News | 11 July 2024
In 2020, Bethan Fry, 25, from Pontypool, was already in her second year at university studying journalism – however, she was unhappy with the course and found it was starting to affect her mental health.
For some students, university can be a challenging time and things do not always go to plan, particularly if you discover the course is not as expected. Despite being halfway through her studies, Bethan made the brave decision to leave her university and look for a course which would suit her better.
Then the pandemic hit and Bethan was forced to put her studies on hold. She used the time out to reflect on what she'd like to do next, while working and saving money.
After exploring her options, in 2021 Bethan decided to apply to the
BA (Hons) Digital Marketing Management degree at Cardiff Met. However, the process wasn't all plain sailing as her initial application didn't process – meaning she had to apply to university through Clearing.
Bethan said: “I hadn't planned to apply to Cardiff Met through Clearing and initially I panicked when I realised I would need to, as I assumed the process was for students who hadn't got the result they needed on A-level results day.
“Once I spoke with the team, I realised Clearing was actually very easy. I was also able to go straight into my second year, having already done two years at a previous university and having a Diploma, which meant I wouldn't have to start from scratch."
Clearing is a method of application through UCAS, which starts on 5 July 2024 and runs through to the end of September. It allows students who have not yet applied through UCAS, perhaps didn't get the grades they expected or have changed their mind and decided to go to university at a later date, to still be able to apply.
Bethan, now 25, graduated from Cardiff Met in July 2023 and is now a Digital and Social Media Officer for Thrive Women's Aid – a role she secured while writing her dissertation.
“I am massively passionate about women's rights and women's safety and previously ran in the local elections for the Women's Equality Party to raise awareness in the local area of the support available. I also did lots of volunteering in this area during the pandemic."
Offering advice to other students, Bethan said: “Things often don't go to plan, that's just life, but try not to panic as there are options available, such as Clearing, and the University staff are always there to support you. I'm incredibly grateful for the Clearing service at Cardiff Met as well as all of the incredible staff members who supported me on my journey to get a first-class degree."
Further advice on
Clearing and how to apply is available on the Cardiff Metropolitan University website.
