FindYourPlace

Clearing is another chance for you to secure a place on one of our creative degrees in art, design & media.

Graduate Nicholas White stands at the top of a tor in Dartmoor looking through the lens of a large 5x4 film camera as the rich golden light of the morning sun brings the moorland to life around him.
Laura Quinn in the hot glass workshop at Arts University Plymouth
View out to sea of Tinside Lido on Plymouth Hoe on a sunny day

Clearing 2026 is now open.

From fashion, film and fine art to graphic design, illustration, and animation — the world needs creatives now more than ever.

<p dir="ltr">Now is your chance to apply to study at an award-winning, independent arts university, and join the designers and makers of tomorrow.</p> <p dir="ltr">We’re happy to talk to you in whatever way works best for you, whether that’s a <strong>phone call</strong>, messaging us on <strong>WhatsApp </strong>or coming in to see us <strong>on campus</strong>. If you’re interested in creative study starting this Autumn, get in touch and we’ll help you find the course that’s right for you.</p><ul><li>Call our Clearing team on <strong><a href="tel:+441752203402">+44 (0)1752 203402</a></strong></li><li>WhatsApp us on <strong><a href="https://wa.me/447722744184" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">07722744184</a> </strong></li><li><a href="https://forms.student-crm.com/Forms/view/58fa2f3b-b727-4e3c-9328-17a8ec3395ca" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Complete our speedy Clearing form</strong></a>, and we will be in touch to discuss your eligibility and the creative courses we have available.</li></ul>

Get ahead of the crowds

<p>At Arts University Plymouth, we know there’s more to every Clearing applicant than their results on paper and we’ll work with you to find the best route for your creative aspirations. We’ll make sure you can talk to an academic about your work and your journey so far, and your ambitions for the future.<br /></p> <p>To find out more or make an application please call <strong><a href="tel:+441752203402">+44 (0)1752 203402</a>, </strong>WhatsApp us on <strong><a href="https://wa.me/447722744184" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">07722744184</a> </strong>or <a href="https://forms.student-crm.com/Forms/view/58fa2f3b-b727-4e3c-9328-17a8ec3395ca" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>complete our Pre-Registration form</strong></a>.</p>

Find out more about Clearing from our lecturers Jenny and Sue.

<p>Clearing is the process universities and colleges follow to match vacant spaces on their study programmes to people seeking a place. </p> <p dir="ltr">Did you know that every year around one in ten university and college places are found through Clearing?</p> <p dir="ltr">In fact, whilst Clearing is often thought of as a second chance for students who didn’t quite receive the results they hoped for, it is also a practical route for last-minute applicants, those who took a year out, and those who have changed their minds about their original UCAS selection.</p> <p>From <strong>July to October</strong>, you can apply for one of our courses using Clearing if you’re not already holding an offer from a university or college, and the course still has vacant places.</p> <p>Clearing for 2026 opens on Thursday 2 July 2026.<br /></p>
"I originally accepted a place at Brighton for BA Illustration, but after visiting Arts University Plymouth's campus, I was blown away by the facilities and the sense of community and collaboration. I declined my Brighton place following a conversation with a lecturer about the clearing process, and arranged an interview after which time I received and accepted an offer at Arts University Plymouth. The process was simple, friendly and extremely positive; I believe this was the absolute best decision I could have made."
Ruby, BA (Hons) Illustration
<p>There is still affordable and comfortable accommodation available in Plymouth if you are applying via Clearing. <a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/student-life/accommodation" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Check out our Accommodation page to see the options that are available to you.</strong></a></p> <p>Our experienced team take time to visit and check all the accommodation providers in the city, and we are here to help you find a place in halls of residence near campus with our recommended providers. </p> <p>You can also use <a href="https://www.accommodationforstudents.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Student Accommodation UK Search to start looking for student housing in Plymouth</a> or get in contact with us by emailing <a href="mailto:accommodation@aup.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">accommodation@aup.ac.uk</a> and we can help you find the perfect home for you.<br /></p>
<p>Clearing presents an opportunity for applicants who have missed their offer conditions, declined all offers or had a last-minute change of heart about the university or course they want to study. Clearing is open to many people, including students receiving results this summer, late applicants, and mature learners. </p> <p><strong>You are eligible to apply through Clearing if:</strong><br /></p><ul><li>you submitted your UCAS application <strong>after 30 June</strong> (If UCAS received your application after this date, they will not have sent it to any universities and colleges)</li><li>you <strong>didn’t receive any offers</strong> (or you’ve chosen not to accept any by the due date)</li><li>you <strong>didn’t meet the conditions</strong> of your offers (e.g you have not met a grade)</li><li>you've <strong>paid the multiple-choice application fee</strong> of £28.50</li><li>you’ve <a href="https://www.ucas.com/undergraduate/results-confirmation-and-clearing/what-clearing/declining-your-firm-place-track" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>declined your firm place</strong></a> using the ‘decline my place’ button in UCAS Track</li></ul>
<p dir="ltr">If you are <strong>yet to make an application</strong>, apply online now via <a href="https://www.ucas.com/students" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UCAS Apply</a>. Don't forget you'll need a reference as well as your personal statement. UCAS applications received after the 30 June deadline, or students who miss their grade target, will be automatically entered into Clearing. Those who haven't yet applied to any universities can also apply through Clearing once they have their results. However, you'll need to have completed a UCAS application to use Clearing.</p> <p dir="ltr">If you are <strong>already holding a university place</strong> but would like to apply to a course at Arts University Plymouth instead, you can self-release into Clearing rather than wait for your original choice of university to release you. Self-release is available in UCAS Track from early July.<br /></p>
<p>We offer bespoke campus tours at a time that suits you, as well as a range of online information events and Open Days. We also offer a travel bursary of up to £80 towards your travel when you visit us. <a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/posts/claim-up-to-80-when-you-come-to-visit-us2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Click here to find out more about our Travel Bursary.</strong></a></p>

Check out our Portfolio Tips in this video, with some extra tips regarding interviews and informal discussions that you may have when you apply for a creative course.

Choose your Course

Contact Us

<p dir="ltr">If you have any questions about your application, don’t hesitate to contact our friendly Admissions team.</p><ul><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Email: <a href="mailto:admissions@aup.ac.uk">admissions@aup.ac.uk</a></p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Call: <a href="tel:+441752203402">01752 203402</a></p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Whatsapp: <a href="https://wa.me/+447722744184" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">07722 744184</a></p></li></ul> <p dir="ltr">You can also <a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/ask-a-student" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">start a live chat </a>with our current students below and find out why they chose to study at Arts University Plymouth. Ask questions about course content, industry experience, student life, finding accommodation, the local area and their top tips for settling into your first year of studies.</p>

Get a taste of what it's like to study at Arts University Plymouth.

14 January 2026

Equal Consideration Deadline for applications for 2026 study to be received.

26 February 2026

UCAS Extra opens for any applicants who received no offers, or who rejected all their offers

1 July 2026

Last date to add a UCAS Extra choice

2 July 2026

Clearing 2026 officially opens