Clearing Myths Busted
Why it’s not too late to apply for University Centre Rotherham
If you’ve found yourself thinking, “Have I left it too late to apply for university?” you’re not alone.
Every summer, many people assume that once the main UCAS deadlines have passed, their opportunity has gone. But that’s simply not the case.
With Clearing now open, there are still plenty of opportunities to apply for an undergraduate course at University Centre Rotherham starting this September. Whether you’ve changed your mind, are applying for the first time, or are returning to education after spending time in work or raising a family, Clearing could help you take the next step.
Let’s bust some of the biggest myths about Clearing and show why it’s far from being a last resort.
Myth 1: “I’ve missed the deadline – it’s too late to go to university this year.”
This is one of the biggest misconceptions about higher education applications.
Although the main UCAS application deadlines have passed, Clearing opened on July 2nd and will remain open until October 19th for you to apply for any available courses.
Clearing is a UCAS service that matches applicants with universities and colleges that still have places available on eligible courses.
If you’re not currently holding a university place, there may still be opportunities to start an undergraduate course this September.
So, if you’ve only recently decided that university is right for you, or your plans have changed, it’s well worth exploring what’s available.
Myth 2: “I need to wait until Results Day.”
Many people associate Clearing with Results Day, but the process actually opens much earlier.
Starting your research in July gives you more time to compare courses, speak to our admissions team, ask questions about things like student life, support or funding and make a decision without the pressure that often comes with receiving exam results.
By applying in July, you might also get the chance to attend a campus visit and have a look around University Centre Rotherham to see what our facilities are like.
The earlier you start exploring your options, the more prepared you’ll feel and the more confident you’ll be about your decision before September arrives.
Myth 3: “Clearing is only for students who didn’t get the grades.”
Clearing isn’t just for students who miss their offers.
Whether your plans have changed or you’ve only recently decided that higher education is the right path for you, you may be able to apply through Clearing to start your degree this September.
Clearing is open to a wide range of applicants, including those who haven’t yet applied via UCAS or who aren’t holding any university offers either because they’ve declined their firm place or they didn’t meet the conditions of their offers.
Perhaps you’ve decided you want to stay closer to home. Maybe you’ve discovered a new career path that excites you. Or perhaps university didn’t feel like the right option earlier in the year, but now you’re ready to take the next step.
The important thing to remember is that Clearing isn’t simply a “backup plan” – for many students, it’s the route that leads them to the course and university that’s the best fit.
Myth 4: “All the best courses have already gone.”
Absolutely not! Many of our undergraduate courses still have places available throughout the Clearing period.
You can use the search tool via UCAS to see the official vacancies. Course availability changes as applications are received, which is why it’s always worth checking what’s on offer rather than assuming you’ve missed your chance.
If you can’t see the course you’re interested in, you don’t have to stick to your original idea. You might even discover a course you hadn’t previously considered.
Here at University Centre Rotherham, we offer higher education courses in the following subjects, from HNCs and HNDs to foundation and bachelor degrees:
- Animal Management
- Business and Management
- Computing, AI and Cloud
- Early Childhood Studies and Education
- Electrical and Mechanical Engineering
- Esports
- Games Development
- Graphic Design
- Marketing Management
- Media, Moving Image and Photography
- Professional Practice in Health and Social Care
- Theatre, Acting and Performing Arts
- Youth Justice Practitioner
Myth 5: “I’ll have to rush into a decision.”
Higher education is a significant investment in your future, so it’s important to choose a course that matches your ambitions, interests and circumstances. And that’s not a decision anyone wants to rush.
If you start exploring Clearing in July, you’ll have time to do your research properly to find a course that suits you. Plus, in July there is likely to be more course availability – places are snapped up faster as the results day scramble arrives.
You’ll have more time to speak to our admissions team, attend open events or a campus tour where available, ask about student support and make sure the course feels like the right fit for your goals.
Myth 6: “I’m too old to go to university.”
Higher education isn’t just for school leavers.
Whether you’re looking to progress in your current career, change direction completely or return to learning after several years away, undergraduate study could be the next step.
At University Centre Rotherham, we welcome students from a wide range of backgrounds and life experiences, creating a supportive learning environment where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.
Many of our students are mature learners (over 21) who have decided now is the time to take the leap into higher education after building families or careers.
If you’re unsure whether you have the right qualifications needed to do a HE course, you can find out more about our contextual admissions process here. However, many of our HE courses have UCAS point requirements of between 48 and 64.
So, why University Centre Rotherham?
If you’re considering your options through Clearing, University Centre Rotherham offers a supportive and welcoming environment where you can achieve your ambitions close to home.
Our undergraduate degrees and higher education courses combine academic study with practical, career-focused learning so that you’re gaining the skills and qualifications that employers are looking for.
As part of our supportive learning community, you’ll benefit from:
- Smaller class sizes and personalised support
- Experienced lecturers with industry knowledge
- Modern facilities designed to help you succeed
- Strong links with employers across the region
- Opportunities to study close to home while gaining a recognised higher education qualification.
Our courses are also more affordably priced than other larger universities. For a full-time course, fees are £7,600 per year – much less than the £ £9,790 cap. For part-time courses, you can expect to pay up to £4,750 per year.
If this is your first undergraduate course, you can still apply for a tuition loan via Student Loans Company, so you’ll have nothing to pay upfront and your loan will only be repaid once you hit the current earnings threshold £25,000 a year.
It’s Not Too Late
The biggest myth of all is that you’ve missed your opportunity.
The truth is that Clearing exists to help students find the right course, even if their plans have changed.
If you’re thinking about university this September, now is the perfect time to explore your options, ask questions and discover where a degree from University Centre Rotherham could take you.
The process is often much simpler than people expect.
Once you’ve found a course you’re interested in, make sure you contact us on 01709 722806 before you add us as a Clearing choice.
You’ll need to tell us your Clearing number, UCAS personal ID, date of birth and the course you’re interested in. The admissions team will talk through your qualifications, answer your questions and explain the next steps.
If you’re offered a place and decide it’s the right choice for you, you’ll then be able to add the course through UCAS once you’re eligible.
Throughout the process, our team is here to support you and help you make the decision that’s right for your future.
Your future is still waiting – and your university journey could start this September.