Putting his best feet forward: Podiatry academic Connor cleared career chance through UON’s helpline

Patience, preparation, professionalism and not panicking are the top tips for Clearing callers on Exam Results Day from an academic who knows the process well.

Connor Ratcliffe is a Senior Lecturer in Podiatry and Subject Lead at University of Northampton (UON), but his initial career plans as a (slightly) younger man were almost on a different planet.

Connor was originally set to study physics and astrophysics at another university, but his future changed on a dime. He picks up his story: “I self-describe as a Clearing Day success because I came to study at UON that way, an undisclosable number of years ago I would like to add. As results day approached, I had a crisis about my future, wondering what I could do with that qualification and what my life and career would be.

“I’d already been to the University’s Podiatry Clinic as a patient and saw straightaway there was an easily identifiable route from studying to what I would be doing as a practising professional. Almost at the last minute, I changed my mind about what degree I wanted and opted for Podiatry at UON.

“On Exam Results Day I got the grades I needed, but the Admissions Tutor felt I wasn’t clear enough about why I wanted to study podiatry. This nearly led to my second crisis as he initially said no, but I called him on the Clearing Helpline, and we had a good talk about why podiatry was important to me and why I wanted to study it. He understood where I was coming from and approved my application. My first top tip for Clearing callers, then, is to be certain why your chosen course is the one you want.”

Clearing is part of the wider higher education admissions process. For students who didn’t achieve the exam grades they expected, they can call to discuss alternative courses.

For those young people wanting to switch their chosen course or university, Clearing teams are on hand to discuss their options.

University of Northampton’s Clearing Helpline is 01604 214 808 and is open from 9am-5pm most days between now and Friday 17 October. There’s more information on our website.

Would-be students can also come along to one of the University’s Open Days; the next one will be on Saturday 16 August.

Making a Clearing Helpline call is possibly the most important one young people could make, but it’s vital to be prepared. Connor explains: “In Podiatry, as with other UON subjects, we’re looking for students who are enthusiastic about the programme and for you to have done some research about it, to understand what it entails and what’s expected of you.

“In Podiatry, we’re interested in people who have already started ‘on the right footing’, for instance by shadowing a podiatrist in a clinic, as well as demonstrating they have the all-important academic ability (and, yes, we offer shadowing opportunities at our clinic).

“Don’t be afraid to make this call if your grades aren’t what you expected, or if you need to talk through your choices. There’s always a conversation to be had, so have your list of subjects and final grades ready and settle in for a good talk as this is your time to get to know us and your future.”

Find out more about Podiatry at University of Northampton.