Are you keen to begin studying a degree this September and figuring out your options? Follow our FAQ to navigate UCAS Extra and Clearing to apply for the right course for you.

What is UCAS Extra and how do I apply?

UCAS Extra gives you the chance to keep applying to higher education courses after you have used up your five choices. If you have received rejections from your five choices or decided to decline your offers, you can apply to a new course through this service. If you decide you want to study a different subject than what you originally applied for, this is a great way to apply for the course you want to take. Just note, you can only apply for one course at a time with UCAS Extra. In 2024, UCAS Extra runs between 28 February and 4 July 2024.

How much does it cost? Do you have to pay extra to use UCAS Extra?

UCAS Extra is a free service. If you have already registered on UCAS and been rejected by or declined your initial five choices, you do not need to pay extra to use UCAS Extra. 

What is Clearing?

If you want to apply for a course after June 30, you will need to apply through Clearing whether or not you have already applied for any courses. You can use Clearing to find available spaces on courses if you didn’t meet your grade requirements for your previous choices, if you exceeded your grade requirements, and if you want to change subject or university/ college. 

When does Clearing start and end?

In 2024, Clearing starts on 5 July and ends on 21 October.

What is the difference between UCAS Extra and Clearing?

UCAS Extra enables you to find or change your course application before your results come out. Clearing enables you to change your course, find a course if you did not meet your grades, or apply after June 30.   

What is the cost of Clearing?

If you have already paid the £27 UCAS multiple choice application fee, Clearing is free. If you originally only applied for one course for the reduced fee of £22.50, you’ll have to pay an additional £4.50 to apply through Clearing.

How do I apply through Clearing?

The first step after you enter Clearing is to search for available places on courses in which you are interested in the UCAS Clearing search tool. When you find a course you would like to apply to, give the university or college a call to confirm they have spaces and you meet the requirements. Once that’s confirmed, you can click ‘apply’ in the Clearing portal and wait for your firm confirmation. Clearing offers are given on a first come first serve basis- there is no need to rush but it is a good idea to get started as soon as you can. 

What is Clearing Plus?

Clearing Plus makes the Clearing process easier. If you enter Clearing, UCAS will select 50 course recommendations based on your grades and previous applications. You can notify any of these universities or colleges that you are interested and they may call you, after which you can click ‘apply’. You can still search for any course in the search tool if you’re not interested in any of the recommendations. 

I don’t want my firm choice, can I apply to BAJ via Clearing? 

If you would like to switch your application to BAJ, you can do so by declining your offers if you have any outstanding and applying through UCAS Extra before July 4. After that, you will be able to apply through Clearing. Declining your firm choice enters you into Clearing, through which you can apply to BAJ.  

How do I apply to Student Finance? 

You will need to set up an account on the Student Finance website, log in, and submit an application. Applications can take up to six weeks to process. The deadline for applying for Student Finance as a new student in 2024 is 31 May. Don’t worry if you miss the deadline. You can apply for Student Finance up to nine months after the start of your course, the funds just may arrive later. 

How can I get in touch?

If you have any questions about applying to BAJ, student life, or our courses get in touch with admissions at info@baj.ac.uk and they will be happy to help. 

Interested in jewellery, design, and the creative industries? Our BA (Hons) in Jewellery Design and Production is a practical, innovative, and industry-focused degree with limited spaces available through UCAS Extra and Clearing. Find out more about the course here and get in touch here, it’s not too late to apply!

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