Last updated 17:28, Wednesday, 06 August 2008

Not happy with your A-level grades? Wondering what to do next and what options are available to you? This is your chance to ask an expert.

Ian Roberts

Ian Roberts, the University of Cumbria's head of student recruitment, will be here from 11am to 12noon on Thursday, August 14 to respond to your queries and give you advice to help you make the right decision.

Here you will also find a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs). If these do not help you, fill in the simple form at the bottom of the page and submit your question.

Frequently Asked Questions...

I didn’t get the grades I was expecting. What do I do?
Firstly - don’t worry!

If you haven’t quite made the grades and your first choice is to us, don’t send any documents back to us until we contact you. We will review your application automatically but decisions on borderline cases cannot be made until we have some idea of our vacancy position. This may not be clear until the Monday after A/levels.

But do give us a ring if you want to discuss your options further.

If you are not successful with a place here, but meet the terms of your insurance offer UCAS will send you confirmation of a place at that institution.

Is it too late to apply for another course?
No, it isn’t. Please call our Clearing hotline on 08080 024024 or go online to: www.cumbria.ac.uk/Clearing If you call us we can discuss your grades and talk to you about a range of courses you might want to consider.

Have I missed out on undergraduate study or is there an alternative study path?
The University of Cumbria offers foundation degrees as a means of entry and also DipHE pathways. We also have a range of FE courses that you could look at.

I still want to come to University of Cumbria – what other options do I have?
If you haven't achieved your 2 A2s or equivalent, look for places that have foundation degrees or other means of entry to a degree. The University of Cumbria offers a DipHE entry for 1 A level applicants, who can transfer to the Year 2 of the degree at the end of the first year, subject to passing it with the right grades.

Who do I contact to find out more?
Contact student recruitment for clearing details call 08080 024024 or go online to www.cumbria.ac.uk/Clearing/

Is accommodation still available?
Lancaster, Ambleside, Newton Rigg Penrith have on-site accommodation still available. Carlisle halls accommodation is available in central Carlisle although specific campus accommodation cannot be guaranteed.

Have a look at www.cumbria.ac.uk/Clearing/Accommodation.aspx

Can I come and look at the campus?
Yes. Open days are available at all the campuses on Saturday, August 16, running from 11am to 4pm.

Would I be able to speak to a tutor on this new course?
Yes, at the Open Day you will be able to meet subject tutors to find out about all our courses. You can also speak to our advisors about Admissions, Accommodation and Student Support.

If you intend to come along, you need to let us know so that we can make sure that the appropriate tutors are available. Call us on 08080 024024.

What support will I get and why should I study at University of Cumbria?
For support the University of Cumbria’s Student Development & Advisory Service (SDAS) is available to support you. SDAS works with your tutors and others who contribute to your learning experience to ensure you get the most from your time with us and you are able to work through any challenges you may face.

To learn more about available student support visit www.cumbria.ac.uk/SDAS for more details.

The university also offers one of the best financial packages of support. See www.cumbria.ac.uk/finance for further details.

Why study at the University of Cumbria?
We can offer a high quality learning experience, exceptional student support, a diverse mix of people and an infrastructure that provides for academic achievement and personal development. Our academic staff are dedicated professionals with expertise and experience in their subjects, many renowned in their field.

Our campuses have a close-knit community feel and our students are not just 'numbers' or anonymous faces. There is a vibrant Students’ Union presence on each campus, with plenty of social activities and societies available which cover a wide range of interests. We have excellent sports facilities and teams you can join if you’re an avid sportsperson.

The University of Cumbria has been rated best in the North West for graduate prospects by the Times newspaper’s influential Good University Guide 2009.

The results mean that a higher percentage of University of Cumbria graduates will be in graduate level employment or further study within six months of graduation than students from any other North West institution.

The University of Cumbria also spends a higher proportion of additional fees income on student financial help. Students at the University of Cumbria receive a greater proportion of their institution’s additional variable fees income through financial support than students at any other university in the UK.

This means the University of Cumbria is committing more of its additional fees income than any other university to widening participation in Higher Education among lower income families.

What open days are running so I can see all the facilities University of Cumbria has to offer?
Specific clearing open days are running at all our campuses (Ambleside, Carlisle Brampton Road, Carlisle Fusehill Street, Lancaster and Newton Rigg) on Saturday,  August 16, from 11am to 4pm.

To submit a question, use the form below...