How can I find and apply for a course at the University of East London?

Updated

You can find a course at the University of East London (UEL) by using the course search tool on uel.ac.uk, where you first select a course type — Clearing, Undergraduate, Postgraduate, Short course, or Apprenticeship — then enter a course, subject, or keyword. If you are applying for an autumn start and still need a place, UEL directs you to apply through Clearing. Course pages cover details such as duration and future job opportunities, so you can compare options before applying.

Step 1: Choose the right course type

The search tool starts with a course type selector. Picking the correct type narrows results to the route that matches your situation:

Course type Use it when
Clearing You still want to start this autumn and need to apply for a remaining place
Undergraduate You are looking for a first degree
Postgraduate You are looking for a master's or other post-first-degree study
Short course You want a focused, non-full-degree course
Apprenticeship You want to combine work with study through an apprenticeship route

If you are unsure, start with the type that matches your current qualification level and goal, then adjust if the results do not fit.

Step 2: Search by course, subject, or keyword

After selecting a course type, enter a course name, subject, or keyword in the search field. For example, if you are interested in laboratory science, search a subject term rather than a full course title — this returns a broader set of related courses you can filter through.

The search is the main entry point to the course catalogue. It is designed to work whether you already know the exact course or are still exploring a subject area.

Step 3: Check the course page before applying

Once you find a course, open its page. UEL states that course information covers:

  • Duration — how long the course runs
  • Future job opportunities — the career paths the course supports

Use these to confirm the course fits your time commitment and career goal before you start an application.

Step 4: Apply through the right route

  • Autumn start via Clearing: If you still want to begin this autumn, UEL's Clearing 2026 page is the application route. A current UEL student, Nancy, describes the process in a UEL video: "Clearing was so much easier and simpler than I thought," and advises calling the UEL Clearing team, who can guide you through course selection and explain what the course is like, its duration, and future job opportunities. Her advice: "just don't be scared and just do it."
  • Other routes: For undergraduate, postgraduate, short course, and apprenticeship study, use the course page and the application route it points to.

Common sticking points

  • Searching too narrowly. Entering a full course title can hide related options. Try a subject or keyword first.
  • Skipping the course type filter. Selecting a type before searching keeps results relevant to your level and goal.
  • Leaving questions until after you apply. If you are unsure about duration or career outcomes, check the course page or contact the relevant team first — the Clearing team, for example, can explain these directly.

Where to start

Go to uel.ac.uk, use the course search with a course type and a subject or keyword, open the course page to check duration and job opportunities, then follow the application route for your situation — Clearing if you are applying for an autumn start.