FindYourPlace
Clearing is another chance for you to secure a place on one of our creative degrees in art, design & media.
FindYourPlace
Clearing is another chance for you to secure a place on one of our creative degrees in art, design & media.
Get ahead of the crowds
Clearing 2026 is now closed, and will open for 2027 entry on 2 July 2027.
From fashion, film and fine art to graphic design, illustration, and animation - the world needs creatives now more than ever.
Now is your chance to apply to study at an award-winning, independent arts university, and join the designers and makers of tomorrow.
We’re happy to talk to you in whatever way works best for you, whether that’s a phone call, messaging us on WhatsApp or coming in to see us on campus. If you’re interested in creative study starting this Autumn, get in touch and we’ll help you find the course that’s right for you.
- Call our Clearing team on +44 (0)1752 203402
- WhatsApp us on 07722744184
- Complete our speedy Clearing form, and we will be in touch to discuss your eligibility and the creative courses we have available.
At Arts University Plymouth, we know there’s more to every Clearing applicant than their results on paper and we’ll work with you to find the best route for your creative aspirations. We’ll make sure you can talk to an academic about your work and your journey so far, and your ambitions for the future.
To find out more or make an application please call +44 (0)1752 203402, WhatsApp us on 07722744184 or complete our Pre-Registration form.
Find out more about Clearing from our lecturers Jenny and Sue.
Clearing is the process universities and colleges follow to match vacant spaces on their study programmes to people seeking a place.
Did you know that every year around one in ten university and college places are found through Clearing?
In fact, whilst Clearing is often thought of as a second chance for students who didn’t quite receive the results they hoped for, it is also a practical route for last-minute applicants, those who took a year out, and those who have changed their minds about their original UCAS selection.
From July to October, you can apply for one of our courses using Clearing if you’re not already holding an offer from a university or college, and the course still has vacant places.
Clearing for 2027 will open on 2 July 2027.
There is still affordable and comfortable accommodation available in Plymouth if you are applying via Clearing. Check out our Accommodation page to see the options that are available to you.
Our experienced team take time to visit and check all the accommodation providers in the city, and we are here to help you find a place in halls of residence near campus with our recommended providers.
You can also use Student Accommodation UK Search to start looking for student housing in Plymouth or get in contact with us by emailing accommodation@aup.ac.uk and we can help you find the perfect home for you.
Clearing presents an opportunity for applicants who have missed their offer conditions, declined all offers or had a last-minute change of heart about the university or course they want to study. Clearing is open to many people, including students receiving results this summer, late applicants, and mature learners.
You are eligible to apply through Clearing if:
- you submitted your UCAS application after 30 June (If UCAS received your application after this date, they will not have sent it to any universities and colleges)
- you didn’t receive any offers (or you’ve chosen not to accept any by the due date)
- you didn’t meet the conditions of your offers (e.g you have not met a grade)
- you've paid the multiple-choice application fee of £28.50
- you’ve declined your firm place using the ‘decline my place’ button in UCAS Track
If you are yet to make an application, apply online now via UCAS Apply. Don't forget you'll need a reference as well as your personal statement. UCAS applications received after the 30 June deadline, or students who miss their grade target, will be automatically entered into Clearing. Those who haven't yet applied to any universities can also apply through Clearing once they have their results. However, you'll need to have completed a UCAS application to use Clearing.
If you are already holding a university place but would like to apply to a course at Arts University Plymouth instead, you can self-release into Clearing rather than wait for your original choice of university to release you. Self-release is available in UCAS Track from early July.
We offer bespoke campus tours at a time that suits you, as well as a range of online information events and Open Days. We also offer a travel bursary of up to £80 towards your travel when you visit us. Click here to find out more about our Travel Bursary.
Our Clearing hotline is usually open from Monday to Friday, 8.30am - 5pm, apart from the week when results come out, when we will be operating extended times (see below).
You can call our friendly Clearing team on +44 (0)1752 203402
Extended Clearing Hotline Times
| Thursday 13 August (A-Level Results Day) | 8:00am - 8:00pm |
| Friday 14 August | 8:30am - 4:30pm |
| Saturday 15 August (also our on-campus Clearing Drop-In event) | 9:00am - 2:00pm |
Have your results (or your predicted results) ready.
Think about which courses you’re interested in.
Keep a pen and paper ready to note down any information, the course code, your time slot for a meeting with one of our academics and any questions you might have.
Call our Clearing hotline to speak to an advisor +44 (0)1752 203402 or message us on WhatsApp 07722 744184. Alternatively, you can fill out our pre-registration form and our friendly team will be in touch.
When we get in touch, we’ll ask you what results or grades you currently hold and if you have a portfolio of work ready to show at interview.
We’ll discuss your options and arrange for you to have an interview with one of our lecturers - this is a great opportunity to tell us about your creative ambitions and show us some of your work.
We’ll talk you through any further steps you need to take in order to complete an application.
For more advice on portfolios this year, please take a look at our guide.
Please do not worry if you feel your portfolio is not full enough yet, we would love to talk to you further about your ideas and ambitions, as well as your skills and experience. We also welcome applications from candidates without formal qualifications who can provide evidence of their creativity.
If you receive an offer, log in to your account at track.ucas.com and click “Add Clearing Choice” to confirm.
Once you’ve accepted your place, our team will do everything they can to help you find accommodation and there are still plenty of options available in the city.
We also recommend starting the application process for student finance as soon as possible to ensure your funding is in place for the new academic year.
Take a deep breath - it’s time to celebrate!
Check out our Portfolio Tips in this video, with some extra tips regarding interviews and informal discussions that you may have when you apply for a creative course.
Choose your Course
Contact Us
If you have any questions about your application, don’t hesitate to contact our friendly Admissions team.
Email: admissions@aup.ac.uk
Call: 01752 203402
Whatsapp: 07722 744184
You can also start a live chat with our current students below and find out why they chose to study at Arts University Plymouth. Ask questions about course content, industry experience, student life, finding accommodation, the local area and their top tips for settling into your first year of studies.
Get a taste of what it's like to study at Arts University Plymouth.
Equal Consideration Deadline for applications for 2027 study to be received.
UCAS Extra opens for any applicants who received no offers, or who rejected all their offers
Last date to add a UCAS Extra choice
Clearing 2027 officially opens
