Clearing Advice for Parents and Guardians

Item: Swansea University
Author: Helen

Support Your Child through Clearing

Don't Panic we are here to help with the Clearing process

Clearing is often a stressful time for students, but it can often be just as hard on parents and guardians, who want to support their loved one. At Swansea, we want to make the process as clear and easy as possible.

Our Parents and Guardians Guide to Clearing covers everything you need to know, from applying for courses, to campus visits and accepting offers.

What is Clearing?

Clearing is the final stage of the yearly higher education recruitment process. Your child may wish to enter Clearing if they:

Missed out on the grades needed for their Firm or Insurance choice
They achieved higher grades than predicted, or changed their mind, and want to apply to a new course
They have not yet applied to university, or do not hold any offers

Our ‘Your Guide to Clearing’ page gives a full breakdown on who is eligible to apply through Clearing and how to make a Clearing application.

Places can fill quickly, especially for the more popular courses, so we would advise that your child register their interest in Clearing at Swansea University before Results Day to ensure they are prepared. They will be the first to know about our clearing vacancies, events, hints, tips, and reminders to secure their place.

Your child might find themselves in Clearing for a variety of reasons… Clearing doesn’t have to be a stressful experience, we are here to support you step by step through the process

Helen, Head of Admissions

Clearing explained

As a Parent/ Guardian, can I Speak to you Directly?

We cannot discuss your son or daughter's application unless you have been nominated on their UCAS application, or have their permission.

However, with that permission we can advise you directly on accommodation, the kind of support they will have when they arrive here, and general information about the University, Swansea and the surrounding area.

Where can I Find Course Vacancies

You can find a list of course vacancies on the UCAS website, alternatively you can see what we have available at Swansea University on our Clearing vacancies page. Sit down with your child and make a list of potential universities or courses they might be interested in applying to.

Remember, your child needs to be happy with the course and university they go to, so don’t let them feel under pressure to choose an option they aren’t entirely comfortable with.

What Happens When my Child Makes the Call

Your child will have to make the call; Universities want to see that their potential students are independent, and they might find they have lots of questions when they start talking. Swansea’s Clearing number is 0808 175 3071

When your child calls our Helpline Team, they will be asked for:

UCAS number (if they are already in the UCAS system for this cycle)
The name of the course (or type of course) they are interested in
Details of their qualifications
A valid email address as they will be sent an email if they are offered a place

Make sure they have all of the above information before they make the call.

University phone lines can get very busy so be patient and keep trying. Alternatively, many universities have online Clearing application forms so they can also submit the application that way. Admissions Tutors will be constantly checking applications so they should get a decision quickly.

How does my child accept their offer?

Once your child has secured an offer they will have to go on to UCAS to refer themselves to their chosen institution and course; it’s not possible to add a Clearing choice until the afternoon of Results Day, on Thursday 15th August.

As a Clearing applicant, can my child receive student finance?

If your child applies for a course through Clearing, they will still be eligible for student finance support to pay their tuition fees and other associated costs. More information is available at ‘Student Finance for Clearing’.

Will my child be able to apply for student accommodation?

Yes - Clearing students don’t tend to get priority when applying to most universities for accommodation but rest assured, if your child accepts an offer from Swansea University they will be guaranteed a place at university accommodation. We have a range of University-managed accommodation options available to all students applying through Clearing. Head to our ‘Accommodation for Clearing Students’ page for more information.

What if they are holding a place at another University?

Applicants can’t formally apply through Clearing if they are holding a place at another University. But, if your child has a change of heart and would like to come to Swansea University instead, they are welcome to contact us to find out if we can offer them a place and then they can decline their current University by self-releasing into Clearing.

My child is not happy with their assigned grades and would like to appeal. What can we do?

You are able to appeal your child’s grades.

We'd recommend speaking to your school initially, who will be able to advise you on the next steps to take.

Swansea University prides itself on its flexibility and we treat each applicant as an individual. If we have made a change of course offer to a foundation or other alternative course, and your child is appealing their assigned grades, we can move them onto their preferred course if their new grades meet our current entry requirements for that course. If we receive their new grades before term starts, they can start their preferred course. If we receive their grades after the course starts and before 15 October, we can move them onto their preferred course during that time. They will need to accept their change course offer on UCAS to be able to do this, and to secure their accommodation. Please note that this excludes any commissioned/clinical courses which are funded by Welsh Government.

If your child is applying via clearing, and their current grades do not meet the entry requirements, we may be able to offer them a foundation or alternative course and move them to their preferred course once we receive their new grades.

My child would like to re-sit their exams. Do they have to defer?

If we have confirmed their place, they don’t have to defer. They can re-sit their exams while studying at Swansea University, if that's what they wish to do.