Clearing – Student Stories

Darragh Kelly has completed his first year of BSc (Hons) Radiography (Radiotherapy and Oncology) after entering HSU through Clearing last year. He shares his experience of Clearing and how he found the move over from Ireland:

Why did you apply through Clearing?

“I had previously looked at HSU before Clearing opened, but I hadn’t put it down as one of my options. I then saw the Radiography course in Clearing and thought it was a good opportunity.

“The course interested me and the location looked good too. I think it’s cool that HSU is a health science-focused university instead of it being just a branch of their focus.

“I thought the Clearing process was pretty smooth. When I applied to HSU, I was surprised to get the offer of an interview.

“The interview was nice and relaxed, and it wasn’t like they were trying to catch me out on anything. I then got my offer. This all happened within two days which was a quick process.

“Going over to HSU was my first time being in England so it was a big change for me going from the countryside of my hometown to Bournemouth town.

“The beach is amazing and it’s really nice being so close to a town centre. Public transport is quite prominent over here too.

“I’m really glad I got the chance to be accepted through Clearing. It was like a fresh start for me and I have no regrets.”

Shirin Hessar is studying the Master of Chiropractic with Foundation Year. She shares why she applied to HSU through Clearing, along with some useful advice:

Why did you apply through Clearing?

“I was originally planning to take a gap year and go to college to do the Access to Higher Education course to improve my eligibility to get into HSU.

“I called the admissions team to ask if on completion of this course I would be accepted. I was told yes and I was asked about what GCSEs and A-Levels I had already achieved.

“I then got another call the next day and it was one of the senior lecturers. They had called me for a telephone interview and with this, they offered me a place.

“My advice for the interview is to talk about yourself and be honest.

“After my offer, I had to get a lot together as it was two weeks before the start of the course. I managed to find accommodation on Spare Room and I’m still in touch with that landlord today.

“I also managed to come and see the university before my first class. I’d never been to Bournemouth before and as soon as we parked the car and saw the building, we were wowed.

“We got a guided tour and I also got to speak to one of the course lecturers about the course and what I could expect.

“My advice for anyone wanting to apply to HSU through Clearing is just do it! Click the button and do it.”

Bobby is looking at the potential to change his career path by studying Chiropractic, which he applied to through UCAS Clearing.

Why did you apply through Clearing?

“I’m studying at Health Sciences University for my second degree. My first degree was in Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences at Bournemouth University and I graduated in 2019. I worked in Microbiology for a couple of years, but found I wasn’t enjoying it as much as I had thought.

“I wanted a change of career as I really love working with people, as well as finding the science of how the human body works fascinating. I chose Chiropractic as something that combines both of these interests.

“There aren’t many places that teach Chiropractic in the UK. I visited a few of the Universities and decided that Health Sciences University would be the best option for me. It was great to be back in Bournemouth, as I knew the area really well and love it here.”

Noah applied to Health Sciences University as an international student through Clearing.

Why did you apply through Clearing?

“I applied to Health Sciences University as an international student through Clearing. It was straightforward to do on UCAS and I heard back within a couple of days. There was a slight issue with my English qualification, which luckily we were able to resolve.”

“Both of my parents studied at Health Sciences University in the nineties – they actually met here. My mum is Swedish and my dad is Swiss. They were very positive about their experience here.”

“I didn’t actually get to visit the University properly before starting, but I really like it here.”

Relocating to Bournemouth

“I stayed in an Airbnb for the first few weeks, until I found my feet. I asked around as I got to know people whether anyone knew of any accommodation that was available and found a shared house that way. Next year, I’ll be sharing with friends that I have made on the course.”

“Health Sciences University is much more focused on Chiropractic than my previous University and the community is smaller, which works for me.”