Clearing FAQs: Your questions answered

Results day

What should I do on results day if I don't get the grades I expected?  

Firstly, don’t worry. If you don’t get the grades you hoped for on results day, this doesn’t always mean your chosen university will reject your place. Start by contacting them to discuss your options. They might still be able to admit you based on your results, or perhaps offer you an alternative course that aligns with your interests and aspirations. 

If you find that your chosen course or university doesn't work out, there are plenty of paths available to you. Clearing offers an excellent opportunity to explore other universities and courses that suit your goals. Through Clearing, you'll be able to review entry requirements and submit applications, normally directly with the university through an online form or a phone call. If you meet the criteria, offers are often issued quickly during this period. 

At Middlesex, we provide a range of courses available through Clearing. You can visit our Clearing information hub to discover more about the options available to you and how we can support your next steps.  

What happens if I narrowly miss my offer by a few marks or points?  

If you’ve only just missed the grades required on your university offer, don’t assume the worst. At Middlesex, we'll thoroughly review your offer alongside the grades you've achieved to make an informed decision. We'll consider several factors, such as the demand for the course, how other applicants have performed, and in some cases, the strength of your overall application. 

Your first step should be to check UCAS on the morning of results day to see if your place has been confirmed. Alternatively, you can reach out to our friendly admissions team, who are ready to assist. They can provide a swift review of your application over the phone and quickly give you an answer.  

Call 0208 411 6565 and speak to a Clearing advisor. 

When are BTEC results released, and what should I do if they are delayed?  

BTEC Level 3 results day is the same day as A level results day. In 2026, this is Thursday 13 August.  

BTEC Level 1 and 2 results day, including BTEC Tech Awards, are issued on a different day. In 2026, this is Thursday 20 August.  

Students can normally expect their results from 8am onwards. 

If your results are delayed, it's best to first reach out to your school or college. They can help determine if there have been any issues or errors in processing the results. If you have an offer from Middlesex, please call our admissions team on 0208 411 6565 to inform us about the delay. Our team is ready to support you with the next steps and ensure you have the necessary guidance.

General Clearing info

When does Clearing open and close?

Clearing opened on 2 July 2026 and will close on 19 October. Places are on a first come, first serve basis.

Most Clearing activity takes place around A level results day on Thursday 13 August. Other qualifications, such as BTEC, SQA, QCF and RCF will also be released on this day.

We'll be available from 8am on results day to support you with your applications and enquiries.

How does Clearing work?

Clearing, or UCAS Clearing, allows you to study the course right for you at the university of your choice after the normal UCAS cycle has finished on 1 July. Every year, Clearing helps thousands find a university place and a home for the next three years (or beyond).

Prospective students can apply for a course using Clearing if they are not already holding an offer from a university or college, and the course still has places. See more info on what Clearing is.

What courses are available in Clearing?

Most courses are usually available through Clearing as long as places are remaining. We advise applying as early as possible to avoid disappointment as we close the courses when they become full.  

Check out our courses in Clearing page for more information.

Eligibility

Who can apply through Clearing?

There are lots of reasons why people apply through Clearing. You can too, if:

• You changed your mind on what or where you would like to study and have used self-release;
• You haven't applied through UCAS yet ;
• You didn't receive or haven't accepted any offers; 
• You didn't get the right grades for your firm and insurance offer; 
• You want to transfer from another university or college.  

Can I apply through Clearing if I've not applied to UCAS? 

Yes, you can apply to university through Clearing even if you have not previously applied via UCAS. 

You can create a UCAS account and submit an application through Clearing, or contact the university directly. Some universities can support you through the application process and create an application on your behalf. 

At Middlesex University, you can complete our online application form and we will process your application, creating a UCAS ID for you. Alternatively, you can call our Clearing hotline and a member of our team will guide you through the application step by step. 

Can I apply through Clearing if I already have a place somewhere else?  

