Results Day advice and next steps

Results Day is an important day in your education - but it isn't something that will define you for the rest of your life.

It's important because countless ideas and projects and hours of hard work and collaboration got you to this point. You made that happen. Getting here is the achievement.

Life moves fast - especially in the creative industries - so once you’ve taken some time to look back, it’s time to think about what’s next. The only thing that matters about Results Day is what you do with them.

Whatever your grades are, you still have options open to you.

In moments like this it’s natural to want to focus in on one option, and one way forward. 

The reality is that you still have plenty of time, and narrowing down too much can mean that you’re less open to opportunities. It can also put extra, unnecessary pressure on you.

Below are a few resources that can help you put your results day in context and stay positive about your choices.

HCA has a range of incredible Post-18 courses - from a one-year Foundation diploma, to some of the UK's top-rated degree courses (NSS 2025). There is still time to apply and our team are on-hand to help you get started.

Here are three options for summer applications:

1. Remember - you can apply through Clearing, even if you’ve already accepted a place somewhere else. This is a great time to think about where your own journey goes next. 

2. Places are still available on our Undergraduate degrees. If you didn't apply in January - or didn't get the grades you need - get in touch with our Registry team using the link below. We look at your potential as an artist or designer, not just past performance in exams. 

   Find a degree that feeds your imagination on our course pages - and our team can support you through the application process in plenty of time to start this Sept.

3. Join our one-year Foundation Diploma in Art & Design. Build the kind of portfolio and UCAS points that will open doors you want in January - and study on a degree campus alongside a community of artists and designers doing the same. (No tuition fees if you are aged 18 at the start of the course).

    

Get in touch with our registry team on 01432 273 359 or email registry@hca.ac.uk to chat through your options and find the right place for you.

Whatever your next steps are, take today to feel great about where you’re heading. 

There will be a load of people who have been on your journey with you over the last few years. They might have helped you, and you probably helped them somewhere along the way. If you want to reach out - it’s always good to share this moment with others who understand it.

Getting here is the achievement. 

If your posting about it - let us know. We'd love to share the hype:

• Coming to HCA next year? - tag posts #ImGoingToHCA
• If you're an HCA diploma student - tag posts #HCAResultsDay