our living spaces like never before. You’ll be able to ‘walk’ through our accommodation, get a real feel for the vibe, and start imagining your new home.
Once you have accepted your Clearing offer, visit the accommodation section of the student portal to view availability and start your booking.
Got questions? Check out our accommodation FAQs.
student life
Newcastle is a city that delivers - big on energy, creativity, and endless opportunities for students.
• Newcastle is ranked 5th best student city in the UK, by QS Best Student Cities 2026. It’s a place where student life and city life go hand in hand.
• Just a short metro journey away, you’ll find Tynemouth - recently named the ‘coolest seaside town’ by Time magazine, where you can soak up beach vibes and surf the waves.
• If that’s not enough, Northumberland’s countryside is on our doorstep, offering not one but two Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty to explore.
When it comes to our Northumbria campuses, our New Student’s Guide and our I Am Northumbria Hub contain everything you need to get prepared to join us at Northumbria.
From where to get your mid-study snacks to where to find the support you need throughout your studies, we’ve got you covered.
We’re excited to welcome you in September!
WHATS NEXT?
Have you got your Clearing offer?
View our next steps guide to accept your offer and join us.
Thinking about Freshers’ week already?
Our Northumbria Students’ Union website contains everything you need to get prepared and join in the fun!
Follow us on socials!
Stay up to date with all things clearing and student life at Northumbria on our socials.
The information given in this guide is for guidance only. In compiling it, the University has taken every care to be as accurate as possible, but all information is subject to change. It is not to be taken as imposing upon the institution any obligation to provide, or to continue to provide, any course, service or amenity described herein. Date of publication, April 2026.