Right from opening that envelope to spending hours connected to Clearing hotlines, A-level results day can feel like you’ve aged five years in just twenty-four hours, so take a moment to consider your options.
It can be hard to find some peace but, among the chaos, ensure you have time to recollect your thoughts. Make a list of the criteria that matters most to you. Was it the location, course, accommodation, or employability rate that attracted you to a particular university? If so, could another university offer you the same? Or better?
If you didn’t get in to your dream university, don’t fret. Heading to one of these ten universities – ranked by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) this month – could land you a job within six months of graduating.
So, let’s get started, shall we?
1) University of Aberdeen
In #Clearing? Don't worry, we've saved you a space! Call 01224273504 to find out what's available #ALevelResults pic.twitter.com/pORQzTHw8N
; Aberdeen University (@aberdeenuni) August 13, 2015
A staggering 95.8 per cent of Aberdeen’s 2013/14 graduates found a job or were enrolled in postgraduate study within six months of leaving the popular Scottish university.
Founded in 1495, the research-intensive institution is located in central Aberdeen and was recently voted ‘Scotland’s safest university city’. A vibrant, creative university situated on the Scottish coast, Aberdeen’s impressive array of alumni include five Nobel Prize winners.
2) De Monfort University, Leicester
Congrats to our new students, we can't wait to welcome you all! If you're still looking for a place, call DMU! pic.twitter.com/5RmpPr4J0g
; De Montfort Uni DMU (@dmuleicester) August 13, 2015
Sharing its score with the University of Aberdeen, De Monfort was recently named ‘the most improved university in the UK’ by The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide.
The dynamic university climbed 32 places in the prestigious chart for its surge in graduate employability earlier this year. Based in Leicester, De Monfort offers over 400 undergraduate and postgraduate degree courses. New students can enjoy the effects of its recent £132m campus renovation from September.
3) University of West London a.k.a. ‘The Career University’
Our #Clearing hotline is open from 7am-8pm today. Full list of courses available: http://t.co/yvgV1dDWox pic.twitter.com/tXv2RwGJUm
; Uni of West London (@UniWestLondon) August 13, 2015
Pro-employability tagline in tow, the University of West London is said to continually improve the student experience.
Just minutes from the centre of the capital – and with 95.9 per cent of its graduates in work within six months – this new university is as ‘forward-looking’ as you can get. If that’s not enough to go on, it was also voted ‘Best Modern University’ in 2013.
4) St Mary’s University, Twickenham
Call our #Clearing Hotline now to find your place http://t.co/c8B8zBhhb6 pic.twitter.com/Ga31JpdZRw
; St Mary's University (@YourStMarys) August 13, 2015
From the thousands of graduates leaving St. Mary’s University in London’s rugby heartland in 2013/14, 95.9 per cent found work or further study within six months. The 165-year-old Catholic university specialises in sport, theology, and education and is located on Strawberry Hill. So, not only will you get a great degree, but a lovely address too.
According to the Complete University Guide, this university’s “warm and welcoming environment” has contributed to its long-standing and robust relationship with higher education.
5) University of Northampton
At the University of Northampton, we have a place for you. Let us guide you through #clearing 2015 #MakeItHappen http://t.co/h57E7FtEti
; TheUniofNorthampton (@UniNorthants) August 13, 2015
The University of Northampton complements its 96.1 per cent employability rate with consistent top rankings in student satisfaction surveys.
Both Birmingham and London are less than an hour away by train and Northampton itself boasts a lively music scene and a wealth of outdoor activity centres.
In 2014, it was awarded Midlands Enterprising University of the Year for the third year running. Also, their Clearing poem/tweet was excellent and original, so what’s not to love about this institution?
6) University of Surrey
Results better than you'd hoped or not what you were expecting? We can help: http://t.co/3D7KR9VFsq #Results2015
; University of Surrey (@UniOfSurrey) August 13, 2015
Civil engineering, linguistics, and medical technology fans will love the University of Surrey.
Taking language lessons alongside a degree course is free to all students, equipping those who wish to study abroad or work overseas with the skills they need at no extra cost.
Almost 97 per cent of Surrey’s 2013/14 graduates secured employment or a place on a postgraduate course within six months.
7) Lancaster University
We’re open now to take your calls about #adjustment and #clearing: 0800 298 9542 http://t.co/mcT5EHk0GP #TopDecision pic.twitter.com/SyXqgbkvXb
; Lancaster University (@LancasterUni) August 13, 2015
This UK top-ten university is ranked in the top one per cent of higher education institutions internationally and boasts a whopping 97 per cent graduate employability rate, and its award-winning on-campus recruitment agency has attracted millions of pounds in investment.
Nine colleges house its 12,000-strong student body – most of which excel in arts and social sciences, health and medicine, management, science and technology.
8) University of Derby
Need advice about #Clearing? Don't panic, give us a call: 01332 592015 pic.twitter.com/quRNE52Ylf
; University of Derby (@DerbyUni) August 13, 2015
‘Real-world learning’ has helped the University of Derby to secure 96.9 per cent of their graduates in employment within six months.
This Peak District-based university has forged close relationships with massive Midlands employers like Rolls Royce, Toyota, and Bombardier.
Added bonus? Students at Derby have the opportunity to work in an area that boasts similar salaries to those earned in London.
9) Arts University Bournemouth
If you're looking to join us through #Clearing, take a look at http://t.co/tgixeg09Sg and give us a call from 8.30am https://t.co/3UGdA68qxX
; AUB (@inspiredAUB) August 13, 2015
Careers in art, design, media, and performance are typical paths for Arts University Bournemouth graduates.
Ranked top in the UK for employability, 97.4 per cent of the College’s 2013/14 graduates were in work after six months of graduation, or had secured a place on a postgraduate course. Director Edgar Wright and Oscar-winning screenwriter Simon Beaufoy are notable alumni.
10) University of Stirling
Good luck to everyone receiving #Alevelresults! Looking for clearing advice? Visit http://t.co/apDvuf2Z8V #mystirling pic.twitter.com/lFXz5ddHCe
; Stirling University (@StirUni) August 13, 2015
Finally, voted by UK police as one of the safest universities in Britain, the University of Stirling is set over 320 acres, and it even has a nine-hole golf course, with cancer care, sports science, and management are Stirling’s specialisms.
Also, it’s a little like Hogwarts: its campus is nestled in the castle-capped Airthrey Estate, an actual UK heritage site. A total of 96 per cent of its graduates are in full employment within six months.
Twitter: @emily_townsend1
