Marketing and student recruitment webinars
Discover how to sign up to upcoming webinars, and play back the ones you missed.
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Jun 25
International Conference 2026: What we’re hearing from advisers
15:00 (UK time)
Following the UCAS International Conference 2026, this webinar shares practical insight from international teachers, advisers, and HE providers.
If you work in international recruitment or admissions, this session will help you understand adviser priorities, the themes shaping student sentiment across markets, and what this means for provider planning and international recruitment activity in future cycles.
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Jun 05
Training your academics to create standout course descriptions
Many providers rely heavily on content written by course leaders and academic teams. But while academics are experts in their subject areas, they are not marketers and course copy does not always connect with students in the way institutions intend.
In this session, Tracy Playle, CEO and Chief Content Strategist, Pickle Jar Communications, shared practical approaches to improving the quality and consistency of course content, while reducing the time spent on copyediting and rewrites.
The webinar covered:
- why academic course copy often misses the mark
- how to create shared content standards without losing subject expertise
- moving from vague claims to credible, student-focused language
- practical frameworks and approaches you can implement straightaway
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Jun 04
Course is King: How language shapes student choice
How do students interpret course information and which types of language help or hinder their understanding.
In our recent webinar, Jo and Penny dive deeper into our Course is King findings and discussed practical ways to strengthen your course content.
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Mar 02
What might Clearing 2026 look like?
During this session Dave Penney, Jo Richards and Ed McClaran shared insight from January’s Equal Consideration Date (ECD) analysis, highlighting the trends expected to shape Clearing 2026.
Using the latest UCAS Insights modelling, we explored:
- forecast changes in Clearing volumes and applicant behaviour
- who is likely to enter Clearing in 2026, and how this is shifting
- regional patterns that could influence targeting and media planning
- subject-level trends, including areas of expected growth
We shared data and insight to help shape your Clearing 2026 plans – supporting your Clearing campaign focus, targeting and subject prioritisation, well ahead of results day.
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Feb 12
Employability is a core driver in student choices – why employers and HE providers should work closer together
During our recent webinar, we unveiled key insights from UCAS’ latest careers & employability research into how 16–19-year-olds make career decisions.
This session brought together universities, colleges, and employers, exploring what young people really expect from higher education and from their future workplaces and how collaboration can build stronger, more sustainable talent pipelines.
To explore these insights in more detail, you can watch the playback and download the slides.
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Feb 09
International insights: Equal Consideration Date data
We recently shared the latest insights from the January 2026 Equal Consideration Date (ECD) data release.
Hosted by Felicity Lloyd, UCAS International Development Manager, and Becka Horsley, Customer Success Partner, we explored what the latest data tells us about the 2026 undergraduate international recruitment cycle, and how it can help shape your planning.
During the session, we covered:
- January 2026 ECD applicant
- Markets and geographies
- Subject trends
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Jan 26
The Clearing Connection: What worked in 2025 – and how to make it work harder in 2026
Clearing 2025 showed some clear patterns in what captured attention, built confidence and helped students take their next step. During our latest webinar, Kate Wright, Dr Simon Moore, and Kyle Campbell, shared those insights together in a practical session focused on what worked – why it worked – and how you can apply it to 2026 without more budget.
During the session, we covered:
- the creative and messaging approaches that genuinely cut through
- the behavioural ‘why’ behind effective Clearing moments
- how to translate these insights into simple, actionable steps for 2026
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Dec 18
International insights: End of cycle data release
Hosted by Des Cutchey and Felicity Lloyd, this session uncovered the key patterns we’ve seen across UK and international demand throughout the 2025 cycle, spotlighting what has changed – and what this means for your future planning.
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Dec 15
Early insights – signals you can act on now
Get ahead of 2026 with the first read-out from the 2025 Clearing survey. This session focused on what shaped student behaviour in Clearing this year – and the practical steps providers can take next.
In this session, we explored:
- early highlights from this year’s data, including research behaviours, student confidence, and channel usage
- what changed compared to last year, and the early indicators that could shape 2026 Clearing strategies
- practical actions you can take to prepare for future engagement and conversion
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Dec 03
Decline My Place – Real reason. Real retention moves
Nearly 43,000 students used Decline My Place in 2025 (by Day 28 data) – explore the reasons behind their decisions and what influenced them
In our recent webinar, Dave Penney, Jo Richards, and Kyle Campbell revealed the latest Decline My Place findings, uncovering the drivers behind firm, insurance and course-change decisions, and revealed the real push and pull factors shaping student decision-making.
