University of Central Lancashire
The University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) is one of the UK’s most innovative universities, offering a world-class education to students from all over the world. Located in the vibrant city of Preston, UCLan combines a rich history with modern facilities and a forward-thinking approach to education. Whether you’re pursuing undergraduate or postgraduate studies, UCLan provides a supportive and inclusive environment to help you achieve your academic and career goals.
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Is UCLan Worth It?
Choosing the right university is one of the most important decisions you’ll make, and it’s natural to wonder if UCLan is worth the investment. The answer is a resounding yes. UCLan is a globally recognized institution with a strong reputation for academic excellence, employability, and student satisfaction. Here’s why:
- Employability Focus: UCLan has strong links with the industry, ensuring that courses are designed to meet employer needs. Many programs include work placements, internships, and practical projects, giving students a competitive edge in the job market.
- Global Recognition: UCLan is ranked among the top universities in the UK and is known for its research excellence and international partnerships.
- Student Satisfaction: UCLan consistently receives high ratings for student satisfaction, thanks to its supportive community, modern facilities, and engaging teaching methods.
If you’re researching UCLan, this guide will provide you with detailed insights into the university’s programs, campuses, student support, and facilities. Whether you’re an international student or a local applicant, UCLan offers a welcoming and inclusive environment for all.
History of UCLan
UCLan has a proud history that dates back to 1828 when it was founded as the Institution for the Diffusion of Knowledge. Over the years, it evolved into a polytechnic and finally gained university status in 1992. Today, UCLan is one of the largest universities in the UK, with a global presence and a reputation for innovation and excellence.
The university’s motto, “From the Earth to the Sun,” reflects its commitment to exploration, discovery, and pushing boundaries. UCLan is known for its research contributions in areas such as health, engineering, and social sciences, as well as its dedication to providing students with a transformative educational experience.
Campuses of UCLan
UCLan offers a variety of campuses and study locations, each with its unique atmosphere and facilities. Here’s a closer look:
Preston Campus
The main campus is located in the heart of Preston, a vibrant city in Northwest England. It is home to state-of-the-art facilities, including modern lecture halls, libraries, and laboratories. The campus is also just a short walk from the city center, offering students easy access to shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions.
- Key Facilities: The Library and Learning Services, the Students’ Union, and the Sir Tom Finney Sports Centre.
- Student Life: Preston Campus is the hub of student activity, with numerous clubs, societies, and events throughout the year.
Burnley Campus
Located in the nearby town of Burnley, this campus offers a more intimate learning environment with smaller class sizes. It focuses on vocational and professional courses, including business, health, and engineering.
- Key Facilities: Specialist labs, simulation suites, and a dedicated library.
- Student Life: Burnley Campus provides a close-knit community feel, with regular social events and support services.
Westlakes Campus (Cumbria)
Situated in Cumbria, this campus specializes in health, medicine, and environmental sciences. It’s an ideal location for students interested in rural and coastal studies.
- Key Facilities: Clinical skills labs, research centers, and access to natural landscapes for fieldwork.
- Student Life: Westlakes Campus offers a peaceful and scenic environment, perfect for focused study and outdoor activities.
International Campuses
UCLan has a global presence, with campuses in Cyprus and China. It offers students the opportunity to study abroad and gain international experience.
- Key Facilities: Modern classrooms, libraries, and cultural exchange programs.
- Student Life: International campuses provide a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in a new culture while earning a UCLan degree.
UCLan is a fantastic choice for students seeking a high-quality education and a supportive learning environment. Here’s why:
Employability Focus
UCLan has strong links with the industry, ensuring that courses are designed to meet employer needs. Many programs include work placements, internships, and practical projects, giving students a competitive edge in the job market.
Cutting-Edge Facilities
From advanced laboratories to creative studios, UCLan provides students with access to world-class facilities. The university continually invests in its infrastructure to ensure students have the best possible learning experience.
Global Community
With students from over 100 countries, UCLan offers a diverse and inclusive environment. This global perspective enriches the learning experience and prepares students for careers in an interconnected world.
Ongoing Support
- Specialist visa and immigration advice is free and available all year round.
- More than 100 clubs and societies, enabling students to meet like-minded friends.
- Support to enhance English language skills.
- Careers support is available for all international students, including work opportunities during and post-study.
- Oasis Faith and Spirituality Centre offers a warm welcome to people of all faiths and world views.
