The application process
What is the Clearing telephone number and what are the opening times?
Our telephone hotline has now closed for 2023. If we're in Clearing for 2024, we'll communicate the opening times closer to that time.
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).
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 application through UCAS for 2023 entry)
- 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?
Clearing for 2023 is now closed. We have no course vacancies for 2023 entry. If we're in Clearing for 2024, you'll be able to view what's available closer to that time.
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?
We are still encouraging applications for Winchester and Southampton for those students who are coming through clearing.
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.
If you are not able to secure accommodation there are alternative accommodation options in and around Southampton suitable for students.
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.
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.
Every applicant holding a firm or insurance offer with Southampton will receive an email on results day. It will explain whether we can confirm your place or not. Check your email account, including your junk 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. Should you not meet your offer conditions, we will review your application to make a rounded 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. If your grades change as a result of a successful appeal, we may be able to confirm your place for September 2023 entry.
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.