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Nov 10
International insights: October deadline
During this session, we explored the latest international recruitment trends from the October deadline data release. UCAS experts Felicity Lloyd and Teona Droc shared early insights shaping the 2026 cycle – helping you identify where global demand is increasing, stabilising, or slowing across markets.
In this session, we discussed the latest insights including:
- year-on-year international application trends, including EU and non-EU comparisons
- the top five international markets by applicant volume
- the fastest growing and most challenging markets
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Oct 29
15 October deadline data release
Ben Jordan, Director of Strategy, and Maggie Smart, Director of Data and Analysis, unpack the latest insights from the 15 October deadline data release.
The session covered:
- what the October ECD data is showing so far
- emerging trends for the remainder of the 2026 cycle
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Oct 16
The Big Trends Shaping Student Mindset in 2025
Hosted by Kyle Campbell and Jo Richards, this webinar explored the shifting landscape of student decision-making. With cost and affordability more influential than ever, many students are rethinking or even declining their places, while career outcomes are becoming a top priority in an evolving job market.
Drawing on new research with pre-applicants, students, and parents, Jo and Kyle unpacked the three key trends shaping choices in 2025. They also shared what these shifts mean for universities — from how to respond effectively, to building stronger connections and ensuring students receive the guidance they need to make confident decisions.
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Oct 13
Doing More With Less
We were joined by Brian Piper for an insightful discussion on leveraging AI to maximise the value of your content. He demonstrated how to analyse data for actionable insights, streamline persona development, and identify gaps in your strategy.
Brian also shared practical techniques for transforming high-value content into evergreen assets through innovative AI and data-driven approaches, ensuring your work delivers measurable impact. He offered smart recommendations for working efficiently with limited budgets and resources, helping teams get more from the content and data they already have.
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Oct 08
UCAS Tracker Dashboard Demonstrations
During this session, hosted by Vickie Phair and joined by Suzanne Campbell, who answered your questions live, we explored the latest developments in both UCAS Tracker Basic and UCAS Tracker Enhanced, and what these mean for you as we begin the 2026 cycle.
We looked at the new features in UCAS Tracker Basic, which now offers more ways to analyse your provider data, and the upgraded UCAS Tracker Enhanced dashboard, built around your feedback. These enhancements are designed to support your recruitment, admissions, and marketing strategies throughout the 2026 cycle.
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Oct 07
Feel First, Think Later
In the past 2 decades neuroscience has demonstrated that 'choices' and 'decisions' are predominantly influenced by subconscious factors. That emotional calls to actions to audience psychological deep seated needs are more persuasive and influential than facts, figures and logical arguments. That perceptions of relevance, value and trust are firmly related to psychological mechanisms ruled by feeling.
In this session we discussed the subconscious factors that drive student and parent choice, and explored the emotional dimensions to impactful communications.
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Jul 22
International Insights: 30 June Deadline
Whether you’re planning late-cycle recruitment or shaping international strategy for future years, this webinar offers analyses and practical takeaways.
We took a look at:- Year-on-year trends of international applicants
- Biggest growing and shrinking markets
- Subject preferences and tariff group trends
- Regional demand across the four UK nations
- The evolving role of Clearing for international students
- How the cost of living is shaping international student sentiment.
Hosted by Des Cutchey and Felicity Lloyd, this session explored how international student demand is shaping up ahead of Confirmation and Clearing for the 2025 cycle.
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Jun 18
The New Student Decision Insight Dashboard
We’re saying goodbye to static reports and hello to deeper insight.
During this session Vickie Phair, Lead Product Manager and Will Beese, Business Intelligence Manager explored the new Student Decision Insights Dashboard, developed to help institutions explore applicant sentiment, track trends, and benchmark performance more easily than ever before.
Replacing the current UCAS Media Student Decision Reports, the new interactive format offers a faster, clearer, and more flexible view of what matters most to applicants.
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May 15
Cost of Living & Student Choices: Insight and Action for 2025
During this session Jo Richards, UCAS Senior Insight Lead, was joined by guest panellists Emma Hall (Edge Hill University) and Alma Aganovic (University College Birmingham), as they explored how the cost of living is reshaping student behaviour, expectations, and decision-making.
Together, they discussed the latest insights from over 1,000 UK applicants in the 2025 cycle, unveiling:
- How financial pressures are influencing university shortlisting and application choices
- The growing trend of students opting to stay local or miss open days due to cost
- What today’s students expect and need from universities
We’ll also discussed the steps Emma and Alma are taking to combat these challenges - from adapting outreach and engagement to improving financial guidance and support.