Learning Support
STUDY SKILLS SUPPORT ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY FOR DISABLED STUDENTS
- Individual and group study skills support and workshops from the WISER study skills team and subject librarians.
- For students with disabilities, learning support is offered to suit individual needs.
- Personal tutors are assigned to students. Each school also has dedicated student coaches who offer one-to-one support.
Health Services
- Preston Campus has an on-site medical center with access to GPs and nurses. Registration is promoted from application onwards.
- An on-site pharmacy, open five days a week, is located in the heart of the Preston Campus.
- Free gym membership of Sir Tom Finney Sports Centre in Preston and arrangements at Westlakes and Burnley for local facilities.
- Information sessions help new students settle into life at the university.
- There are four guided walking routes for students to encourage a ‘walking campus.’
Wellbeing and mental health support
COUNSELLING SERVICEWELLBEINGG WORKSHOPS
- Counseling support includes short-term or single-session therapy and creative workshops.
- A range of workshops covers topics such as improving mood, building confidence and sleep management.
- The university offers a wide range of wellbeing and mental health support and works closely with or refers to external services.
Disability Support
STEP FREE ACCESS DISABLED PARKING ALLOWANCE APPLICATION ASSISTANCE
- Adapted accommodation is available, including rooms with a ceiling hoist and adjacent carer rooms.
- Support on campus from a team of student wellbeing ambassadors and British Sign Language interpreters as required.
- Wide range of free assistive technology available.
Bursaries and Scholarship
HARDSHIP OR EMERGENCY FUNDING HIGH-ACHIEVEMENT BURSARY/SCHOLARSHIP ALUMNI DISCOUNT
The University of Central Lancashire offers diverse international bursaries and scholarships, varying by value, country, and course. These include:
- Excellence Scholarship: £3,500 is available to all international students based on excellent academic grades prior to entering their course.
- International Bursary: £1,000 per year of study, available to international students who enroll with the university.
- Country-Specific Bursary: £2,500 per year of study, available to applicants who are nationals of and residents of specific countries.
- Sports scholarships: £500–£5,000 are available to student-athletes from certain countries to support their playing careers while they study.
Other Support
PRE-ARRIVAL SOCIAL GROUPS AIRPORT PICK-UP MEET-AND-GREET SERVICE CRIME AND SAFETY SUPPORT
- A free Return to Study short program covers many subject areas to help mature students prepare for university.
- Dedicated night bus, and a SafeZone app directly linked to the 24/7 security team. Property marking is available during welcome week.
Libraries and information services
BOOKABLE STUDY SPACES LAPTOP LOAN SCHEME 24/7 LIBRARY ACCESS
- Open and staffed 24/7 in term time, the library offers comfortable, flexible study spaces at the heart of the Preston Campus.
- Access to thousands of e-books and e-journals, as well as physical stock and on-site customer services for library or IT queries.
- An inspirational, diverse learning environment that promotes independent learning, supported by specialist teams enabled by IT.
- The building offers a wide range of study environments, including bookable study rooms for individual and group study.
- Extensive IT provision with wireless access throughout the building, more than 500 open-access PCs, laptop loans and a Mac suite.
On-Campus Facilities
- The Oasis Centre warmly welcomes students of any faith. It offers areas for prayer and worship, meditation, mindfulness, yoga and more. Dedicated prayer facilities are available at locations across the Preston Campus.
- The university provides financial support for those in hardship, works with Blackbullion for money and budgeting advice, and offers specialist support with student loan queries.
- The Student Centre and two social spaces provide informal spaces for socializing. They have kitchen facilities. On-campus food and drink outlets are plentiful. Laundries are located close to or inside all halls.
Nightlife and culture
- Warehouse, Switch, Popworld, Roper Hall and the Adelphi are among the city’s most popular music and drinking venues. Two large cinema chains are based in the city.
- Students love independent food and drink outlets, such as Coco’s, Kimji, Townhouse and Greekouzina. The city also has global chain restaurants.
- Level, based in the heart of the city center, features indoor ten-pin bowling, crazy golf, an assault course, laser tag, game rooms, karaoke rooms and a sports bar.
- The city center offers a mix of high-street brands and independent retailers, providing something for everyone right on your doorstep.
- The Guild Wheel is a 21-mile circular route around the city. It is ideal for cycling and walking and includes two stunning parks, a nature reserve and Preston Docks.
