The application process
What is the Clearing telephone number and what are the opening times?
If we're in Clearing for 2024, we'll publish more details about our Clearing telephone hotline, including contact number and opening times, shortly before Clearing opens on 5 July 2024.
Do I need to apply through UCAS, or can I apply directly through the University of Southampton?
Once you have your results, you'll be able to apply directly to us to find out if we can make you an offer. If we can, you’ll then need to refer yourself to us via UCAS Hub (or apply via UCAS Clearing if you have not yet applied to UCAS). You can do this by following UCAS' step-by-step guide to Clearing.
What information do I need when I call you?
You'll need to tell us:
- your name
- your UCAS 10-digit identification number (if you've already made any applications through UCAS)
- your results (which may include relevant GCSE, or equivalent, results)
- the exact title of your qualifications, for example, a BTEC Extended Diploma or a BTEC National Certificate, as some different qualifications will have similar names
- the subject area or course you're interested in
How do I get released into Clearing?
Being released into Clearing means you'll be giving up your place at your chosen university.
Before you do this, please make sure you've got an offer in principle from another university or college.
The university where you hold an offer may not be able to accept you if change your mind and want your old place back.
Once you’re sure you want to be released, what you need to do will depend on the type of offer you have. If your offer is:
- Unconditional Firm (UF): sign into UCAS Hub, choose ‘Decline my place’ and follow the on-screen prompts
- Conditional Firm (CF): contact the university so they can release you into Clearing
What courses are available in Clearing?
If we're in Clearing for 2024, we'll confirm courses in Clearing shortly before Clearing opens on 5 July 2024.
What is my Southampton student ID number?
You'll receive your ID number as part of your formal offer, after we've confirmed your place through UCAS. You'll need it to apply for accommodation and to formally enroll with the University.
Can I apply for accommodation?
Accommodation applications will be allocated on a first come, first served basis for Clearing. Your application should be made as soon as possible, as any remaining spaces in halls will fill up very quickly.
There are alternative accommodation options in and around Southampton which are suitable for students, if you are not able to secure accommodation in halls.
What is the UCAS Results Embargo?
The UCAS results embargo is a period of time where:
- applications are not updated
- the advisor portal on UCAS isn't updated
- universities and colleges cannot discuss any applicants’ individual status with them, or with an adviser
Due to the strict advice from UCAS on the embargo periods, we aren’t able to discuss an individual’s application or decision status with them or an advisor during this period.
Our course vacancies list doesn’t show any courses during the embargo period.
I'm an international applicant with non-UK qualifications. Will I be eligible for Clearing?
Yes. The University accepts a wide range of international qualifications. You can find information about our requirements by looking up your country.
I'm applying from outside the UK. Where can I find help in my home country?
The University's international team can help you with your country-specific enquiries. To get in touch, visit our international Clearing page.
I'm an adult supporting an applicant through the Clearing process. What do I need to know to help them?
If you're a parent, carer, guardian, teacher or careers adviser supporting an applicant through Clearing, we can help you prepare.
We are hosting a virtual event for parents and supporters on Wednesday 10 July, 5pm to 5:45pm. Learn about how Clearing works from our experts, who will guide you through topics such as:
- key dates
- what to expect during Clearing
- how to plan for different outcomes
- the processes for applications, offers, accommodation and more
- Clearing from a university perspective
You can also ask our experts your questions during a question and answer panel. The event is free and open to anyone supporting an applicant through Clearing. Sign up now to secure your place.
Can't make it on the day? Don't worry, we'll upload a recording of the event here afterwards.
Offer-holder guidance
I've just missed the grades I needed to meet my offer requirements. Will you still accept me?
We know this is an anxious time for many applicants and we want to do everything we can to support you.
When we receive your results, we'll email every applicant holding a firm or insurance offer with us. This email will explain whether we can confirm your place or not. Check your email account around the time your results are confirmed, including your spam folder.
You can also check the status of your offer on UCAS Hub. If you still have other conditions outstanding, the Hub will continue to show your offer as conditional.
We understand that results don’t always go as planned and that applicants are passionate about studying one of our courses. If you do not meet your offer conditions, we'll review your application to make a decision on whether we are still able to accept you on your chosen course at Southampton. We will communicate this via UCAS Hub.
If we are unable to confirm you on your original course, we will try to consider you for an alternative course. If you are made an offer for an alternative course, you will get the opportunity to discuss this offer with a member of our academic programme team.
My grade performance was affected by exceptional circumstances. Will you reconsider my application?
If you haven’t already told us about your circumstances, email details and any supporting evidence to your relevant admissions team:
| Faculty | Including | Contact email |
| Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences | Chemistry, Engineering, Electronics & Computer Science, and Physics & Astronomy. | AdmissionsUG.EPS@southampton.ac.uk |
| Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences | Biological Sciences, Geography, Environmental Science, Health Sciences, Ocean & Earth Sciences, and Psychology | AdmissionsUG.ELS@southampton.ac.uk |
| Faculty of Medicine | Medicine | AdmissionsUG.MED@southampton.ac.uk |
| Faculty of Arts and Humanities | Archaeology, English, Film Studies, History, Modern Languages, Music, Philosophy, and the Winchester School of Art. | AdmissionsUG.AH@southampton.ac.uk |
| Faculty of Social Sciences | Business, Law, Education, Mathematical Sciences, Economics, Sociology and Criminology, Politics and Population Sciences. | AdmissionsUG.SS@southampton.ac.uk |
I missed getting the grade I needed in one of my subjects by just a few marks, so I am getting a re-mark. Will you hold my place for me?
Please let us know if you are requesting a remark or appealing your grades by completing our notification of appeal or re-mark form.
I'm waiting for my GCSE English or maths results. Can I apply through Clearing before I know the result?
If you're holding an offer from another university which is dependent on your English or maths GCSE grades, you won't be able to use Clearing until they've made a decision about accepting you.
You can call us or complete a Clearing enquiry to see if we can make you an offer-in-principle, but you can only refer your UCAS application to us once your original university rejects you, or you can release yourself into Clearing.
If you don't hold any offers, or if you'll be applying directly through Clearing as a new applicant, you can apply before you've got your GCSE results. But depending on our requirements, we may not be able to confirm your place until you have your GCSE results.
