Clara Keane went through Clearing for her BSc (Hons) Equine Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation at Writtle University College. Here the 21-year-old from Kilworth, County Cork, Ireland, explains how Clearing gave her the push to pursue her dream job and gives her advice to students in a similar situation.
“I was unsure about moving from Ireland to England and therefore left my UCAS application too late.
It was not until mid-August that I received my Leaving Certificate results that I began to panic and was unsure of which route to take.
“I had always had an interest in the equine sports therapy and rehabilitation course and decided to go through the clearing process.
I made a UCAS application and spoke with various members of Writtle University College staff. They all helped me with my application, details about the University and details about the course. I found the staff extremely helpful during this time as it can be very stressful. They explained to me the steps that needed to be taken to process my clearing application and reassured me not to panic as a lot of students go through a similar experience.
“I was accepted to study at WUC and I am immensely happy that I have been given this opportunity as I love studying here.
“All of the lecturers are vastly educated in their fields and are always on hand to help with any of your uni work that you may be struggling with. The facilities at WUC are very good and useful for your study, for example the equine water treadmill. There has also been a £2million investment into the equine facilities and this has benefited both the students and the horses at WUC.
“I find the practicals the most enjoyable part of the Equine Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation course. In our lecture schedule we have a theory class and following that there is a practical to back it up. As I am more of a visual learner these practicals help me greatly. I find it remarkably interesting to learn about the anatomy of the horse, its way of going and how the rider may have an effect on the horse.
“I have always had a great interest in horses and had always planned on working in the equine industry. Clearing gave me the opportunity to further my interest and allow me to make it a job.
“In the future I hope to qualify as an equine sports therapist and work in the equine industry treating horses. Once completing my three-year degree at Writtle University College I would also hope that I can secure a place on the Masters in Veterinary Physiotherapy that is also offered at Writtle University College.
“One of my favourite things about Writtle is that there is a real sense of community within the University College. It’s a small University College but the facilities they offer are excellent. The people at Writtle, both students and staff, are all very friendly and helpful and this has allowed me to settle in a lot better as I had moved country to study at Writtle.
“I would recommend Writtle University College to anybody who has a keen interest in horses. There are a variety of equine courses on offer at Writtle and the facilities are always improving. I have learned a lot during my two years studying here and I will be disappointed having to leave when I graduate. I have made lots of friends during my time here and the facilities, clubs and functions around campus are fantastic.
“Any advice I would give to students going through Clearing is to research the courses you are interested in, speak to people you may know that have completed these courses and speak to staff members at Writtle as they are always on hand to help.
“I would advise them to try and remain calm and try not to panic as there are several options for people who may have not received the results they hoped for or have left their application too late. Writtle offers a variety of options to everyone, so speak to a member of staff to find out your options!”
Contact our specialist Clearing advisers to find out what specialist degree would be best for you or visit us on our Clearing Open Day on Wednesday 22 August.