Digital hub and call centre help thousands confirm their place at Plymouth University

Thousands of prospective students have been helped on the path to higher education thanks to Confirmation and Clearing advisers at Plymouth University.

The University’s dedicated call centre, staffed by 60 specially trained advisers and social media experts, opened as A-level students across the country picked up their results on Thursday 15 August.

On its first day it received more than 5,000 calls, a 50 per cent increase compared to 2012, as students looked to confirm their place to study at one of the UK’s top 10 modern universities.

The call centre is mostly operated by current students, some of whom have themselves been through the Clearing process, and one of those is Ambalica Joyce, who has just completed her first year.

She said: “This time last year, I was on the other end of the line and panicking as I tried to confirm a place at university to study on the BSc Geography course. But the advisers at Plymouth University helped me through the process and onto a great course – it is one of the best decisions I ever made.

"This year, I am using that experience to help others and hopefully they will be able to follow the same path as I did and come here in September.”

The call centre will remain open until Friday 23 August, and is supplemented by an interactive digital hub, which is providing the latest information – through social media sites such as Twitter and Facebook – on course closures, vacancies contact points and warn of any problems in the UCAS environment.

Final preparations are also underway for a special Open Day on Sunday 18 August, to provide an opportunity for anyone wishing to join Plymouth University in September to have a last look and get a feel for the campus and culture.

Neil Hammacott, the University's Head of UK Recruitment and Admissions, said: “The volume of calls we have taken from prospective students is testament to our reputation for world class research and teaching. The ongoing investment in our campus, and our commitment to providing an unrivalled student experience, is proving a powerful draw for the increasing numbers wanting to join us for the next phase of our exciting journey.”

The University’s call centre number is 01752 585858, and more information is available at www.plymouth.ac.uk/clearing, www.facebook.com/confirmationandclearing and www.twitter.com/plymuniapply.