Call our Clearing hotline on 0300 737 5800 to apply now!
Clearing is an opportunity for students to make sure that they get a place on a degree programme that excites them at an institution that will help them to achieve all of their goals. It is not limited to those who did not manage to obtain a place at their first choice institution, and UCFB is proud to a count a number of its leading students as those who’ve come through the Clearing process.
Here, UCFB Etihad Campus student Izzy Keighley, who’s studying BA (Hons) International Football Business, explains how she found the Clearing process in 2019…
What circumstances led you to Clearing?
I came to a UCFB Open Day about five years ago but wasn’t sure that I was ready to commit to a particular degree subject or a 90-mile round trip driving daily from my home. I began a degree at my local university and left after one year, realising I didn’t enjoy the course content. Before I knew it I found myself aged 24 and excelling in a management career within the government sector. Although I was happy in my career, it wasn’t football. I took a leap of faith and made a very last minute decision to apply to UCFB through Clearing, hoping to be able to pursue a new career path incorporating both my passions and abilities.
How did you find out about the Clearing process at UCFB?
The whole process was outlined clearly on the UCFB website and the contacts were readily available for further support.
How supportive and helpful was the Clearing process at UCFB?
The admissions team were brilliant in getting my application approved within just a couple of days. As a mature student I applied directly through UCFB and didn’t need to go through UCAS, so it was just a matter of discussing my experience and qualifications over the phone, before then completing the relevant paperwork.
If someone has just found out about UCFB through Clearing and only have a few weeks to plan the move, what top tips would you give them?
Apply for Student Finance as early as possible. I didn’t receive my first semester loan until October which didn’t affect me with being older and having just come out of a full time role, but it could be problematic for students moving into halls.
How has your time at UCFB been so far?
I was lucky to receive the Brendan Flood Scholarship as a mature student returning to education, which gives me extra funding to attend the global summits and gain further qualifications, so I absolutely recommend applying. We’ve had invaluable opportunities to attend training events and various key speakers which all fit around your core studies. Personally, I’ve worked with Premier League players such as Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Phil Foden in my first semester, as well as gaining a coaching role at the Manchester United Foundation. I’ve also successfully gained an exclusive internship with The FA as a Team Liaison Officer that’s only available to select UCFB students. During the coronavirus pandemic that covered most of semester two this year, our tutors have been invaluable in delivering lectures online, giving us the same support as we would receive in person, which allowed me to achieve first-class grades in every assignment and exam during this period.
If someone is offered a place at UCFB through Clearing and has to make a decision quickly, what would your advice be to them?
Go for it! I wish I’d gone to UCFB earlier and although it’s daunting, it’s important to take that leap of faith to pursue a subject that you’re passionate about and realise that you can make it into your dream career.
