The University of Cumbria is offering advice to students who will be contemplating clearing after getting their exam results. 

Clearing, the annual process that sees students matched with available university places, starts in earnest this week as A-level results are revealed on Thursday.  

A specialist team are on hand to answer queries on the university’s Clearing hotline – 0808 178 7373 - which is open now or online. 

Academic lecturers play a vital part of the Clearing advisory team discussing the application process, entry requirements, course details and any other queries from those seeking information and support. 

READ MORE: University of Cumbria rated a great place for international students

Sharon Blaylock, admissions manager, said: “Clearing is for anyone who didn’t get the grades they hoped for, or they did better than expected and want to upgrade their course or university.  

“It’s also for those that have changed their minds or who have never considered applying to university before.  

“Whatever the reason, the University of Cumbria is here to support individuals all the way through Clearing process to registration.” 

This year there are places on a variety of courses, including: Nursing (Adult, Children's, Mental Health and Learning Disabilities), Occupational Therapy, Business Accounting and Finance, Business Management with Marketing, Graphic Design, Outdoor Studies, and Psychology and Psychological Therapies, to name a few. 

Many of its degree programmes include an option for students to do an integrated foundation year, which is suitable for those who do not meet the entry requirements or did not take the right qualifications for the career they want. 

Clearing can be extremely anxious time for some students, so the university has created this handy podcast to guide them through the process.  

It features Sharon Blaylock who is overseeing her 24th clearing, and Matthew Rayson, student recruitment engagement manager.  

In the podcast they discuss the practicalities of what clearing is, who it is for and what students will need when they contact the university. 

Student Recruitment Engagement Manager, Matthew Rayson said: “The initial phone call can seem daunting at first, but we are a friendly team of knowledgeable staff and we are here to support and offer as much advice as possible to get students to where they want to be.   

“We won’t be interviewing or asking any trick questions over the phone.  

“The only information we need to help students apply for a place through Clearing is their full name, email address and qualifications.”