If you’re considering applying for a postgraduate course in 2021, you may be wondering if you can gain a place through UCAS Clearing.
UCAS Clearing is the process in which applicants are matched to places on courses at UK universities that haven’t yet been filled. But the UCAS Clearing process only applies to undergraduate courses. Postgraduate Clearing doesn’t actually exist.
That being said, it’s important to note that you can easily apply for postgraduate study at the University of Stirling year-round. The process is fast and simple — and if you’d like to learn more, we’re here to help.
Can I apply for a place through postgraduate Clearing?
Unfortunately, no. Clearing is a process that undergraduate applicants without any offers can use to search for remaining places at UK universities. These places are usually pretty limited, and Clearing is open from 5 July 2021 until 19 October 2019.
But again, it’s important to note that Clearing is only for applicants who want to make an online undergraduate application through UCAS.
As a postgraduate applicant, you don’t have to apply using UCAS. That’s why it’s not possible to secure a postgraduate place through Clearing.
But if you’re keen on securing a last-minute Masters place, don’t worry. The online application process at the University of Stirling is quick and easy, and it’s possible to secure a place on the course you’d like to study within just a few weeks of the course’s start date.
How to apply for a postgraduate place
It’s possible to apply for a small number of postgraduate courses through UCAS, but most UK universities have their own direct application systems for postgraduate study.
Using these direct application systems, you’ll be able to create an application that’s totally specific to the course you’re interested in. You’ll typically have to submit documentation or a personal statement, and you can often expect to get a fairly quick decision after submitting your application.
Don’t forget to do your homework and be aware of application deadlines.
Here at the University of Stirling, we don’t impose any postgraduate application deadlines. We’re happy to consider applications year-round — so you don’t need postgraduate Clearing to score a last-minute place at the University. You can apply at any point in the months leading up to your intended start date.
But that doesn’t mean you should leave your application until the last minute. If you’re wanting to join us here in Scotland from overseas, it’s normally best to apply a minimum of eight weeks before your course is supposed to start.
That’s because you’ll require a Tier 4 (General) student visa to study in the UK. This process can take a few weeks, and so it’s best to get your application in quick so that you don’t miss the start of your course because of visa issues.
Your application doesn’t need to be a last-minute one, though. If you like to plan things out in advance, you’re able to apply for a Masters place at the University of Stirling up to two years before you’re intending to start your course.
Why Stirling is for you
At the University of Stirling, our commitment to employability, excellent support services, five-star teaching (QS World University Rankings 2020) and location at the heart of Scotland have helped us to create an international campus environment that’s ranked 1st in the UK and top 5 in the world (UK ISB and Global ISB Benchmark 2018).
Stirling has also been named one of the UK’s top 30 universities (The Guardian University Guide 2021), and our world-leading academics are experts in their field.
In the most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF2014), three-quarters of our research activity was classed as either world-leading or internationally excellent.
Learn more about why Stirling is perfect for postgraduate study.
Are you ready to Be Stirling?
OK, so postgraduate Clearing doesn’t exist. But you can secure a last-minute Masters place at Stirling, and we want to help.
We have more than 90 postgraduate courses to choose from, and you can achieve your Masters in just one year to boost your career and truly make a difference in your chosen field.
Find your postgraduate course and learn how to apply now.
Any questions about postgraduate study? Get in touch. We’re always happy to help, and we can’t wait to hear from you.