Media student thriving after applying for UCFB through Clearing

In the summer of 2024, Charlie Partridge applied through Clearing for a place at UCFB, where he is now thriving in his student experience with us.

Charlie, who studies BA (Hons) Multimedia Sports Journalism, is gaining experience alongside his degree as a media assistant at National League South side Dorking Wanderers.

He spoke us through his Clearing journey, talking about how easy the process was.

“Clearing was very straightforward and involved a fast turnaround,” he said. “Because I applied the week before the course started, I applied, got an offer and had a meeting with the course leaders all within 48 hours.”

He added: “I knew I wanted to work in sports media but hadn’t acted on it. The opportunity to go through Clearing allowed me to secure a space for the 2024/25 academic year, rather than having to wait. It was a bit of a leap of faith, but one that was certainly worth taking.”

Speaking about his time so far at UCFB, Charlie said: “UCFB has been a great introduction to the sports media world. They have provided plenty of opportunities to gain experience, and the pedigree the university seems to carry within the industry.

“The opportunities at UCFB are certainly there for the taking, and I like having the chance to be proactive in chasing them.

“I think its industry-focus and pedigree make UCFB a beneficial place to study. In my interview at Dorking and a more recent one for The Hundred, the interviewers expressed confidence in me as a candidate as they had previous experience working with UCFB alumni. It seems to be a green flag to an employer.”

He finished by offering advice to those going through the Clearing process this summer.

“Be as honest as possible,” he said. “My application was riddled with reasons I should have deferred: I hadn’t committed to university at all until the last minute and work commitments meant I had to start a month late.

“Yet despite this, I was invited to a call with Dave King and Colin Channon to discuss possibilities. I remember Dave saying that he started the call expecting to ask me to defer, but that I had shown enough commitment that he thought we could make it work – and we have!”

Find out more about applying for UCFB through Clearing for 2025-26.

You can also find out all about student life at UCFB and our unique sports industry-related degree courses by viewing a prospectus.