Confirmation and Clearing call centre prepares to help students make their perfect choice

Experienced staff including academic tutors and programme leaders will guide prospective students collecting their A level results
Confirmation and Clearing call centre prepares to help students make their perfect choice

The University of Plymouth is preparing to deal with thousands of calls from hopeful students as they receive their A level results this week.

A dedicated confirmation and Clearing hotline will open at 7am on Thursday 17 August, for those looking to begin studying at the University in September 2017.

Experienced staff including academic tutors and programme leaders will guide prospective students so that they can make an informed decision about their choice of course.

The hotline is available to those who have exceeded or matched their predicted grades, as well as those who might not have achieved what they were hoping for.

David Alder, Chief Marketing Officer at the University, added:

“This time of year can always be slightly nerve-wracking for those receiving their results. But our aim is to make it as stress-free as possible and provide dedicated support that really makes a difference. At the end of the day, it is important for students to focus on what they want for their futures, and the experience of being a student in Plymouth can be hugely rewarding – both during their time at the University and as they then embark upon their chosen career.”

This year, the University has increased its efforts to take that stress out of A level results day, and ensure students are able to make the choice which best suits their aspirations.

Since the exam period finished in June, the University has been providing support to hundreds of students through its advance clearing registration system, with the numbers of those taking advantage up 50 per cent on last year.

This support has included individually tailored advice from academics about courses which will be available, and general advice about the application process, while they will also be able to call a dedicated hotline number to beat the queues on results day itself.

Isobel Rossiter, Head of Student Recruitment and Admissions, said:

“We have already helped hundreds of students with advice and tips about how to get the best out of confirmation and Clearing. There is also a huge amount of information already on our website and time to get informed so that when students get their results on Thursday they can make the right choice for them.”

Useful links

Nanna Sivamanoharan

BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science

"I initially applied for BSc (Hons) Optometry at Plymouth, but having not made the grades I looked through the prospectus and called the Clearing hotline. They said with the grades I had, I could do BSc (Hons) Biomedical Sciences, so I had a look into the subject and found it was a fantastic alternative."

Read Nanna's full interview below to discover more about her Clearing experience.

My name is Nanna, I study BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science and I’m in my final year at Plymouth University. 

Why did you choose to study at Plymouth? 

I was really unsure of what university I wanted so I came to an open day and instantly fell in love with the city itself and being so close to the seaside – this made me change Plymouth to my first choice.

Can you tell us about your Clearing experience? 

I initially applied to study BSc (Hons) Optometry at Plymouth, but having not made the grades I looked through the prospectus and called the Clearing hotline. They said with the grades I had, I could do BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science, so I had a look into the subject and found it was a fantastic alternative.

What’s your favourite memory of your course so far? 

I would say meeting a lot of new people and making friends. You get to meet different personalities and characters, not just from my course but across the board.

What doors have opened for you as a result of studying biomedical sciences at Plymouth University?

Derriford hospital is local to Plymouth, so in my final year I contacted them to see if there was a lab experience I could take part in. They said yes, and it’s thanks to that experience, that when applying for jobs I am above other applicants due to the transferable skills learnt in the lab.

Having done this lab experience, as well as the skills learnt within my course at Plymouth, I have recently secured a job at Royal Brompton Hospital, Chelsea. This means I’ll be trained up to be a Biomedical Scientist and I hope to work my way up the ladder to be a specialist in my field.

Can you tell us about any other experiences at Plymouth University? 

I organised the winter ball last year for the Plymouth Biomedical Science Society and we had a James Bond theme with a casino table, black tie – it was a really great event. I was also part of the swimming society in my first year, where we had weekly catch up’s and I got to meet some great people. 

What advice would you give to anyone considering going through Clearing? 

Firstly, I would tell them not to panic. It’s not the end of the world if you don’t get your first choice, there are always universities out there that are willing to take you on for the grades you have. Plymouth offered me their biomedical science course and saw my potential.

Universities, especially Plymouth, like to give students the chance to prove themselves and help them along the way. The student ambassadors I spoke to on A level results day were so helpful. The girl I spoke to was so reassuring and even phoned me back to make sure everything was okay.

How have you found living in Plymouth? 

Plymouth is such a lively city with a strong student presence. There are always lots of events going on around the city, seafront and in the city centre.

<p>Omolara Clearing</p>
<p>Choose Plymouth</p>
<p>Clearing 2017 John cutter surfing</p>