Clearing at UON: A Lecturer’s Experience

Clearing can be a daunting experience for applicants, and here at the University of Northampton we want to make the process as easy as possible and provide as much information on the process as we can.

Clearing tips from Lecturer

We had a catch up with one of our lecturers, Anthony, and asked him some questions about Clearing. Here’s how our chat went.

Clearing Q&A with Anthony:

1. What is your role during Clearing? What will your day look like? What’s the atmosphere like for academics?

My name is Anthony Stepniak, and I am Deputy Head of Subject for Culture, and I lead the teams in our Media, Film and Special Effects area. My role during clearing is overseeing the clearing process for the three programmes in my area and supporting members of my team taking calls from applicants. I will be operating the clearing line for applicants interested in study in my area and hopefully making offers! Clearing always creates a great buzz as the calls come in and its very rewarding to know we are helping people find the course right for them.

2. Why do you think Clearing is important?

Clearing is a very important process. In my own educational experience, I know what it is like to have to change the course I have initially charted for myself, and clearing is an opportunity to do this. University study is a transformational experience, not just academically, but personally, socially and professionally – and Clearing ensures that people have a chance to find the course, and the university that is right for them so that they can have this experience.

3. Are there any misconceptions or myths about the clearing process that you would like to clarify?

Often clearing is seen as a process for students who have not got the grades, and hence a process for people to find less favourable options, but this is not the case. Clearing is a chance to find the right university, programme, and broader environment for you to reach your potential and study a subject which you want. Changing circumstances, re-direction in what you want to study, a change in your desired future career are all decisions that Clearing enables you to act on and realise. Here at the University of Northampton, our wide portfolio of programmes which offer places through Clearing give people the chance to realise their potential, take a step towards their desired career and build on their selected academic, practical and/or professional skills set. We are looking forward to hearing from you!

4. What advice/top three tips would you offer to students who are considering applying through clearing?

1. Have an idea of the course or type of course which you are wishing to study, so you can be directed to the specialist in that area operating the clearing line.
2. Read the relevant information on the course/s which you are interested in by searching on our university website and getting to grips with the key facts about the programme.
3. Don’t panic! All of us are waiting to hear from you and understand that this can be a pressuring time so do not worry.

5. How can students research and prepare for courses they’re interested in during the clearing process? Are there any resources they should be aware of?

Our university website is the best place to start. All our programmes have course webpages full of useful information such as the course content, profiles of the course teach teams, information on entry requirements and useful extras such as student stories from those who have studied on the course or information about additional requirements which some courses may have.

6. Could you share some success stories of students who entered university through the clearing process and went on to excel in their academic and professional careers?

I have taught a wide range of students, from a variety of backgrounds, who have joined the university via Clearing and had a fantastic experience on their degree programme. One student who applied through Clearing, having decided to act on their long-time desire to study and work in the media industry, gained full time employment within a major TV studio in London within weeks of graduating. Another, who is still studying with us, came through Clearing and has thrown themselves into the programme, working in our internal video production unit, gaining freelance opportunities with key local employers.

Check out our Clearing information page if you are interested in applying to the University of Northampton for September 2023 – we still have lots of courses available!

Anthony Stepniak

Anthony is the Deputy Head of Subject for Culture and leads on UON’s Media, Film and Special Effects programmes.