Students secure last-minute courses for a journey of self discovery and career fulfilment

Press release issued: 27 July 2009



Jessica Lam pictured with a campaign poster
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As Clearing approaches thoughts turn to higher education opportunities

Anglia Ruskin University is getting set to talk to hundreds of students leaving schools and colleges from the East of England who are facing a crunch decision about their higher education study requirements during the forthcoming period of admissions known as 'Clearing' (starting 20 August on A Level results day).

Clearing applies to students who did not get the results they had hoped for, those who may not have gained a place in the first round of applications, and to those who have only just decided that higher education is the right choice for them. It also caters for anyone wishing to further their studies or make a new start, including those who are already in the world of work.

Anglia Ruskin University's advertising campaign this year is encouraging those considering higher education options to look at the 'bigger picture' of life; and where a degree level qualification could ultimately take them. The Empowering, Aspiring, Exploring message can be seen across poster sites throughout the East of England, as part of an extensive media campaign which plays on the theme of self discovery.

The campaign is particularly designed to support those who want to do something last minute and those who are concerned about their grades. A single call to a Clearing Hotline number will give anyone interested, the answers they need.

Clearing can be a time of anxiety and stress for many young people who simply want to get themselves onto the right university course for them. After finishing school, Jessica Lam, 21, was looking to study either Surf Science or Business Management at a university on the south coast; but with a seven hour drive distance between her and her chosen university location she began to have second thoughts. She felt safe and secure near her home of Chelmsford and so looked at the local higher education options to see if she could base herself in or near her home location of Essex.

With the change of heart, she found herself calling Anglia Ruskin University to check on the course availability during the Clearing period. Just the one call secured the BA (Hons) Business Management course she was interested in.
Giving advice to others in a similar dilemma, Jessica explains:

"You have to be sure what course you want to do as there are more courses available than you would think. I recommend that you read what the various course modules consist of and go to visit a university when it is having an Open Day, and also visit outside the university semester to get the true vibe of the area."

Jessica hopes to get a job in marketing, advertising or human resources in a senior management role. Longer term, when she has picked up the relevant business skills and experience, she would like to become an entrepreneur so that she can be her own boss. Her interests include restaurant and cafe businesses, and as a bit of a contrast she can also see herself owning a small holding business.

It was not until he was over 30 that Stephen McGoldrick, from Cambridge, decided that he was ready to develop his career, and he approached Anglia Ruskin University to look into the prospect of studying for a BSc in Psychology.
Stephanie Miles and Stephen McGoldrick give advice to those about to go through Clearing
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Stephen explains:

"I was working and decided to come to university after the UCAS date had closed. I applied directly to the university not via UCAS clearing but still was offered a place. It was all a bit of a risk as I had not met the lecturers or even visited the campus but fortunately it worked out very well for me."

Stephanie Miles, also from Cambridge, was on her summer break in Australia when she decided that she really wanted to become a nurse. It was August, last year, and knowing that Clearing was in progress in the UK she contacted Anglia Ruskin University long distance for some more details.
Speaking about her experience Stephanie said:

"The day I applied, I was interviewed by phone and accepted for a place. The whole process took just two hours."

Stephanie chose Anglia Ruskin's Adult Nursing Diploma course because of the University's 'top reputation for nursing programmes' and because of the proximity of the Cambridge campus to her home. She was aware of the costs associated with living at university and knew that she would be able to avoid the financial burden of living away by studying while living at home.

There are many subject areas available for study this autumn and the pathway leaders for each are encouraging people looking for courses to come forward and ask questions.
Anglia Ruskin's Director of Corporate Marketing Alan Cain comments:

"As always, this can be a highly traumatic time of the year for some students who are yet to secure a course that suits their individual needs. At the same time, there is opportunity for those who are looking into the idea of higher education to make the leap either for the purposes of career progression or self-discovery.

"We can help people to make the right choice for them and our message is clear, if anyone wants to study at higher education level, we can help them to make it happen."

Anglia Ruskin's Clearing Hotline 0845 271 3333 will be the centre of a network of support and information for students (and their parents) who want to speak to student advisers before choosing from the various higher education options. A Clearing website facility is also available for students and a dedicated email address
Around 80 advisers will be on hand during Clearing week and the service will continue into the weeks following. When people call the clearing hotline they should have an idea of the subject area they would like to study, a copy of their results and a list of questions they feel they want answered, such as on fees, living costs or accommodation issues.

Among the specialist facilities available at Anglia Ruskin are a forensic science laboratory, four university libraries, a suit of multimedia sound and recording studios, a human Energetics sports science library, an optometry clinic, simulated hospital wards and operating theatres, a theatre, art gallery, mock courtroom, and multimedia language laboratories.

The Anglia Ruskin Clearing Contact Centre opens from 8am-8.00pm on Thursday 20 August, 8.00am-6.00pm on Friday 21 August, 10.00am-3.00pm on Saturday 22 August and from 11pm- 4.00pm on Sunday 23 August.
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