Missed your conditions and been offered a place on a different course instead? That’s a changed course offer. Here’s how to weigh it up - and the clock that comes with it.
If you miss your conditions, a university can offer you a place on a different course, start date or entry point - a changed course offer (CCO). It’s a genuine offer you can accept or decline in your UCAS application, but you must reply within five days or you’ll lose it. Weigh it up properly: it may be a great fit, or Clearing may have options you prefer - if you decline, you can use Clearing.
tutor2u isn’t a university or a UCAS service, and we can’t place you on a course. This is a plain-English guide to the official process - always use UCAS and speak to the universities and your school or college for anything specific to you.
A changed course offer is a genuine place, not a downgrade to ignore - but the five-day clock is real. Decide promptly rather than letting the offer lapse while you think about it.
It’s an offer of a place on a different course, start date or entry point, made when you don’t meet the conditions of your original offer. Source: UCAS ↗
Five days. UCAS states you need to reply in your application within five days or you’ll lose the offer. Source: UCAS ↗
You can decline in your application and use Clearing to apply for a course you prefer. Source: UCAS ↗
Compare the changed course offer with what’s realistically available in Clearing, and pick the course you’d be happiest on - but decide within the five-day window. Source: UCAS ↗
Compare it against what Clearing offers, and how Clearing works.
University Clearing explained →Choosing between Clearing offers →Last checked August 2026. This is a plain-English summary of the UCAS admissions and Clearing process; always check your UCAS application and contact the relevant university or college for the details that apply to you, which can change.
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