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The University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) is an international, multi-campus university leading the way in modern postgraduate learning today.
The university’s main campus is located in Preston, Lancashire – a small yet thriving city which was recently named the best city in the north west of England to live and work (Demos-PwC Good Growth for Cities Index, 2024).
The university has a student and staff community of around 42,000 people from more than 100 countries, plus a worldwide alumni network of over 200,000 people.
In recent years the university has invested millions in transforming its Preston Campus to provide all students with an exceptional experience. Its £60m student centre features attractive study areas, social spaces and an impressive rooftop garden. The facility brings the university’s second-to-none support services together under one roof.
UCLan is one of the highest regarded universities in the north west of England and in the world, with outstanding facilities and study options. According to the Center for World University Rankings, the university is one of the top 7% of universities in the world (CWUR, 2024).
In 2025 it has been awarded the maximum Five QS Stars (excellent) in the five key categories of teaching, employability, inclusiveness, internationalisation, and facilities.
University of Central Lancashire students on Postgraduate Search say:
“University of Central Lancashire is a great place to study, convenient, safe, and a good place to live.”
“Nice environment Friendly staff and some good facilities”
“Day-by-day as my classes and lecture going on, I feel that it is my best career decision to be a part of this university.”
Postgraduate
There are currently around 200 postgraduate courses on offer, including taught degrees and supervised research degrees at master’s and doctoral level. They have been designed to equip students with industry-ready skills, preparing them to excel in the next stage of their life and career. There are full-time and part-time courses on offer, including distance learning courses which combine e-learning with university-based teaching sessions.
There are 10 academic schools across the university, offering courses in everything from business to health sciences, engineering and performing arts. Students can enjoy a wide range of qualification options, all of which are considered an excellent gateway to further career opportunities.
Students will benefit from being taught by lecturers who are experts in their fields. Many of them are leading academics and active researchers with extensive industry experience. They are not just knowledgeable in their subject, though – they are also passionate educators who thrive when inspiring the next generation of experts, helping to deliver course content in a way that is accessible and engaging.
The university is one of only a few to offer an undergraduate research internship scheme. After completing an undergraduate degree, students will have the opportunity to join the scheme over summer before the start of their postgraduate course. It involves working as an intern alongside academics and being tasked with producing postgraduate-level research.
University of Central Lancashire students on Postgraduate Search say:
“The lecturers on my course were the best part. You could tell from every word that left their mouth that they were not just academics, they were practitioners and experts first and foremost and all the content we got felt like more than just theory. They were definitely the best part of the programme.”
“A good balance between theory and practice.”
“The lectures are interesting and faculties are experienced”
Entry requirements vary from course to course, and students are advised to make themselves familiar with their chosen subject’s requirements as soon as possible to ensure they can provide the necessary documentation.
For some postgraduate courses, applicants may need to possess a good undergraduate degree in a related subject. Others may require an undergraduate degree in any subject, while some are suitable for students returning to education following time in the workplace. Some may require students to attend an interview prior to acceptance, and/or submit a portfolio of work related to the subject.
The university has a flexible admissions policy, which means it treats every applicant as an individual. They’ll take various things into consideration when deciding whether to offer students a place, including any qualifications earned to date and any relevant work experience. Therefore, students are encouraged to apply even if they don’t quite meet the published requirements.
Students can visit the UCLan postgraduate course pages to find out more.
Got a question?
Get in touch, if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications.
With an educational heritage of almost 200 years, the university has gained a reputation for excellence in a number of areas. Its courses are shaped by industry demand, combining academic excellence with real-world teaching and learning experiences.
In 2025 the university has been awarded the maximum five QS Stars for the quality of its teaching.
Standout areas include:
British Sign Language (BSL) and Deaf Studies courses have been running at the university for around 30 years. It’s estimated that more than 60% of BSL/English interpreters working in the UK were taught at the university.
Forensic science students get the chance to accompany real crime scene investigators in their work, thanks to the ground-breaking Lancashire Forensic Science Academy, a partnership with Lancashire Constabulary. They’re also taught how to search for and examine evidence in special ‘crime houses’ on campus, with rooms designed to simulate real crime scenes.
Journalism has been taught at the university and its predecessor institutions for around 60 years. Today the university continues to offer high-quality, innovative journalism courses that confront vital issues facing the profession. Students have the chance to hone their skills in broadcast, video, film, print and digital.
University of Central Lancashire students on Postgraduate Search say:
“Quality of research is excellent in many Schools within the University”
The university is Lancashire’s largest provider of graduate-level qualifications. Combining academic excellence with real-world learning, they offer rewarding courses which will give students the skills, knowledge and self-confidence required to achieve their potential and set themselves on course for a better future.
Students benefit from state-of-the-art facilities, close industry links, and opportunities to gain vital work experience by participating in placements and live projects. There are also frequent opportunities to attend networking events and connect with top employers.
If students are interested in establishing their own start-up company, they can access expert business advice, mentoring and incubation facilities through the university’s Propeller service, which will help students transform their ideas into reality. The university has been ranked first in the north of England and fifth overall for the number of start-up businesses it supports, having given formal business and enterprise to more than 850 businesses over a six-year period (Tide, 2021).
University of Central Lancashire students on Postgraduate Search say:
“What sets UClan apart is its emphasis on practical learning through internships, placements, and industry collaborations, providing invaluable real-world experience to complement classroom education.”
