What to do if you don't get the results you need for university
Every year, thousands of students find a university place through UCAS Clearing, and many go on to discover a course that's an even better fit for their goals. The key is to stay calm, explore your options and remember that there's more than one route into higher education.
1. Take a breath and check your options
Before making any decisions, take a moment to review your results and check your UCAS Hub.
You may still be offered a place by your chosen university, even if you've missed the entry requirements. If not, don't worry – there are still plenty of opportunities available through Clearing.
2. Keep an open mind about Clearing
UCAS Clearing isn't about settling for second best – it's about finding the right course and university for you.
As you explore your options, think about what matters most. Would you benefit from studying closer to home? Are smaller class sizes or more personalised support important to you? Could a career-focused course better match your ambitions?
Sometimes, the university you hadn't considered turns out to be the perfect fit.
3. Consider applying to UC Sheffield
If you're looking at Clearing in Sheffield, UC Sheffield offers university-level qualifications designed with your future career in mind.
Alongside recognised qualifications, you'll benefit from smaller class sizes, supportive lecturers and practical, industry-focused learning. Staying local can also help you save money on accommodation and living costs while keeping you close to family, friends and part-time work.
For many of our courses, we can also consider relevant work experience, previous study or employment alongside your qualifications. If you're unsure whether you meet the entry requirements, it's always worth speaking to our UC Sheffield Team.
4. Get in touch
The best way to understand your options is to ask.
Our Clearing Call-back service in the perfect way to do this. Simply give us your contact deails, let us know which course or subject area you're interested in and a member of our UC Sheffield Team will call you back within 1 hour* to discuss your options and how to apply.
*Response time will be honoured between 9am and 4pm, Monday - Friday
5. Remember; your results don't define your future
Not getting the grades you expected can feel like a setback, but it doesn't have to change your ambitions.
Whether you always planned to stay local or you're only just discovering what UC Sheffield has to offer, Results Day could be the start of an exciting new opportunity. Through UCAS Clearing, you could begin a university-level qualification that's flexible, career-focused and designed to help you succeed.