Contextual clearing requirements

We may be able to offer lower entry requirements on selected courses available through clearing for some students from certain areas.

If you're a UK student and live in what's known as an area of 'disadvantage' or with low progression to higher education then you may be eligible for our contextual clearing requirements.

Some courses offer lower entry requirements during clearing to students from certain areas; we know that the context in which you're studying can have an impact on the grades you achieve. Eligibility is based on your home postcode (as indicated on your UCAS application form).

Check your eligibility

Firstly, check your postcode using our lookup tool.

• If the tool returns a result of ‘Home postcode flag: Yes’ then we may be able to consider you at the lower contextual clearing requirements that will be published in our vacancy lists on our clearing page from 5pm on Wednesday, 16 August. If you meet these requirements then call our clearing hotline when it opens on Thursday, 17 August.
• If the tool returns a result of ‘Home postcode flag: No’ or ‘Home postcode flag: Not Applicable’ then you must meet the ‘Typical A-level offer’ grades in order to be considered.

Check your eligibility before you call to make sure you meet the relevant entry requirements.

We check callers’ eligibility on the hotline and any contextual clearing offers will be dependent on verification of your postcode once we receive your UCAS application. 

Which courses offer lower requirements? 

Our clearing page will be updated from 5pm on Wednesday, 16 August with up-to-date vacancy lists and entry requirements. Contextual clearing requirements will be clearly published from this date for any participating courses.

Why do you use contextual admissions?

We recognise that not everyone has had access to equal standards of education and that social or socio-economic factors can cause a serious disruption to studies. Contextual admissions enables us to consider your achievements in the context of your background in order to level the playing field and ensure we are being as fair as possible.