Clearing FAQ

We understand that it is not always clear what to do during clearing. For those who are not quite sure how clearing works, we have provided some advice we think you might find useful to help you start the degree you want this October.

1. What is clearing and how does it work?

Finding a vacancy and applying for a place in a university course couldn’t be simpler. Clearing helps applicants who, for whatever reason, have not secured a place at university or college, find vacancies on degree courses. Once you have received your exam results you can call the GSM London Clearing Hotline 020 3583 2100 to discuss your options with one of our friendly advisers on hand to offer you help and support (each institution with places available will have a clearing hotline). When we offer you a place you will need to add a Clearing course in Track on the UCAS website UCAS will then send us a copy of your application for our records. 

2. What is UCAS Track?

After you've sent off your application you can see how it's progressing by logging in to the UCAS online system called Track. Find out more about how Track works on the UCAS website.

3. How do I contact GSM London during clearing?

To find out any information or get help during, call our Clearing Hotline 020 3583 2100 - our friendly advisers are on hand to offer you support and help you through the clearing process. You can also email us at [email protected] if you have any further questions and queries. 

4. How can I find out course availablility at GSM London on results day?

Take a look at our course vacancy list on our website . This shows all the courses where we still have with places for this October, so you can see all of the courses available to you. 

5. Will there just be places left on the less popular courses?

The number of places left will depend upon the course you are interested in. As far as quality is concerned, GSM London has been providing quality degrees awarded by the prestigious Plymouth University (top 10 modern universities) for 40 years - so there’s no need to worry that your course won’t be of the highest quality. You can apply for any course you like during clearing. Check out our complete list of available courses.

6. If I don’t get the grade, how likely is that you will still let me in?

Try not to worry. Thousands of people miss out on the grades they need, but they are still able to secure a place at university. Call our Clearing Hotline 020 3583 2100 and talk to our friendly advisers about your options – we will do everything we can to get you on a course.

7. Will there be an open day or a chance to visit GSM London?

Of course – we’d love to see you! Why not come along to our Greenford or Greenwich campus and go on one of our dedicated Campus Tours. If you can’t make it here in person you can see the facilities by taking a virtual tour of our main campus in Greenford.

8. Can I accept my insurance offer  if I have been accepted by my firm ?

If you’ve met the conditions of your firm choice, you will have to ask the institution to release you. Once they withdraw your offer, you will be entered into Clearing. You can then call the GSM London Clearing Hotline 020 3583 2100 to discuss your best options with one of our friendly advisers who will be able to advise and support you in your decision. If you’ve not met the conditions of your firm choice check on UCAS Track that you’ve met our conditions which means that you will automatically be accepted to study at GSM London. 

9. Can I get tailored advice on the course I'm interested in and the grades I've got ?

There’s no need to panic. 30,000 people use the clearing system every year, including those who have applied late. To get on a course at GSM London you must have a minimum of two full A levels. To find out more information on availability for any GSM London course, the best thing is to speak to one of our friendly clearing advisers. Give them a call on our Clearing Hotline 020 3583 2100 and they’ll be able to help you.

10. Can I change to a different course with you if you're my firm choice?

Yes, at GSM London we have dedicated course advisors who will discuss your options based on your particular circumstance. To find out more information on availability for any GSM London course, give them a call on our Clearing Hotline 020 3583 2100 and they’ll be able to help you.

11. When do I get my unconditional offer on UCAS Track? 

Don’t panic. If you've got your BTEC results already, you will receive your unconditional offer

12. Do I need to change my student loan application in Clearing?

You do not need to change anything! Just bring your letter from the Students Loan Company confirming you have a loan when you enrol. We will send you all the details as soon as your place is confirmed.

13. Can I still take up my place if I'm waiting for a remark?

There’s no need to worry, you have until 31August to meet the conditions of our offer. All you have to do is send your new mark to us as soon as possible before this date via email at: [email protected] 

14. What is the procedure for deferring?

If you’d like to take a year out, by all means do so! You can defer your start date to February or October 2014. All you have to do is send a written request by October 2013 to Admissions via email: [email protected]  Please note that we can only defer Unconditional Firm offers. If you still have conditions to meet, you will need to make a fresh application through UCAS for 2014/15. 

15. How much are your tuition fees?

Institutions now offer degrees at up to £9,000. At GSM London our degrees start at £6,000. Take a look on our website for information on our tuition fees.

16.  Will you help me find accommodation?

We do not have private halls at our campuses, but there are many different options around Greenford and Greenwich that means you will be spoilt for choice. We take your welfare seriously and have appointed a dedicated student accommodation officer who is on hand to help you find a suitable home from home close to campus. Take a look at all the student accommodation options on our website.

17. What support do you offer students?

At GSM London we take pride in the excellent personal support we offer our students. From day one, we offer tailored course and application advice to help you find the right course for you. When you enrol we have a team here to help with practical matters such as timetabling and electronic resources. We also have career support to help with finding part-time work whilst you to study to building professional skills to help you get the career you want after graduating. At GSM London we have the services in place to help you to focus your efforts fully on achieving your academic and career goals. Find out more about what we can offer you on our website 

18. What is the social life like? 

We have a dedicated Students Events team who organise a range of activities and entertainment to help you settle in to university life. From this October we are also looking to launch our new Students’ Union which is run by students for students so there will be even more opportunities to make new friends and join clubs and societies that take your fancy. Check out some of our latest student outings, we’re sure you’ll be impressed! To find out what else is available to you, read more on London’s social scene below. 

19. What’s the London nightlife like and How easy is it to get to the campuses?

London is one of the liveliest cultural centres in the world – it is quite literally a ‘sleepless city’. Its vibrant club scene puts the city on the map as the capital of cool. It has more film, music, comedy, theatre, art, museums – and of course nightlife – than any other place in the UK. Greenwich is a world heritage site, with the River Thames running through. There is so much to do, from shopping in the quirky shops, boutiques and famous Greenwich market. Our students, in Greenford and Greenwich have great parks to explore and are spoilt for choice for restaurants to eat close by. Superclubs like Ministry of Sound, Fabric and Heaven are among the biggest and best known places to party. For those who prefer a more intimate experience the DJ bars are where it’s at. What’s more, our campuses are located within 20 minutes of Central London with underground stations at a stone’s throw, so you will be right at the heart of entertainment. Check out all the types of transport that will get you in and out of Greenford and Greenwich where you live in London or the rest of the UK

20. Where can I find out more about going to university in London?

You can find out all you need to know about going to university in London  in detail on our website or call our friendly and helpful advisers on the GSM London Clearing Hotline 020 3583 2100 and they will answer any question you might have on studying with us.

21. I’ve accepted my place at GSM London. What happens next?

Congratulations on your place! We look forward to welcoming you as a student in October. You don’t need to do anything more in terms of your application, but for your complete peace of mind you can check that your progress has been updated on UCAS Track Just make sure that you have sorted out your student loan, and that you have a room before moving away from home.

The next step for us is to send you a welcome pack with essential information necessary to enrol you as a fully registered student with us, together with induction dates, campus maps and checklists of what to bring with you when you arrive at GSM London. Keep an eye out for this in the post and in your inbox. If you have any further questions about any aspect of your course or student life before you start, don’t hesitate to call us on our Clearing Hotline 020 3583 2100

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