Clearing 2026: How Clearing helped me turn a fresh start into a new career

A University of Bedfordshire graduate has shared how using Clearing helped her take a new direction and pursue a career change through higher education.

Clearing is an opportunity to find the right course and take the next step, whether you are applying to university for the first time, changing direction or returning to education. The University of Bedfordshire is accepting applications until early October, with support available from the friendly Admissions team. Call 0300 3300 073 or visit www.beds.ac.uk/clearing to explore your options.

After closing her own business, Faye Jordan decided to return to education and look for a new challenge. She joined the University of Bedfordshire through Clearing and studied Sport and Exercise Science, graduating with the skills and knowledge to begin the next chapter of her career.

Faye said: "My experience was incredibly positive. I really enjoyed the variety of the course and the opportunity to explore different areas within sport and exercise science. Alongside my studies, I was involved in a range of additional activities, including working as a student ambassador, supporting a PhD research project, assisting with a master’s project, and working within the community exercise clinic, all of which enriched my time at university.

"Returning to education also gave me a renewed enthusiasm for learning. Having left school at 17, I wasn’t initially sure how I would find academic study, but I have embraced the challenge and found it to be a rewarding and confidence-building experience."

She added: "I have already secured full time employment in a national management level role withing the health and wellbeing sector. I am also interested in continuing my studies at postgraduate level. I am particularly drawn to areas such as physiology, nutrition and behavioural change, and would like to explore research opportunities in these areas. The variety of the course which gives an insight into many aspects of sport and exercise science has enabled me to know the areas that most interest me, and those that don’t as much."