Clearing runs from 2 July and gives students another opportunity to apply for university courses with available places.

Clearing is ideal for:

1. Students who didn’t get the grades for their original choices
2. Those who didn’t apply earlier in the year
3. Students who have changed their mind
4. Those who performed better than expected and want to explore new options

2 July – 12th August 

If your child/dependant wishes to be considered for a place at Durham through Clearing and has their results, they should complete our online Clearing form. This allows our Undergraduate Admissions team to review their qualifications and determine whether they may be eligible for a place. 

All Clearing vacancies are advertised on UCAS and our website, and you should encourage your child/dependent to check these first before submitting an application. 

If your child/dependant decides to enter Clearing from 2 July, they can also submit an application directly through the UCAS Hub. Applications will be reviewed by our Undergraduate Admissions team, and applicants will receive updates on their UCAS Hub. 

13 August 

From 13 August, applicants can either call Durham University's Clearing Hotline on +44 (0) 800 987 4120 or complete our online Clearing form. 

The Clearing Hotline is available: 

• 13 August: 8am – 6pm BST (GMT+1)
• 14 August: 9am – 5pm BST (GMT+1)
• 17 - 21 August: 10am – 4pm BST (GMT+1)

When contacting us, applicants should provide: 

• The course they are interested in studying. 
• Their qualifications and results, including any English language qualifications and secondary school qualifications such as GCSEs (or equivalent). 
• Their contact details, including an email address they can access easily. 

Applicants who are successful will receive a provisional offer by email, together with instructions on how to formalise their place through UCAS. 

Whether your child/dependant is entering Clearing because their plans have changed, their results were different from what they expected, or they have decided to apply to university later in the cycle, your support can make a real difference. 

Help with research 

Before results day, take some time to explore the options together. 

• Browse UCAS course listings and university Clearing webpages.
• Create a shortlist of options, including entry requirements and contact details.
• Encourage them to keep an open mind and consider alternative courses that align with their interests and goals. 

Provide practical support 

Clearing can be a fast-paced and emotional process, so having someone on hand for support can be invaluable. 

• Be available while they make calls or submit enquiries.
• Help keep track of important information, including course details, offers and next steps.
• Take notes if needed and offer reassurance throughout the process. 

Think about accommodation 

Securing a place is only one part of the journey, so it is worth exploring accommodation options early. 

• Research university-managed accommodation and private housing options together.
• Check accommodation deadlines and availability at any universities they are considering.
• At Durham, we will make an offer of accommodation to all new undergraduate students who request it. 

Support their decision-making 

While you can offer guidance and advice, it is important that your child or dependant feels confident in making the final decision. 

• Encourage them to ask questions and gather the information they need.
• Help them weigh up their options carefully.
• Remind them that Clearing is simply another route to university and can open up exciting opportunities. 

Celebrate the outcome 

Whatever the result, your encouragement and support can have a lasting impact. Whether your child or dependant secures a place through Clearing or chooses a different path, recognising their achievements and helping them look ahead positively is one of the most valuable things you can do. 

Whether or not your child/dependent receives a provisional offer in Clearing, they will need to refer themselves via the UCAS Hub, to formalise their Clearing place at Durham.

Here's what you need to know:

1. UCAS Hub will show if your child/dependent is in Clearing
2. They will need to refer themselves to one course at one university at a time (e.g. Durham’s code is D86)
3. UCAS Hub is now open for applicants to make Clearing applications.
4. On A Level results day (13 August), Clearing applications will re-open on UCAS at 1pm BST (GMT+1)

Once your child/dependant has added Durham as their Clearing choice on UCAS, they are formally accepting the provisional offer we have made. Our Admissions team will then process their decision and send it to UCAS. Once they've received our decision, they can start preparing for the next stage of their journey. 

If your child doesn’t want to go through Clearing, that’s okay too. There are other pathways, such as: Appealing their results, resitting exams or taking a gap year and reapplying next year. 

We will make an offer of accommodation to all new undergraduate students who request it.

Find out more about our Colleges.