UCAS Chief Executive visits university on first day of Clearing

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The Chief Executive of UCAS visited Heriot-Watt University to see the busy Clearing process in action, today.

Clare Marchant met with key frontline staff who work on the busy phone lines helping applicants land their dream courses.

Discussions also took place with senior university figures on the organisation's international agenda, including the ever-popular Go Global programme which focuses on inter-campus transfers in the UK, Dubai and Malaysia.

Clearing is an important date in the academic calendar as it allows students who didn't make their offer of a place, a chance to get on the course they want.

Students can also use the Adjustment process to move to a more aspirational university if they received higher grades than expected.

It also has a strong international element for those living abroad who didn't apply through UCAS earlier in the year.  

Latest figures reveal more than 1,800 people from across Scotland were accepted through Clearing at universities across Scotland last year.

Commenting on the visit, Professor Richard A. Williams, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of Heriot-Watt said: “We were delighted to welcome Ms Marchant to our Edinburgh campus this afternoon to see first-hand the important Clearing process in action"

“The Heriot-Watt Clearing Team have been busy in supporting students to find exactly the right course for them.

"Our recent accolade as The Times/Sunday Times International University of the Year has interested many as it highlights the highly distinctive opportunities for our students to transfer between campuses in Scotland, Dubai and Malaysia on many programmes. Employers now recognise how employable our graduates are with their truly global skills and perspectives."

Clare Marchant, UCAS' Chief Executive said: “Congratulations to everyone who has had their place confirmed – today marks the next step of your life journey. The record proportion of young people accepted, and in particular 18 year olds from disadvantaged backgrounds, is great news for Scottish higher education. It's fantastic to visit Heriot-Watt today and to see their admissions staff helping students take what can be the most important decisions of their lives to date.

“I'd advise anyone using Clearing to check the list of available courses on ucas.com, then call the universities they're interested in studying at, with a list of questions on the topics which are most important to them.”   

Today was SQA results day when Scottish students receive their Higher results. Heriot-Watt is currently running Clearing It's your Call. Applicants can get in touch by calling: 0131 322 3222