Haseeb went through the Clearing process and used it to secure a place on the BSc Economics at Middlesex University
Why did you use Clearing, and what happened on results day?
I was nervous and anxious because I didn't know which university I would be going to. My initial plans changed, and I missed my grades. I wasn't worried about using Clearing. I knew about it and what it was. I was more anxious because I didn't know where I was going. But I knew that I would find somewhere, and there would be an option available for me.
I went back home and looked through some of my Clearing options. I visited Middlesex’s website again and remembered how much I liked the campus and the overall vibe there. In the end, I decided to give them a call.
What was the Clearing process like?
The experience of phoning universities, specifically Middlesex, was quite straightforward. Speaking to the person on the Clearing hotline, I remember them being calm and reassuring, walking me through, step by step:
my course
what I would be studying
the grades I needed to study there.
Once I received confirmation over the phone that Middlesex had made me an offer, I accepted it on UCAS Hub and had no issues. I found the process to be relatively smooth.
Why did you choose to study this course at this institution?
I always wanted to study economics. I really enjoyed it at A-level and wanted to further my knowledge in the subject. I also knew that the job prospects for studying a degree like economics were relatively good.
One of the biggest things I was looking for was a university that really supported its students. Looking online and seeing stories about Middlesex, its opportunities, and career paths, I was struck by how much support its students and alumni continue to receive.
How is the course structured and assessed?
You can study a three-year degree with work experience, or a four-year programme with a year-long work placement, and I chose the latter.
The course offers a practical, business-oriented economics education, equipping you with the skills and experience to pursue careers in government, finance, business, and beyond.
You gain knowledge and understanding through:
computer software
guided reading of textbooks and academic journals
in-class exercises
labs
seminars
workshops.
The course is assessed with:
business case studies
presentations
written assignments.
Your cognitive skills are assessed through:
in-class tests
oral presentations
practice-based individual and group coursework assignments.
A 12-month placement is offered at the end of year two. Alternatively, you can opt for two smaller placements during years one and two of the course, including the summers between those years of study.
What's your university experience been like so far?
I realised I'd made the right decision when I walked through the campus. It was scenic - it didn't feel like it was in London - and it was really cosy. Another thing is the number of global opportunities available at Middlesex - they have campuses in Dubai and Mauritius.
Through Middlesex's global opportunities team, I was also able to attend a month-long summer school in South Korea, which really changed my perspective. I took an economics course at a university in Seoul, which I would never have considered without that team's guidance.
I spent a month in a foreign city and a completely different culture. I learnt a lot about living independently. Throughout my time there, I met new people and made new friends. It was a great opportunity to learn academically and explore a new culture.
What advice would you give to other students thinking of using the Clearing process?
Clearing will be okay in the end, regardless of where you go. Despite that, it's a lot to take in; you'll be nervous and anxious because you know you have so many choices to make in such a short time.
Make use of the student support. Explore the practical ways available that the university can help you.
Consider the opportunities and partnerships. I didn't initially know about Middlesex's international campuses, so I took advantage of any opportunities to study abroad.
Read about what other students have done. For example, I'll be starting my placement at Middlesex County Cricket Club as a business support administrator next year.
