Clearing website: www.essex.ac.uk/clearing.

Places are still available through clearing at the University of Essex for students who may have missed out on their expected A-level grades.

There are still some vacancies across the University’s four faculties of Humanities and Comparative Studies, Social Sciences, Law and Management, and Science and Engineering. In addition, students could even receive a boost to their finances, as UK students may be eligible for a bursary of up to £1,570.

Essex, one of the UK’s leading academic institutions, is ranked tenth out of 136 institutions for the quality of its research, while the University has consistently been placed among the UK’s top ten for the quality of its teaching.

The University’s clearing hotline opens on Thursday 14 August on telephone: 01206 873666, with further information available online at: www.essex.ac.uk/clearing. This will be regularly updated as last-minute places are filled.

Students are urged to visit the Colchester Campus on the clearing open days, Saturday 16 August, 12 noon-3pm or Wednesday 20 August, 12 noon-4pm

There are also some places available at the University’s Southend Campus, including opportunities to study a new BSc Nursing, specifically designed for those wishing to make their career in nursing in the primary care sector, such as GP practices. All fees are paid by the National Health Service and a £4,000 annual grant is available.

The Southend Campus offers a lively town centre location, with students well placed to take advantage of the many attractions Southend-on-Sea has to offer. The University’s new, state-of-the-art campus building provides a purpose built, high quality teaching and study environment. Students can see this by visiting the Southend Campus on the clearing open day, Thursday 21 August, 11am-3pm.

Head of Undergraduate Admissions, Rachel Earle, said: ’There may still be a vacancy on a course at Essex that is right for you. We can offer help and assistance, with an answer provided swiftly. Even if we can’t provide a solution directly, we will try to point you in the right direction.’

Our top tips for students entering clearing:
• Don’t panic if your results are not what you hoped for. Check first with your firm and then insurance choice university to see if they are still able to offer you a place.

• Consider all the different options available to you, including universities you have previously applied to, studying locally and alternative courses that cover the same subject area.

• There are lots of ways to check available places at different institutions, including websites and newspaper listings. The UCAS website lists all the available courses and links to the institutions’ websites.

• Before phoning universities prepare a list of things you may need to ask them, for instance the entry criteria for the course, information about the course, bursaries, accommodation availability and general information about the university.

• Visit the university and town before confirming your place. Universities hold open days and are also happy to give students tours at any time.

• Remember to tell the Student Loans Company if you are changing university, so that they can make sure all your funding is in the right place and you can be assessed for a bursary.

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