Accommodation
- All first-year students are guaranteed a room in the halls on the Preston Campus, and returning students are welcome to apply.
- All university halls have on-site residence teams to ensure a great student experience. All halls include 24-hour security cover.
- Students live in flats that include a kitchen diner and, in some halls, a communal area with sofas and TV.
- Inclusive of all bills and internet with a range to suit all budgets, including economy standard, premium standard, and en-suite.
- The university has a list of approved registered landlords and can help students who wish to stay in private accommodation.
Getting around
- Compact and central, the Preston Campus is 5–10 minutes’ walk from the city center and 5 minutes’ walk from halls of residence.
- The Burnley Campus is in the heart of the town center, while the Westlakes Campus is a 10-minute car ride from Whitehaven.
- The university runs a free safety bus to get students home after a night out and regular free buses to the Sports Arena.
- The train and bus stations are major transport hubs, with links to London, Manchester, Liverpool, the Lake District and Scotland.
- Discounted public transport tickets, free bike checks, discounted bike locks, cycle storage and free training are available.
- Students love independent food and drink outlets, such as Coco’s, Kimji, Townhouse and Greekouzina. The city also has global chain restaurants.
- Level, based in the heart of the city center, features indoor ten-pin bowling, crazy golf, an assault course, laser tag, game rooms, karaoke rooms and a sports bar.
- The city center offers a mix of high-street brands and independent retailers, providing something for everyone right on your doorstep.
- The Guild Wheel is a 21-mile circular route around the city. It is ideal for cycling and walking and includes two stunning parks, a nature reserve, and Preston Docks.
Extracurricular and co-curricular activities
- The Propeller enterprise hub provides specialist help to develop skills, including setting up a business and self-employment.
- Support includes free one-to-one mentoring, workshops, events and funding.
- Hot-desking and rental spaces are available to help start-up businesses.
- The uni’s Leaders in Residence mentoring scheme in business and creative areas ensures expert advice is always available.
Volunteer and placement opportunities
- Volunteering placements are offered via the Students’ Union and the University’s Centre for Volunteering and Community Leadership.
- Students can log their volunteering activities and can achieve recognition at the university’s annual volunteering awards.
- Study abroad locations include California, Florida, Tokyo, Beijing, Ontario, and New South Wales, Australia.
- The University of Central Lancashire’s connections with local industries lead to many work placement options being available.
- Many courses give the option of a year in industry. Placement businesses have included BAE Systems, NHS and major fashion houses.
- Support to secure internships outside of studies
Welcome arrangements
- Pre-arrival information is provided via a range of Welcome web pages and a program of pre/post-arrival talks.
- A Welcome team provides a friendly face for new students during their first few days on campus.
- The university offers an airport transfer service to bring students safely to campus and their halls of residence.
- The welcome week includes activities to help students settle in, find accommodation, make new friends and navigate the campus.
- A dedicated team is available on campus to help with queries, including enrolment, timetabling and student finance.
Students' Union
- The SU has a group for everyone – express yourself or showcase your sporting skills while meeting new people and making friends.
- It is led by students, for students. It has hundreds of representatives who ensure students’ views are heard and issues are campaigned for.
- The Students’ Union hosts many events each year. From Freshers to sports balls, there’s always something to get involved in.
Business and Management
- BA (Hons) Business Management
- MBA (Full-Time and Part-Time)
- Marketing and Entrepreneurship
Arts and Humanities
- Fine Art
- Journalism
- History
- Performing Arts
Science and Technology
- Computer Science
- Biomedical Science
Environmental Science - Engineering
Health and Medicine
- Nursing
- Physiotherapy
- Psychology
- Pharmacy
Social Sciences
- Criminology
- Sociology
- Law
- International Relations
Student Reviews
Student 1: Sarah, Business Management (Undergraduate)
“UCLan has been an amazing experience. The lecturers are supportive, and the facilities are top-notch. I’ve also had the chance to do a work placement, which has really boosted my confidence and skills.”
Student 2: James, Computer Science (Postgraduate)
“The campus is modern, and the course is well-structured. I’ve made friends from all over the world, and the career support has been invaluable in helping me secure a job after graduation.”
Student 3: Aisha, Nursing (Undergraduate)
“The nursing program at UCLan is fantastic. The simulation labs are so realistic, and the tutors are always there to help. I feel well-prepared for my future career.”