'Clearing was simple and supportive' say students

‘Clearing was ridiculously easy... staff were caring and supportive’ 

Jiya Constancia Windsor is in the middle of a four-year MSc in Forensic Medical Science and is about to undertake a placement year, shadowing forensics experts. 

She grew up in Nelson, Lancashire and attended Fisher More High and admits to having an unstable homelife.

She said: “As someone who came from an unstable homelife plus being horrifically bullied and racially targeted all of my primary and high school life, I was told over and over by everyone that achieving what I wanted or even applying to university was far too ambitious, especially for a south Asian Muslim girl, though my mum never allowed me to give in and stood by me through it all. 

“At one point, I was almost unable to continue university due to everything I was subjected to, but I never gave up. Now, I am at the University of Bradford going into my 3rd year with a fantastic placement opportunity.    

“I understand that there are many young girls out there who may have gone through a similar situation to me or who are in such situations at the moment. I would encourage everyone in that position to reach for their dreams – you will not regret it - especially my people in the South Asian Community and  women." 

‘Clearing was a walk in the park’ 

Jiya, 23, applied to study at the University of Bradford “at the last minute” after turning down an offer from another university. 

She said she wanted to find the “university that would support me the most” and one that combined forensics and medical sciences. 

Commenting on her experience of Clearing, she said: “It was a last-minute decision. Clearing opened the day I was looking at other universities, so I was rather lucky. 

“I found the whole process ridiculously easy and straight forward with no hassle or rush. The administrative staff were incredibly warm, welcoming and extremely supporting, which was encouraging as I had been struggling with self-confidence issues at the time. 

Accreditation is key 

Jiya said a big factor in her decision to study at Bradford rested on the fact that the course she wanted was accredited by a professional body – as, indeed, 80% of courses are at Bradford. 

She said: “FMS is taught by professionals who are currently working or have worked in the forensics fields and have a long history of experience. Furthermore, the course is accredited by the Charted Society of Forensics which means that the course has been assessed against the Charted Society of Forensic Sciences (CSFS) component standards and has met them. 

“The accreditation assured me that the course met high standards of teaching, training, resources, industry links, facilities and transferable skills that I need to become the best forensic possible. 

“The FMS course is specifically designed to help students who want to become forensic practitioners, pathologists or biologists by giving them the hands-on experience and training they need.” 

Career options 

Jiya has lofty ambitions, citing Doctor of Forensic Pathology and Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police as two of her preferred career outcomes. She also has plans to pursue modelling, set up charities to help animals and children, as well as men and women who are subject to abuse. 

She also lists a dizzying array of hobbies and interests, including reading, writing, studying, fashion, runway, rugby, jiu-jitsu, judo, sports, working out, food, coffee, taking the train, ear piercing (she has 10 and counting), visiting Waterstones, art, theatre, acting, modelling, shopping, listening to indie music, skin and hair care and studying global climate change. 

And what’s the best thing about Bradford? 

“The support. The love and dedication the forensics professors have for their teaching. The food and the coffee.”

More about #BradfordClearing

• Clearing 2025 opens on July 5 and runs until October 20, offering prospective students the chance to secure a place at university. Prospective students may include those taking all A-level/T-level (or equivalent) qualifications, or mature students who want to return to education. 

• Call-lines and self apply form will be open from the first day of Clearing on July 5 - 08081 969129 from 9am – 12pm, then 9am-5pm weekdays until August 14. 

• The University of Bradford is offering a range of services this year, including its Clearing Community Pass, which includes webinars, a dedicated phone line and SMS and email updates. 

• You can use Clearing if you have changed your mind about what or where you want to study, received higher or lower grades than you expected or haven’t yet applied to study at university for September 2025.