Name: Hereford College of Arts
Price range: $

1. What is Clearing?

Clearing made simple

Clearing is a part of the UCAS application process that helps you find a course if you haven’t yet secured a university place – or if your plans have changed.

It’s open from 5 July until mid-October, but most students apply after they find out their grade.

Is Clearing for you?

Below are some of reasons students apply to HCA through Clearing.

If you are a mature student - or you recently studied a diploma at HCA - you may not need to go through Clearing to secure your place. Call the college or email our Registry team to find out if you can apply direct to HCA.

🤔 You've changed your mind about a university - or you want to explore a different subject

📩 Your grades were different to those you expected - and you are looking at other options

📅 You applied after 30 June

📍 You want to study closer to home

🔄 You didn't receive any offers earlier in the year

2. Who can apply?

Is Clearing right for you?

Clearing is open to a wide range of applicants.

More than 70,000 students found their course via Clearing last year.

The fastest-growing group of students making late applications through Clearing are the Mind Changers. It is really common to reach the summer and feel different about a place or a subject - or a job - than you did three months ago.

Clearing is another chance to find a course that is the right match for you as a student and as an individual.

Reasons you might apply through Clearing

You might apply through Clearing if:

You’ve changed your mind about your course or a university
You’ve only just decided you want to study a degree
You applied before but didn’t receive offers
Your grades are different to those you were expecting
Your life has changed and you want to stay closer to home

Whatever got you to this point, our team is here to support you every step of the way.

Justin Gregory - Vice Principal of Higher Education

Creatives are - by nature - individual. Your journey to a degree course will be the same. Whenever you apply to study a degree, it’s an exciting first step. Summer applications are no different. Applying through Clearing shouldn’t feel like a last-minute option - and our dedicated teams will give you the guidance and support you need to find a course that feels right, and to help through the process so you don’t feel rushed.
Justin Gregory - Vice Principal of Higher Education

3. How to apply through Clearing

How it works in 3 Easy Steps

Step 1 : Explore our available courses below

Step 2 : Call us or apply through UCAS

Step 3 : Accept your offer and get ready to join HCA

Top Tip: Have your UCAS PID, grades, and a phone number ready. You can also call us if you haven’t applied through UCAS yet – we’ll help you understand your next steps.

How to take your next steps

Speak to us

Get in touch with our Outreach Team and they will walk you through the process, put you in touch with academic staff to talk through the course or answer any questions you have. They will tailor advice and support to your individual situation - you just have to ask.

Tap here to email us

Apply via UCAS

Tap the link below and find the HCA degree you want to apply for on the UCAS site. Then simply follow the prompts and get your application started today. (Check the filter is set for 2025-2026).

Apply via UCAS here

4. HCA courses available in Clearing

Explore our undergraduate degrees

We offer specialist, practice-based degrees in art, design, media and performance – all built around small group teaching, individual care, and creative freedom.

Swipe through the courses below currently accepting Clearing applications for September 2025:

BA(Hons) Artist Blacksmithing

Forge your future by joining a degree course at the forefront of education in forged metal design, participating in a vibrant, international community of practice.

BA(Hons) Contemporary Design Crafts

We are Makers - with a sensitivity and understanding of materials, design and context. Blending design principles with an innovative approach to process and material through hands-on making.

BA(Hons) Digital Content Creation

Video production, digital design and emerging media - Digital Content Creation is a new frontier for creatives to express their ideas.

BA(Hons) Fine Art

The world needs fine art thinkers more than ever before. The ability to see the world through a unique filter, and then express and communicate this to others is vital in this time of change. It can potentially influence our culture, our mental well-being, politics, and even the economy.

BA(Hons) Games Design

Master the in-demand skills needed to thrive in the entertainment industry's fastest-growing sector. Explore storytelling, world building and character development, while being supported to build your portfolio and kickstart your career in games design.

BA(Hons) Graphic & Media Design

Immerse yourself in a dynamic design environment where industry-experienced lecturers will guide you towards becoming a professional in the ever-changing world of graphic and media design.

BA(Hons) Illustration

Throughout our lives, illustration helps us all make sense of a complicated world. It is a communication tool that transcends language and culture, entertains and educates.

BA(Hons) Illustration & Animation

Man in the moon still

BA(Hons) Jewellery Design

We are Jewellers - with a love of materials, making and contemporary design. By blending physical and digital skills, we develop authentic, relevant and critically engaged jewellery practices.

Black silhouette against a red background

BA(Hons) Performing Arts

Develop the skills and understanding to create compelling performances with intent. Do what you love most and embrace all aspects of performing arts, while homing in on the elements of acting, movement and voice work that inspire you most.

BA(Hons) Photography

Photography does not stand still - it evolves and expands continuously. On this dynamic course you will find ways to grow and perfect your craft– and to make images that say something new about the world.

BA(Hons) Popular Music

Close up of guitar by Hannah Young

Textile design final piece Jenny Papworth

BA(Hons) Textile Design

Putting sustainability and heritage at the heart of contemporary design innovation.

6. What to do on Results Day

Your results day checklist

>>> Don't wait until Result Day to reach out. <<<

Talk to our Outreach at any point ahead of 14 August, and they can help you find all the information you need to make the right decision for you. Results Day can feel like a stressful event - but it doesn't need to be. Talking to our staff first will help you prepare and dispell some of the anxiety around the Clearing process.

📋 Be ready early
📋 Log into UCAS to check your status
📋 Have your grades, UCAS PID, and Clearing number (if you have one)
📋 Browse available courses
📋 Call our Registry team – we’ll guide you through it

✅ Don’t panic – there are lots of options, and we’ll help you make the right choice.

Call us on: 01432 273359

7. Clearing FAQs

Yes, but if you’re not registered yet, we can help you start the process.

If you are a mature student or a recent HCA student on our diploma courses you can apply directl to HCA. Just email registry@hca.ac.uk to get your direct application started.

8: Parents and Supporters

Supporting someone through clearing?

Clearing can feel intense – but it’s also full of opportunity. If you’re a parent, guardian, friend or teacher supporting someone, we’re here to help you too.

Our short guide for supporters covers:

How the process works
What to do on results day
Talking it through with confidence

You can also speak directly to our team. We’re happy to help. Email outreach@hca.ac.uk to start a conversation with one of our team.

Your next steps

Whether you're applying through UCAS or just exploring your options, we’d love to hear from you. Reach out and let’s find your place at HCA.