Jargon buster: applying for a university course

We’ve gathered together a number of terms you’ll come across as you support your young person when they apply for a course at university.

Getting a handle on these terms can help keep you informed and help make the application process smoother for your young person, whether they choose to find a place through Clearing or apply in January during the main cycle. 

Clearing 

Clearing takes place from July to October. It allows unplaced students, who did not meet the conditions of their offers, or those who have not yet applied, to find a place at university. Results Day for most Level 3 qualifications, including A levels, T levels and BTECs, is in mid-August. This is always the busiest day of Clearing, with large numbers of students searching for university places. 

It’s worth checking the specific date(s) your young person will get the results for the qualification(s) they are taking.

Clearing ID number

Your young person can find their Clearing ID number under ‘Application status’ in their application. This is a different number to the UCAS ID number provided when they originally applied. 

Clearing Plus 

A tool on the UCAS website that will match unplaced undergraduate applicants to courses with vacancies they may be interested in. This can also be used if applying for the very first time.

Conditional offer 

An offer made by a university which requires students to meet specified entry requirements. 

Deferred entry 

University applications do not have to be for the upcoming academic year, they can be for the following year if the applicant wishes to take a year out before going to university. 

Entry requirements 

Required grades and qualifications a student needs to start a certain course at university. Different courses have different entry requirements and can be measured in tariff points that are grade equivalent.

Foundation Year 

A course designed for students who require additional support to access higher education or who may have chosen to change their subject choice after Level 3. 

Higher education (HE) 

The next level of education for students who have completed the required amount of study at a college or sixth form. Takes place at a university or further education college and includes undergraduate and postgraduate study. 

Level 3 qualifications 

• A levels (Advanced level qualifications)
• T levels (two-year courses equivalent to three A levels which include a work placement)
• BTEC (Business and Technology Education Council qualification)
• IB diploma (International Baccalaureate)
• City & Guilds Technical Qualifications
• CACHE (Council for Awards in Care, Health and Education) 

Predicted grades

The grades an applicant’s school or college believes they’re most likely to achieve in positive circumstances. They are based on coursework and mock exam results. 

Sandwich course

A university course which includes a period of working in industry or studying abroad at a different university.

Self-release

When a person who is holding a firm offer from a university changes their mind, they can decline their place and release themselves into Clearing. Note: they cannot reverse self-release. 

UCAS 

The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) is responsible for managing applications for courses at universities and colleges in the UK. 

UCAS (personal) ID

The ten-digit number generated at the beginning of an application on the UCAS site.  

UCAS Extra

Open between 28 February and 4 July. 

Your young person can use UCAS Extra if they included five choices on their application in January, received decisions from all five, and weren't accepted, or if they declined the offers they received.

It differs from Clearing in that it is available up until the day before Clearing starts (5 July). 

Unconditional offer

An offer made by a university which does not require students to meet specific entry requirements. 

We're here to help

Our parents and carers page can help you provide the best support to the young person or people in your care. We'll help you with research, planning and preparations for applying and starting university.

Got any questions? 

Our Enquiries Team is here to help. 

They can answer any queries you have about the University of Bradford. 

Email enquiries@bradford.ac.uk