Yes, if you have an offer from another institution, you're still eligible to apply to Middlesex University through Clearing. However, to enter Clearing you must first release yourself from your firm or insurance offers in UCAS Hub. This involves declining any unconditional offers you currently hold. Once you receive a verbal offer for a Clearing course, you can then decline your existing place. 

At Middlesex, we'll send you an email confirming your offer of a place, so you can be sure that your place is secured with us whilst you decline any current offer you are holding.  

Clearing provides a second chance to find a course and university that's a better fit for your goals and aspirations. 

Call 0208 411 6565 or live chat with us. 

Contact

When can I contact Middlesex University about Clearing?

You can call 020 8411 6565 or live chat with our friendly Clearing advisors during the following times.

You can also attend a campus tour to speak to an admission advisor.

Can I visit the campus before deciding to apply through Clearing?

We encourage prospective students to visit our campus to get a feel for life at Middlesex University.

We will be hosting a Clearing information and tours event on Monday 17 August to help prospective students who wish to join us through Clearing.

Alternatively, our campus tours offer a great opportunity to explore the facilities, meet current students and staff, and ask any questions you may have.

Application

How do I apply through Clearing?  

Start by searching for courses with places available using the UCAS search tool. You can also view Middlesex courses with vacancies on our courses in Clearing page.  

Once you have chosen the course you wish to study, you will need to contact the university before adding a Clearing choice to your UCAS application. At Middlesex, you can do this by calling our Clearing hotline on 0208 411 6565.

If we're able to offer you a place, you can add Middlesex University (M80) and your chosen course through your UCAS Hub. Alternatively, you can apply directly using the Middlesex online Clearing application form.

How do I accept a Clearing offer?  

Once you've received a Clearing offer, you'll need to confirm your place. To do this, add your chosen course and university as your Clearing choice in UCAS (if you have a UCAS account). Or, if you applied directly, confirm your acceptance of a Clearing place directly with your chosen university. 

To add a Clearing choice through UCAS, log in to your UCAS Hub and select ‘Add a Clearing choice’. If you are adding Middlesex University, use our institution code M80. You will also need to enter the relevant course details, including the course code, which can be found on the course page on our website. UCAS will display your chosen course and university, and you can then click ‘Add choice’ to confirm your selection. UCAS will notify you once your place has been confirmed. If you have applied directly to Middlesex, we will send you an offer by email, which you can accept to secure your place. 

What happens after I accept a Clearing offer?  

After you've accepted your offer and your place has been confirmed in the UCAS Hub, the university will send you further information about the next steps, including when your course starts, how to apply for student finance, and accommodation options. The process may vary between universities. At Middlesex, if you require accommodation, you can contact our accommodation team to discuss securing a place in our on-campus halls of residence.

We will also ask you to update your student finance details (or apply for student finance if you haven't already) with your new course information. And we'll encourage you to explore the scholarships and bursaries available at Middlesex. 

Finance and support

Can I still get a student loan if I apply through Clearing?

Yes. Student loans are available for any eligible students accepted through Clearing. You should apply as soon as possible to avoid delays to your first payment.

Suppose you've already applied for a loan but changed universities during Clearing. In that case, you must notify your loan provider (Student Finance England or similar).

We also offer a range of scholarships and bursaries that may benefit you. Some of these you could receive automatically when you join. 

Find out about student finance.

Can I get accommodation if I apply through Clearing?

Yes. We offer a range of halls of residence catering to different needs and preferences.

• Usher Hall, located in a quiet residential area opposite the Hendon campus, provides easy access to the university.
• In Colindale, Platt Hall is one of the largest halls, featuring shared flats ideal for students seeking a more social living environment.
• Writtle House offers a quieter, more intimate setting in a historic building, popular with mature students.

Find out more about accommodation.

What financial support is available for Clearing students?

We want to ensure all students have the tools and financial support needed to thrive. We’ll help you make the most of your time as a student with a range of financial support available to you.

We offer a variety of support tailored to individual needs. Explore available scholarships and bursaries for Clearing students.