University of Central Lancashire

The University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) is a leading, modern university based in the centre of Preston. Offering innovative, world-leading research and real-world practicality to inspire students, the university provides a high-quality experience in modern surroundings.

UCLan received a silver award in the Teaching Excellence Framework, and offers over 200 taught and research postgraduate courses across a range of subjects. There’s a community of 20,000 students from over 120 countries, including 5,000 postgraduate students and 700 research students. As well as the main campus in Preston, the university has additional sites in Burnley, Cumbria and Cyprus.

UCLan’s impressive state-of-the-art facilities include a 24-hour library with over 700 computers, and a sports centre complete with a fitness suite and sports halls. The university recently invested £200m to transform its Preston Campus, and it features now include a £35 million Engineering Innovation Centre (EIC) and a £60 million Student Centre which is (due for completion in 2021), bringing together it’s student support to enhance the student journey.

Preston is well connected with its own train station, and sits within close reach of other popular towns and cities, including Blackpool and Manchester.

Many a famous face has graduated from UCLan, with notable alumni including newsreader Victoria Derbyshire, director Mark Gill and BAFTA winner Richard Frediani.

Reviews:

“I'm a completely different person to when I started. I'm an established personality, and feel confident in any situation. Thanks UCLan.”

“I’ve learnt how to fend for myself and my course is taking me on an amazing literary journey. I can’t wait to see what the rest of my university experience will entail.”

“My experience is good; I feel like there is enough support for students when they need it.”

The university supports students to develop specific skills and knowledge whilst studying at UCLan, making them highly desirable to employers. Students gain an in-depth understanding of their chosen subject area to support them to progress their careers.

UCLan supports many graduate start-up businesses, and it’s Lancashire’s largest post-graduate educator. The university has strong connections with global businesses, the health sector, the police, and many other sectors within the region.

UCLan is the leading UK university for start-up businesses. It incubates start-ups, many of which are still active after three years of trading. The Propeller Hub offers business start-up support to current students and graduates alike, including skills and knowledge workshops, networking opportunities and business incubation space.

The university also offers a range of short courses to their students in filling skills gaps. For example, UCLan offers healthcare courses in specialist areas, such as palliative care, and there are courses specifically designed for English teachers’ professional development.

Reviews:

“Plenty of resources and opportunities/careers fairs and support.”

“I have got good placements where they have offered me a job.”

“They find us good places for work experience.”

UCLan offers a good range of postgraduate taught courses and research degrees, and these are all lead by highly experienced members of staff. There’s a wide range of taught courses available in different subject areas, including business, nursing and education.

For those interested in postgraduate research degrees, the university offers a world-class environment with outstanding facilities and support. Research degrees provide students with in-depth knowledge of their subject area, as well as the skills needed to advance their career. Research start dates vary, giving students the choice between starting in September, January, or March.

Students can choose to study full time or part time on most taught courses, and there’s also the option of distance learning. This flexibility works well for students that have other commitments, such as work or family.

Reviews:

“Enthusiastic lecturers and stimulating content.”

“The seminars are in small groups, so we get time to ask questions.”

“All the lecturers take time to teach.”

UCLan Students' Union (SU) is a registered charity and is run independently from the university. The team have won several awards including an Investing in Volunteers recognition, a Gold Level Green Impact from NUS for their environmental practices, and an Investors in People Award at Silver Level.

The SU is led by students, for students, and is led by a group of full-time Officers, Course Reps, School Officers, School Presidents and Liberation Officers, They work to represent the voices of the students and to make positive changes to the university. The SU also runs a series of events, oversee clubs and societies, and is generally there to ensure students are enjoying their university experience.

The Course Reps system, run by the SU, is where students elect another student to represent their course at meetings held with staff throughout the academic year. 

Based on the Preston Campus, the SU is accessible to all UCLan students; when students enrol at UCLan they automatically become a member of the SU.

Our reviews praise the UCLan’s SU team for its support and variety of offerings.

Reviews:

“The university has a student rep per course which allows us to voice out any concerns.”

“Friendly people and great facilities.”

“Great variety and supportive groups”

The university has its own halls of residence, and there are approximately 1,700 places available. Students can choose from a variety of self-catered accommodation options, such as en-suite rooms, or shared bathrooms. All accommodation comes fully furnished, and both utility bills and internet access are included within the rent. There are 24-hour security and a team on-site to support students whenever they need.

All accommodation is within walking distance of both the campus and the city centre.

UCLan’s accommodation options include:

• University-leased halls (over 650 rooms, in flats of 4-6 students)
• Derwent Hall (5-6 students per flat, £77.21 per week)
• Douglas Hall (6 students per flat, £77.21 per week)
• Pendle Hall (1-3 students per flat, £97.65 - £124.74 per week)
• Ribble Hall (4-6 students per flat, £77.21- £89.60)
• Roeburn Hall (7 students max per flat, £108.15 per week)
• Whitendale Hall (4-5 students per flat, £77.21 - £89.60 per week)

Reviews:

“Good value for money.”

“Nice receptionist(s) and good levels of safety, only 5 mins from campus.”

“(The) location is really good.”

At UCLan’s Preston campus, the £200 million Campus Masterplan is nearing completion.

This major investment has created an impressive main campus which provides students with an exceptional learning and social experiences.

