Clearing vs Adjustment: What’s the Difference?

If you’re exploring your university options after receiving your results, you may have come across both Clearing and Adjustment. While these terms were once closely linked, the university admissions process has changed in recent years, leaving many students wondering about the difference between adjustment and clearing.

Here’s everything you need to know about Clearing and Adjustment, how the process works today, and how UCFB can help you secure your place for September 2026.

What is Clearing?

Clearing is the UCAS admissions process that helps students find a university place if they don’t already have one. It can be used if you’ve:

• Changed your mind about where or what you’d like to study.
• Not received the grades you expected.
• Decided to apply to university after the main application deadline.
• Declined your previous university choices.
• Not yet applied through UCAS for this academic year.

Thousands of students secure a place through Clearing every year, making it one of the most popular ways to begin university.

If you’re interested in studying at UCFB, visit our Clearing page to explore available courses, speak to our admissions team and begin your application today.

What was Adjustment?

If you’re searching for the difference between Adjustment and Clearing, it’s important to know that UCAS Adjustment no longer exists.

Adjustment was previously available to students who achieved better grades than expected and wanted to explore different universities while keeping their original offer. It gave applicants a short period to see whether another course or university was a better fit without immediately giving up their confirmed place.

However, UCAS has since removed Adjustment from the admissions process, replacing it with a much more flexible system that allows students to make different choices if they wish.

Difference Between Adjustment and Clearing

The biggest difference between Adjustment and Clearing is that they were designed for different groups of students.

Today, if you achieve different results than expected or simply decide another course is right for you, Clearing is the route you’ll use to find available places.

Can I still change universities if I’ve done better than expected?

Yes.

Although Adjustment and Clearing are often mentioned together online, Adjustment has been discontinued. If you’ve achieved higher grades than expected and would like to explore different opportunities, you can still contact universities directly to discuss available places through Clearing.

Many students use Clearing not because they’ve missed their grades, but because they’ve reconsidered what they want from university.

Why choose UCFB through Clearing?

Choosing the right university isn’t just about your grades; it’s about finding a course that matches your ambitions.

At UCFB, our specialist undergraduate degrees are designed for students who want careers in the football and wider sports industry. Whether your interests lie in coaching, business, media, marketing, psychology or performance, Clearing could be your opportunity to join a community passionate about sport.

Our admissions team is on hand throughout Clearing to answer your questions, explain your options and guide you through every stage of the process.

Find out more and apply through UCFB Clearing or register your interest today via our Clearing page.

How to prepare for Clearing

If you’re considering Clearing, it’s worth getting organised before results day. Have the following ready:

• Your UCAS ID (if you’ve already applied)
• Your exam results
• A shortlist of courses you’re interested in
• A phone and email address you can access easily

Being prepared can help you secure your preferred course more quickly.

Join UCFB through Clearing

Whether you’re researching the difference between Adjustment and Clearing or you’re ready to make your next move, our team is here to help.

Explore available courses, speak to our expert admissions advisors and take the next step towards a career in the sports industry through UCFB Clearing.

Your future in sport starts here.