How to Apply to the Fashion Retail Academy Through Clearing

How to Apply to the Fashion Retail Academy Through Clearing 

Clearing opens on Saturday 5th July 2025. You can submit your application in person at our Open Day on Saturday 5th July – register here. Our Clearing hotline will open to take your application from Monday 7th July 2025 for applications over the phone. 

Here’s a step-by-step guide to applying for an undergraduate course at the FRA through Clearing:

What is Clearing? 

We offer a wide range of fashion undergraduate Clearing degrees for those who haven’t yet secured a place or would like to change courses.  

Our degrees cover areas such as: 

• Fashion Business 
• Buying & Merchandising
• Fashion, Communication & Styling
• Fashion Marketing & Communications
• Sustainability in Fashion
• Art Direction for Fashion

How to Apply Through Clearing? 

Step 1: Research Our Undergraduate Courses 

Explore our fashion undergraduate degrees (they’re all open for Clearing!) and choose one that suits you best. You can only apply for one course at a time, so make sure it’s the right fit. 

Top tip: Check the ‘Modules’ section at the bottom of the course pages for a breakdown on the topics you’ll study. It’s a great way to understand the content and structure of the course.  

Step 2: Call Us From 7th July 

Once you’ve chosen your course, call our Clearing number (released on 7th July) to apply.  

Important: The applicant must call themselves – we can’t accept applications from parents, guardians, or others on your behalf. 

Step 3: What to Expect on the Call 

We’ll ask you a few questions to complete your application, including: 

• Which course are you interested in?
• Were you born in the UK and have you lived here for the last 3 years?
• Do you need a Student Route Visa to study in the UK? 

If you require a Student Route Visa, unfortunately, you are not eligible to study an undergraduate degree at the FRA, and we will be unable to process your application.

What You’ll Need to Apply: 

Please have the following details ready ahead of your call: 

• Full name, title, gender and date of birth 
• Email and phone number (you must be reachable between 9am-5pm) 
• Full home address, including postcode 
• The course you’re applying for (one at a time) - if you want to switch to a different course and there are places available, give us a call – we'll update your application
• Your UCAS Personal ID (10-digit number) – this is helpful to have if you have one but it’s not essential. You'll find this on your UCAS Hub or in emails from UCAS. 
• Details of your most recent qualifications, including: type (e.g. A Levels, BTEC etc), full qualification name, grades/results (if you already have them) and the year completed.
• If you haven’t applied through UCAS before and we make you an offer, you’ll need to send us proof of your qualifications.
• Any equivalent experience, if you don’t have formal qualifications 

International Students 

Please refer to our International Entry Requirements via Falmouth University. You’ll also need to send proof of your English language proficiency before enrolling. We require IELTS 6.0 overall, with at least 5.5 in each section, or an equivalent qualification. 

Step 4: After You’ve Applied 

Once you’ve completed the call, your application is passed on to Falmouth University (our validating partner). You should hear back within 48 hours. If not, please contact Falmouth directly on 01326 213730. 

If they request additional documents (e.g. proof of results), send them as soon as possible. Places fill up quickly and your place won’t be confirmed until all documents are received and your offer has been made. 

Once you accept your offer, you’ll receive a confirmation email from Falmouth University. 

Student Finance 

If you haven’t applied for student finance, apply as soon as possible. It’s unlikely that funding will be in place by the start of term, so make sure you have alternative financial arrangements in the meantime. 

Apply or check progress here: 

• England & EU – https://www.gov.uk/student-finance 
• Wales – www.studentfinancewales.co.uk 
• Northern Ireland – www.studentfinanceni.co.uk 
• Scotland – www.saas.gov.uk