Changing course through Clearing is possible, but it needs to be handled in the right order. The process is different depending on whether you are already holding an offer, whether Clearing has opened, and whether you are switching to a closely related course or a different subject. Before you make any changes in UCAS, make sure you understand which route applies to you.
First, check which route applies to you
The right route depends on timing.
If Clearing has not opened yet, UCAS Extra may be the better option. It allows eligible applicants to apply for another course before Clearing begins.
If Clearing is already open, focus on speaking to universities before making any change in UCAS.
In both cases, the safest rule is the same: contact the university first.
If Clearing has not opened yet: check UCAS Extra
UCAS Extra is for applicants who used all five UCAS choices and are not holding an offer. That can include applicants who received no offers, rejected their offers, or declined offers because they no longer want them.
If you are eligible, Extra lets you apply for another course before Clearing opens. That gives you more time to compare courses, contact universities, and avoid making a rushed decision around results day.
This is useful if you already know you want to change course. Waiting for Clearing may reduce your time and options.
If Clearing is already open: speak to universities first
Clearing may be the right route if:
- Extra has already closed
- you are not holding a place after results day
- you missed the conditions of your firm or insurance choice
- you changed your mind very late
- you did better than expected and want to reconsider your options
- you applied after the main UCAS deadlines
Clearing is not only for applicants who missed their grades. It is a matching process between students without a confirmed place and courses that still have spaces.
Before adding a Clearing choice, contact the university directly. Ask whether the course still has vacancies, whether your qualifications meet the entry requirements, and whether they are willing to consider you.
Do not rely only on a course appearing in a Clearing search. A listed vacancy is not the same as an offer.
If you are changing subject, ask about your personal statement
Subject changes need extra care.
Your UCAS personal statement cannot be changed for Extra. If your original statement was written for a different subject, the university may accept a revised statement or short supporting note by email, but you need their agreement first.
The same issue can arise in Clearing. The university may still be looking at an application that was originally written for another subject.
Before making the UCAS change, ask the university three things:
- Whether they can consider you for the new course.
- Whether your qualifications meet the entry requirements.
- Whether they will accept an updated supporting statement by email if your original personal statement was written for a different subject.
You could write:
I am interested in applying for [course name] through UCAS Extra/Clearing. My original UCAS personal statement was written for [original subject], but I now want to apply for [new subject]. Would you be willing to consider an updated supporting statement by email before I make the change in UCAS?
Only make the UCAS change once the university has explained what they need from you.
Do not decline a place without a plan
Be careful before giving up a confirmed offer.
If you already hold a place and want to switch, speak to the new university before releasing yourself. Ask whether they can consider you, what evidence they need, and what you should do next through UCAS.
Do not release yourself into Clearing just because another course looks better. Courses can fill quickly, and you may not be accepted.
If you are unsure, speak to your school, college, adviser, or the university before taking action.
Check whether the new course is actually better
Changing course can be sensible, but panic-switching is risky.
Before moving, check the course properly. Look at the compulsory modules, assessment methods, placement requirements, professional accreditation, location, accommodation, and graduate routes.
A course title alone is not enough. Two courses with similar names can be very different once you look at the modules and teaching structure.
If your doubts are really about whether your original course suits you, use this guide first: How to Choose a University Course.
What to ask universities
When you contact a university, be direct:
I am interested in your course through Clearing or UCAS Extra. My qualifications are [grades or predicted grades]. Do you still have vacancies, and would I be eligible?
If you are changing subject, add:
My original UCAS personal statement was written for a different subject. Would you be willing to receive an updated supporting statement by email before making a decision?
Then ask:
If you are able to offer me a place, what exactly do I need to do through UCAS?
Write down the course title, course code, contact name, deadline, and any conditions they give you.
Final advice
You can switch courses during Clearing, but the timing changes the best route.
Before Clearing opens, check whether UCAS Extra gives you a better way to change course. Once Clearing is open, speak to universities before making any change in UCAS.
In either route, do not give up a confirmed place without understanding the consequences. The aim is not just to get a university place. It is to choose a course you can commit to properly.