Every student is automatically a member of the students’ union, which exists to help students get the most out of their time at university. Students can get involved in a huge range of activities, opportunities and events, as well as accessing independent advice, getting student representation and more.
Clubs and societies
There are over 150 clubs, societies, sports clubs and volunteering opportunities on offer. There’s something for everyone, giving students the chance to pursue a new hobby, express their creativity, get political, explore their faith, meet new people and have fun.
City life
Preston city centre is a short five-minute walk from the university. It has a reputation as one of the safest cities to live in. It holds Purple Flag status, awarded for its low crime rates, vibrant nightlife and excellent range of visitor attractions. When night falls, the city really comes alive with restaurants, lounges, historic taverns, clubs and more.
There are beautiful green spaces to relax in, including the charming Georgian setting of Winckley Square and the tranquil surroundings of Avenham and Miller Parks, perfect for a stroll and fresh air on the banks of the River Ribble.
University of Central Lancashire students on Postgraduate Search say:
“The environment and people here are so good.”
“The great people of the community are so kind, everyone in the school community is so supportive”
“It is so very convenient to live in Preston or to commute with the excellent transport hub for bus/train and has an excellent bicycle network. The food services are very well provisioned and reasonably priced and offer healthy options.”
All the university’s accommodation is conveniently located close to the campus.
The majority of places in university halls of residence are occupied by undergraduate students, but there are places available for postgraduates.
Students can:
Visit the university’s accommodation webpages to find a place in a hall of residence.
Visit the StudentPad website to browse private accommodation offered through landlords who have registered with the university.
Facilities
The university has been awarded the maximum five QS Stars for the high standard of its facilities (2025).
Over the last few years, the university has invested around £200m in regenerating its Preston Campus. At its heart is a new £60m student centre, where students can access all the university’s support services.
The five-storey library building houses thousands of academic books and journals, computer suites, spaces for individual and group study, printing facilities and a coffee shop.
There are also several cafes, social spaces and computer suites across all campuses.
All students based in Preston can enjoy free membership of the Sir Tom Finney Sports Centre as well as the nearby sports arena, giving them access to gym facilities, indoor and outdoor sports surfaces, and fitness classes all year round.
University of Central Lancashire students on Postgraduate Search say:
“Lots of facilities”
“I also love the new buildings, it gives the uni a professional and modern feel.”
“It was just 5 mins walk to my lecture building, which gave me ample time to get ready for lectures or quickly go to the library to access resources last minute.”
The university continues to invest in its support services so students can enjoy the best opportunities to succeed during their time at UCLan.
Since the opening of its £60m student centre in 2021, the university’s support teams are now located together under one roof. On the Preston Campus students will know exactly where to go whenever they need help with anything, from financial matters to careers advice or visa applications.
Making the step up to postgraduate level can be difficult, but there’s support available to help students access the learning resources they need and achieve their potential.
Other support includes:
Medical Centre and pharmacy
Pre-School Centre
Oasis multi-faith centre, welcoming people of all faiths and none
WISER support focused on improving academic skills
Propeller service helping students to start up their own businesses
Inclusive Support Team for students with disabilities and specific learning needs
Specialist support for care leavers and those estranged from their families
Student mentoring
Personalised support through Year Tutors and Student Coaches
Independent Students’ Union Advice Centre
The university’s massive investment in creating second-to-none support services led to it being ranked third in the University Mental Health League Table, published by HUMEN most recently in 2022.
University of Central Lancashire students on Postgraduate Search say:
“The support for the majority of what you need is positive”
“The best part is mental health support. When I contacted the director of my programme to ask for an extension due to reoccurring mental health problems and unexpected financial difficulties that made it worse, he immediately requested for me to get mental health support, their response was quick, very helpful and I've received the best counselling to date”
“The student support and union is top tier, and is very inclusive. Everyone's treated equally, and support is provided when needed. The new student centre building gives you space for networking, relaxing or just minding your business and doing your work.”
Students may be entitled to apply for a postgraduate master’s loan of up to £12,167 to help with tuition fees and living costs.
Postgraduate discounts
The university offers a generous alumni loyalty discount. Students who gained their undergraduate degree at the University of Central Lancashire may be eligible for a 20% reduction on postgraduate tuition fees. This offer is only available to UK students.
There are a range of postgraduate-specific bursaries and scholarships to support students during their studies.
Interested in scholarships?
Get in touch, if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications.
Most of the university’s taught postgraduate courses require students to attend regular lectures and seminars. In-between these on-campus sessions, students are expected to work on assignments, engage in shared learning activities with other students, and explore reading materials, case studies and other resources related to the course.
Course content is shaped by the research expertise of the university’s academic community, being taught by lecturers who are recognised as experts in their fields. There is an emphasis on real-world, practical learning experiences.
Research
Many of the university’s academic community are recognised as distinguished experts in their fields. They’ve been involved in world-leading, life-changing research in collaboration with major international organisations, including the World Health Organization, European Space Agency and NASA – to name a few.
The Research Excellence Framework (REF) is a government assessment of research in higher education institutions. In the most recent REF assessment (2021), an impressive 66%of the university’s research outputs were recognised as ‘world-leading’ or ‘excellent’.
Distance learning
The university offers a number of distance learning postgraduate courses which are generally completed online. These programmes give students the flexibility to organise their studies around their existing work and family commitments, or achieve a University of Central Lancashire qualification from anywhere in the world.
Sound interesting?
Get in touch, if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications.
University of Central Lancashire