A £60 million Student Centre will complete in 2021 and is where students will be able to access guidance on study support, careers planning, health and wellbeing, financial issues, and so much more.

The £35 million Engineering Innovation Centre which opened in 2019 is an internationally competitive facility that brings together the region’s expertise from academia and industry. This space has been fundamental in producing high-calibre graduates in areas such as aerospace, mechanical and civil engineering.

UCLan has a new Oasis Faith and Spirituality Centre which offers a warm welcome to students of any faith, or none. In addition to this, the university is home to a 24-hour library, food and drink outlets, a student bar and shop.

Subject-specific facilities include an animation studio, recording studios, motorsports workshops and a dental clinic.

Reviews:

“Good science labs, amazing library, lots of social/study spaces.”

“Our university facilities are very good and yet to improve. There is currently 3 phase plan costing millions going into new facilities at uclan and will be complete by 2022.

“Helpful 24-hour library, support from academics and other services outstanding.”

Preston is located in North West England on the River Ribble. It’s a popular place for students, with over 38,000 living in the city.

There is plenty to do in Preston. There are cinemas, a skatepark, bowling, climbing walls, karaoke booths and escape rooms. For those who enjoy shopping, there are two large shopping centres, as well as independent boutique stores found down the historic side streets.

There’s a great night life in Preston too, with plenty of bars and clubs as well as more cosy and historic pubs for an easy night out with friends. Preston offers its students plenty of places to eat out, with great range of independent brasseries and bistros, as well as national chain restaurants scattered across the area.

Preston is well connected to the rest of the UK and the wider world. With its own train station and several international airports only a short distance away from the campus.

For those hoping to escape the bustle of the city, there is also a great coastline worth further exploration.

Reviews:

“Everything is close to campus, including shopping and nightlife.”

“UCLan is close to the town and train station. The location is perfect, everything you need is close by.”

“It is in a peaceful environment in the (city of) Preston. It takes 10 mins time to and from my home.

There are over 100 clubs and societies students can join, covering a wide range of interests areas including academic and non-academic subjects, sports and religions. Societies are run by students and are supported by the Students’ Union. If students can’t find a society that interests them, the Union can help them to set one up.

Clubs and societies welcome new members and go to a lot of effort with the events they organise each year.

Reviews:

“Large variety of societies available to join, easy to seek info about them.”

“Good range from gardening societies to archery.”

“There are many different sports and societies to choose from.”

From academic help to dealing with personal difficulties, the university’s Student Support Hubs provide students with all the help and guidance they need.

Support includes:

• Student Information Centre with staff that can help with all aspects of university life
• Inclusive Support Team for disabled students
• On-campus pre-school for those who require childcare services
• Multi-faith centre
• Confidential counselling service
• Access to WISER and other digital resources
• Medical Centre and Pharmacy
• Care Leavers Support
• Five CAS Hubs for academic support
• Student mentoring
• Wellbeing and Mental Health Support

Reviews:

“Outstanding. We (students) can get feedback whenever. Any type of support under the sun.”

“Feedback is quick.”

“As long as you ask for support you will get it.”

UK Students: an average of £6,900

International Students: £13,200 - £13,750

There are several scholarships and bursaries available to postgraduate students, and these are based on personal circumstances and academic excellence.

Postgraduate Loan Scheme

£10,906 is available for students to borrow during their time studying at UCLan.

Postgraduate Discounts

Students who studied at UCLan at the undergraduate level are eligible for a 20% discount off their tuition fees for their postgraduate course.

UCLan has an established research reputation in a wide range of academic disciplines, including:

Journalism

The university has an excellent reputation for journalism, and students have gone on to work across the sectors of print, radio and television for the likes of BBC, Sky and ITV. Many lecturers worked as professional journalists before going on to teach at the university, and students have the chance to carry out work placements at leading news outlets during their course.

Fashion Design

Students on the Fashion Design MA have access to state-of-the-art facilities, including purpose-built studios and workshops. Students work on collaborative projects throughout the year and have the chance to undertake work experience in the industry.

For a place on the MA Journalism course, students need to have achieved a 2:1 in journalism or a related degree at undergraduate level. Students looking to study MA Fashion Design need to hold an undergraduate degree in a relevant subject, as well as having proof of work experience.

The university's website has more information on entry requirements for each course.

UCLan has a world-class reputation for research and offers opportunities for students to undertake a research degree at doctoral and master’s level, either full or part-time. Students spend much of their time studying independently, with support from an allocated supervisory team. Subjects available to research include computing, art and design, tourism and history.

Just like undergraduate courses, all taught programmes follow a similar structure of attending lectures and seminars, while assessments will include exams, essays, case studies, and coursework throughout the year.

Students are taught the latest skills and practices relevant to their field of study to ensure they are job-ready upon graduation.

The university offers several online degrees at postgraduate level.

Students study their courses via the university’s learning portal, which provides all the relevant learning units and support materials needed for course completion. Activities include live web seminars, research tasks and group activities with other students.

There are over 200 postgraduate taught courses across a variety of subject areas at UCLan. There are also supervised research programmes available at doctoral and master’s level. Many postgraduate courses can be studied either full time or part time, and some are available through distance learning. Fees range from £4,440 to £6,900 a year depending on the course chosen, and scholarships and bursaries are available for postgraduate students.