Clearing a path to your future

Fri 08 August, 2014

‘Don’t panic – we are here to help’. That’s the message from the University of Bedfordshire’s admissions team to A Level students due to get their results next Thursday (14 August).

The University has a team of over 60 specialist and academic staff ready to take calls from students who may be considering their university options following their A Level results. The Clearing hotline number is: 0800 013 0925 and it opens at 8am on Thursday 14th August.

Susie King, Head of UK/EU Admissions at the University of Bedfordshire, had this reassurance for prospective new students looking at university choices:

“There is no need to panic. We have an enthusiastic and professional team ready to answer any questions you may have about the University, the student experience at Bedfordshire and the courses available here.

“We’ll guide you through the whole application process and academics will be on hand to talk with you about their courses, their teaching and the academic support provided by the University.”

The University has published some advice to students about preparing for Clearing which will help to make the process hassle free. Before you pick up the phone you will need to:

have your Clearing number and UCAS ID number to hand
have picked up your results from school/college
be ready to explain why you are interested in the course and university
be in a quiet place, ideally with internet access
have a pen and paper ready

“It has to be you that makes the call and not your parents or teacher – but don’t worry because our Clearing operators will guide you,” explained Susie.

“Also don’t forget those who haven’t already applied to UCAS can apply to us directly. Clearing is for them too, and we do get a high number of direct applicants this way.”

The University is expecting to have courses available in a wide range of subject areas, from Art & Design and Marketing to Computer Science and Social Science, and from Business Studies and Biomedical Science to Law and Sport Science.

Prospective students will also have the opportunity to look around the University’s Luton, Bedford and Milton Keynes Campuses, check out the student and teaching facilities, visit the student accommodation, have face-to-face meetings with academics and meet the Admissions team. The Campus tours will run hourly every day, from Thursday 14 August to Friday 22 August. For further information see campus tours.

Susie King encourages young people who may be unsure whether they should go to university to give the University of Bedfordshire a call, adding::

“We have a vibrant and diverse learning community here at Bedfordshire and we provide a life-enhancing, life-changing educational experience. We offer you high-quality teaching, outstanding facilities and great support.

“It doesn’t matter if you don’t have the best A level grades – you can still obtain a good degree. And the confidence and life skills you will gain from your student experience will make you more likely to succeed in work.”

Notes to Editors:

1. The University of Bedfordshire (www.beds.ac.uk) is the largest higher education institution in the county, providing excellent opportunities for more people to access top quality higher education. We aim to create a vibrant multi-cultural learning community enabling people to transform their lives by participating in excellent, innovative education, scholarship and research.

2. The University of Bedfordshire has over 24,000 students, representing over 100 countries. Around 35% of students are aged over 25 and about three-quarters of students receive financial support from the university. Between 2006 and 2013 over £180 million has been invested in new facilities at the university, which contributes approximately £300 million annually to the local economy.

3. For further information, or to receive University of Bedfordshire press releases on a regular basis, please contact: press.office@beds.ac.uk; 01582 743046. Follow us on Twitter: @uobnews