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UEL celebrates Clearing 2009 success

Thursday 20 August 2009

Applicant Enquiries

Hundreds of students from across London, around the UK and worldwide are celebrating gaining places to study degrees at the University of East London (UEL) today.

On Thursday 20 August the A level results also come out and UEL tutors and admission staff received thousands of phone enquiries. There have also been thousands of page viewings on the clearing website. In addition, the undergraduate and postgraduate information sections of the UEL website are being visited 100% more than last year.

Even before the clearing centre opened today, UEL has seen an increase of 15% in the number of full time applications and with places still available on a wide range of courses, from Architecture to Accounting and Finance, many more applicants are expected to secure their places over the coming days.

Professor Susan Price, acting Vice-Chancellor of the University of East London, said: "We all knew that clearing was going to be really busy this year and we are thrilled that the team have worked so hard. There have been calls from around the country and abroad and high quality applicants for every School, I’m delighted that we’ve had so much interest.”

Highly-rated UEL programmes, including Architecture, Fashion and Textiles, Anthropology, Journalism, and Psychology, have already received hundreds of enquiries. Demand is also high for Combined Honours degrees, with popular combinations including Criminology with Psychology, Business with Law, and English Literature with Creative Writing.

Emma Burchfield, Head of Student Admissions at UEL, said: “There is increased competition for places this year and many applicants are anxious. However, we still have places available at present so don't delay in calling to see if we can offer you the programme of your choice. We have already made hundreds of offers on day one - those offered can now enjoy the remainder of their summer, safe in the knowledge that they will be coming to UEL this year.”

Students coming to UEL through Clearing can also benefit from the UEL Progress Bursary, worth £1,100 over three years, in which a student who successfully progresses from their first into their second semester receives £500 in their first year and £300 in each subsequent year. Also, a limited number of Achievement Scholarships, worth £1000, are available.

UEL currently has a record total of over 21,000 students enrolled - an increase of more than 80% over the past six years.

UEL also offers two-year Foundation Degrees and extended degree programmes in fields including architecture, visual arts, computing, engineering and science. This means that students who do not have the qualifications required for direct entry to degree programmes can join a foundation 'year zero' rather than going back to school or college.

Najiba Arabzai, 19, from Cardiff has been offered a place on the BSc Podiatry Programme and she was also offered an Achievement Scholarship worth £1000 for outstanding achievement by achieving 500 UCAS points. She said:

“I tried a few other universities however UEL felt like the right choice. My A levels were in Chemistry and Biology and I thought a course in Podiatry would be right for me.

“Clearing was a bit stressful as I’ve been trying since 8am to get through and I finally did, but obviously it’s really busy.

“I am really looking to coming to UEL and moving away to get more experience and responsibility, it’s a fresh start for me.”

Andrew Pointer, 18, from Essex applied for a BSc Psychology

“I didn’t go through UCAS as I was planning a year out but changed my mind at the last minute. UEL was the first university that I tried calling and I was surprised at how quick the clearing process was it, less than 5 minutes in fact!

“I just finished my second year of A levels in Psychology, English Literature and Chemistry. I am definitely considering coming to UEL and have been impressed by how quickly I was offered a place here.”

Visitors can also drop in to UEL’s on-campus Application and Advice Centres at Docklands and Stratford for one-to-one attention, ensuring they get on the degree they want, or are able to follow the most appropriate course of study.

For full details of all programmes and up-to-date availability of places, call 020 8223 3333 or log on to www.uel.ac.uk/clearing.

Notes to Editors

The University of East London (UEL) is a global learning community with over 28,000 students from over 120 countries world-wide. Our vision is to achieve recognition, both nationally and internationally, as a successful and inclusive regional university proud of its diversity, committed to new modes of learning which focus on students and enhance their employability, and renowned for our contribution to social, cultural and economic development, especially through our research and scholarship. We have a strong track-record in widening participation and working with industry.

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