Writtle University College and ARU have merged. Writtle’s full range of college, degree, postgraduate and short courses will still be delivered on the Writtle campus. See our guide to finding Writtle information on this site.

Clearing: how to prepare and apply

Clearing is an opportunity for you to apply directly to your chosen university and receive advice and guidance throughout the process.

Here's how you can get prepared for Clearing and – when you're ready – apply for your chosen course.

Anglia Ruskin University student pictured in front of a large letter C for Clearing

1. Check if Clearing is for you

Clearing is an opportunity to apply to university for September. It opens on 1 July and you can apply online from that date, directly to your chosen university.

Our students apply through Clearing for lots of different reasons. Maybe they're returning to education, didn't quite get the grades they expected, or have changed their mind about where they want to study.

Chances are that Clearing will be a great opportunity for you to join ARU, too.

Visit our Clearing FAQs page to check your eligibility.

2. Do your research

Clearing opens on 1 July, but before then it's a good time to see what courses are out there.

Have a think about the subject area you're interested in, and see which universities are offering courses that feel like a good fit.

Whatever your interest, read the course outline. If you're after hands-on experience, look for how much practical assessment is involved, and check if there's time in industry placements.

You might also want to see if a course offers different study options, such as a foundation year.

Take a moment to check out other things that are important to you, too – like location, facilities, university accommodation or study support.

Once you've shortlisted a couple of universities, it could be time to take a look for yourself...

3. Go exploring

We'd love to tell you more about ARU. You can:

4. Apply

From early July most universities, including ARU, publish a list of courses that are available in Clearing.

When you've found your perfect course, simply apply online or by phone on 01245 686868.

You don't have to wait for A-level results day, you can apply from 1 July. Applying early is a great way to beat the rush and, if you’re just getting your results this summer, to have an offer waiting for you on results day.

When you're ready to apply, make sure you have some essential information to hand:

  • your UCAS personal number (if you have one)
  • your results (if you know them) – A Level, BTEC, Access course and your AS Levels and GCSEs. You can still apply if you're waiting for your results. We also accept other level 3 qualifications such as IB, Cambridge Pre-U, Scottish and Irish Highers
  • the personal statement from your UCAS application (if applicable)
  • any notes on the courses you’re interested in
  • if you're calling us, a list of any questions you want to ask.

It's also a good idea to have a pen and paper in case you want to make notes. You might need to look back over information to help you make your choices.

5. Accept your offer... and relax

If we can make you an offer, we’ll usually try to do this:

  • within a few days of receiving your application if you apply from 1 July
  • on the day, if you apply on A-level results day.

Note that your offer may be subject to some conditions, such as an interview, occupational health check or a DBS check.

We will send you a formal offer email. Once you've received our offer of a place you can either:

  • accept it straightaway if you're not using UCAS
  • if you have a UCAS account, add the university and course as your Clearing choice from 5 July onwards.

Once your place is confirmed, it’s a good time to start making a few preparations for uni. This could include applying for student loans or accommodation. Our handy guide to preparing for student life has some pointers.

Thousands of students get places through Clearing every year and do brilliantly at university. And of course, we're here to help you through the whole process. So relax: you've got this.



Questions about studying at ARU?

We're here to answer your questions about courses, applying to university, and studying at ARU.