Kingston University sees high demand for degree courses as Clearing hotline operation handles thousands of calls from eager applicants

Following the release of A-level results, Kingston University’s Clearing hotline has been inundated with calls from thousands of prospective students keen to snap up the remaining spots on its degree courses. 

More than 150 operators have been responding to queries and guiding applicants through the Clearing process. Alongside the call operators are more than 300 academics who have been answering questions about specific courses and Kingston University’s sector-leading Future Skills programme. 

Within hours of phone lines opening at 8am this morning, the University had already seen huge demand for its courses. By 1pm the Clearing hotline team, which includes course leaders, lecturers and current students – some of whom have previously been through Clearing themselves, had handled around 3,000 calls from prospective students.

The team has been taking calls from students in a range of different circumstances, from those who didn't quite get the grades they were hoping for to those who have done better than expected or have changed their minds about where and what they want to study, as well as those who wanted a career change. 

The University's Executive Director of Student Services Louisa Green said hotline operators had been taking calls from students interested in subject areas, ranging from forensic science and engineering to law, criminology, business management and economics.

She explained students phoning up today would have an initial conversation with a hotline operator during which they could discuss details of their A-level results. If their grades met course requirements, they would be made an offer.

“Spaces are going quickly, but we're reassuring callers that they still have plenty of options available,” she said. “Our expert team is here to help answer any questions applicants might have, and we’ll be taking calls until every course place is filled. I’d strongly encourage anyone keen to begin their university journey to get in touch with the hotline as soon as possible to explore what’s on offer.”

“We’re also handling calls from a number of students, who are keen to find out more about how they can develop their employability skills while at university,” she added. “At Kingston, we focus on helping students build the key attributes most valued by employers through our Future Skills programme – from creative problem solving and digital competency to adaptability and resilience. These skills are embedded across all our courses to ensure graduates are well-prepared for the modern workplace and can make a real impact in their careers and communities.”

As well as helping callers find a suitable degree course, the University's hotline operators have been explaining more about campus life in Kingston. Prospective students can also find out more about the University's courses and facilities, as well as meeting lecturers and current students at a special Clearing Advice Day event on Saturday 16 August. 

• Kingston University's Clearing hotline is open 8.30am to 6pm on Friday 15 August and 10am to 4pm on Saturday 16 August, and Monday to Friday from 9am until 5pm until the start of term, excluding the Bank Holiday on Monday 25 August. 
• Book onto Kingston University’s Clearing Advice Day on Saturday 16 August.  
• Potential students should call 0800 0483 334 (or +44 20 8328 1149 from outside the UK) to speak to the University's friendly and knowledgeable hotline operators who will be able to provide information on courses available and guide callers through their options.  
• Calls are free from landlines and mobiles in the UK. International call costs may vary and callers should check with their network provider. 
• Students should have their UCAS identification, if they have one, to hand and full details of qualifications, including subjects, grades, dates obtained and exam boards before calling the hotline.