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Mar 30
What if Adidas did Clearing?
We recently hosted a thought-provoking webinar, taking inspiration from some of the world’s most iconic brands – including Adidas, Spotify, ASOS and Airbnb - to explore how they build communities, create powerful narratives, and spark real connections.
Dave Penney, UCAS Chief Communications and Marketing officer, along with Jim Tudor, Founder of Waterfall and Future Index and Charlotte Fenney, Agency Director at Waterfall, explored what Higher Education Providers can learn from their approach and how universities could apply these strategies to Clearing to build stronger engagement with prospective students.
Key takeaways explored:
- How to position Clearing as an exciting and opportunity-driven moment.
- Lessons from global brands on storytelling, community-building, and engagement.
- Creative strategies for making Clearing campaigns resonate with students.
- Insights from international universities taking innovative approaches.
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Feb 18
International Trends from the January ECD
At our latest deep-dive session, we were joined by Des Cutchey, Head of International and Felicity Lloyd, International Development Manager who discussed the key insights from the latest Equal Consideration Deadline (ECD) data release, exploring international applicant behaviours and emerging trends.
Key takeaways from the webinar:
- International demand for UK study continues to grow
- Higher tariff institutions saw the largest growth – with a 5.5% rise in applications.
- EU applications are on the rise for the first time since 2019 – led by a 15% increase from Ireland, offsetting declines from France, Spain, and Germany.
- Shifting subject interests
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Feb 11
Key Insights from the UCAS January Deadline Data
During this insightful session Dave Penney, Chief Marketing Officer, and Ben Jordan, Director of Strategy, unpacked the key insights from the January Equal Consideration Deadline (ECD) data release.
Key takeaways included:- Applicant trends as of 29 January, including variations across the four nations.
- Insights into widening participation metrics and where we’re seeing widening or narrowing gaps.
- Subject demand highlights, tariff-type application trends.
- A preview of international applicant numbers, ahead of a dedicated session as seen below.
- What these trends might mean for the remainder of the 2025 cycle.
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Jan 09
Clearing Campaigns That Moved the Needle
In this insightful session, Kyle Campbell, founder of Education Marketer, was joined by the University of Nottingham to showcase their successful 2024 Clearing campaign. Together, they explored how Clearing has evolved and uncovered strategies that truly resonate with students in today’s landscape.
Key takeaways included:- Proven strategies for crafting effective messaging, timing, and engagement.
- Standout insights from the University of Nottingham’s innovative approach, from planning to execution.
- Data-driven planning using the latest Clearing trends to inform 2025 campaigns.
- Practical actions to refine your Clearing campaigns and better support students.
Whether you're looking to improve your Clearing approach or gain inspiration for your 2025 campaigns, this session offers valuable tools and ideas to drive success.
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Dec 12
Project Next Generation: The latest insights on international student decision making
In our webinar on 12 December, we were joined by Felicity Lloyd and Teona Droc. During the session they delved into insights from our latest report Project Next Generation: International Students: Early Drivers and Study Pathways.
They uncovered the aspirations of international students and the critical factors that have influenced their study decisions.Key themes they discussed:
- Feelings & confidence: Young people priorities passion over financial gain, driven by optimism and strong subject-career links.
- Information, inspiration, & influence: Students turn to family, teachers, and social media (especially video platforms) for guidance, with its importance growing as they age.
- Early intentions of future studies: University choice hinges on rankings, learning styles, and facilities. Highlighting unique lifestyle and campus offerings is crucial.
- Choosing where to study: Quality education and career prospects drive decisions, with the UK remaining a top choice for students.
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Dec 04
Navigating Clearing and Beyond
On Wednesday 4 December, Jo Richards, Senior Insights Lead, was joined by David Penney, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, and Kyle Campbell, founder of Education Marketer, for an insightful webinar exploring the key findings of the 2024 Clearing Report.
They unpacked the emotional journey students experience during Clearing, examining the factors shaping their decisions, and provided practical strategies to enhance engagement and support throughout this critical period.
Key topics that were covered include:
- understanding why students may decline firm offers
- strategies to optimise post-Clearing outreach
- best practices for improving communication and support throughout the Clearing process
Gain valuable insights into the emotions influencing students’ decisions and learn how you can provide better support, foster engagement, and create a positive Clearing experience.