University of Central Lancashire

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

The University offers over 200 postgraduate courses – both taught and research – in a range of subjects. What's more, UCLan is ranked in the top 3.7% of universities in the world, while 16 subject areas across the university have been assessed as 'world leading'.

The University enjoys a community of around 20,000 students from over 120 countries, including 5,000 postgraduate students and 700 research students. As well as the main campus in Preston, there are also additional sites in Burnley, Cumbria and Cyprus.

UCLan boasts impressive state-of-the-art facilities, including a 24-hour library with over 700 computers, and a sports centre complete with a fitness suite and sports halls. What's more, the university keeps on expanding, and is mid-way through a £200 million investment of the Preston Campus. Featuring a brand new £35 million Engineering Innovation Centre (EIC) and a £60 million Student Centre (due to complete 2021), bringing together student support and enhancing the student journey.

Students benefit from studying in the cheapest city in the UK, while Preston is regarded as the best place in the North West to live and work. Preston is incredibly well connected, and is in close reach to 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.

University of Central Lancashire students on Postgraduate Search say:

“Teaching on our course is excellent, lots of support.”

“Good. Previously studied at this uni. Previous experience was positive.”

“Excellent dedicated teaching team who personally know every student.”

Over 95% of UCLan graduates go onto find work or further study within six months of leaving the University. What’s more, the University is number one in the UK for graduates still running successful businesses after three years.

All students have access to the services at UCLan Careers, including CV writing, interview preparation, careers events and workshops. There is also the opportunity to book a one-to-one appointment with a careers advisor as well as finding the latest job listings on the university's website.

What's more, UCLan has impressive industry links with over 100 employers, providing plenty of work experience opportunities for students.

University of Central Lancashire students on Postgraduate Search say:

“Very good opportunity for development of role.”

Offering a world-class research environment, UCLan has a wide range of taught and research degree courses, taught by the University's highly qualified and dedicated members of staff.

There is the option to study full or part-time on the majority of the taught degrees, as well as learning completely remote via distance learning – an ideal way for students who are looking to balance studying with a full-time job or family life.

Lecturers at the University have been recognised for their work and were recently awarded a silver quality award in the first national Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) assessment.

University of Central Lancashire students on Postgraduate Search say:

“A good variety of delivery that helps in view points and differentiation of course delivery.”

“Lots of contact time, lectures v supportive.”

“Like different ways of teaching. Interactive.”

“Tutors have excellent knowledge and experience.”

UCLan Students' Union is a registered charity and run independently from the university. It is led by students, for students, and consists of a group of Full Time Officers, Course Reps, School Officers, School Presidents and Liberation Officers, who work to represent the voices of the students and make positive changes. They also run events, oversee clubs and societies and generally ensure students are enjoying their university experience.

The SU also runs a Course Reps system where students elect another student to represent their course at meetings held with staff throughout the academic year. 

Based on the Preston Campus, the Students’ Union is accessible to all UCLan students. When you enrol as a UCLan student you automatically become a member of the Students’ Union.

The SU 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.

UCLan offers around 1,700 accommodation places in University owned and leased halls of residence. This includes a wide variety of en-suite and shared bathroom facilities within fully self-catered halls, mainly with shared kitchen and communal areas. Rooms are furnished and include fuel, water bills and internet access. The Student Accommodation can help with any queries and there’s always security on site.

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

Your options are:

• University leased halls (over 650 rooms, in flats 4-6 students, £99.33-£107.52 per week)
• Derwent Hall (5-6 students per flat, £74.97 per week)
• Douglas Hall (6 students per flat, £74.97 per week)
• Pendle Hall (1-3 students per flat, £94.85 - £121.10 per week)
• Ribble Hall (4-6 students per flat, £74.97 for Economy Standard and £87.01 for Premium Standard)
• Roeburn Hall (7 students max per flat, £105 a week)
• Whitendale Hall (4-5 students per flat, £74.97 for Economy Standard and £87.01 for Premium Standard)

The University offers plenty of state-of-the-art subject-specific facilities, including:

• Animation studio
• Printing workshops
• Sewing machine workshop
• Biomedical research laboratory
• Studio theatres
• Recording studios
• Motorsport workshops
• Radio studios
• Dental clinic
• Child observation suite.

There is also a 24-hour library with thousands of books and over 700 computers – including Apple Macs, as well as a sports hall and fitness suite, food and drink outlets and a student bar and shop.

University of Central Lancashire students on Postgraduate Search say:

“Very clean, welcoming.”

“Always clean and spacious.”

Based in the North West of England, Preston is a vibrant, cultural and friendly place, as well as a popular student town (over 30,000 live there), with the railway station just a 10-minute walk through the city centre.

Close to the coast, the city offers plenty of attractions, including two shopping centres, art galleries, museums, the cinema, coffee shops and restaurants. For those who enjoy a night out, there are also many bars, clubs and pubs around the city, as well as venues such as Level - Preston's newest leisure venue, based in the Guild Hall in the city centre. There's everything from bowling, crazy golf and darts to an assault course, karaoke booths and laser tag.

Preston is also one of the most networked cities in the country, located a short distance from the coastline, Lake District, Manchester, Liverpool and several international airports.

UCLan offers a wide range of clubs and societies for students to get involved with. Societies range from drama club to a student radio station – ideal for all budding journalists, and there are also plenty of sports clubs and teams.

Students are also encouraged to give something back through volunteering, with the University's ‘Inspiring Projects’ opportunities.

University of Central Lancashire students on Postgraduate Search say:

“Excellent- Great facilities and opportunities.”

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

Support includes:

• Student Information Centre who 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 resources such as Lynda.com
• Medical Centre
• Care Leavers Support
• Six CAS Hubs for academic support
• Student mentoring
• Wellbeing and Mental Health Support

University of Central Lancashire students on Postgraduate Search say:

“Having had a few problems the uni has been more than helpful in supporting me through these.”

“Personal tutor very approachable.”

UK Students: Average at £6,700

International Students: Average at £12,950

Postgraduate Loan Scheme

£10,609 is available for students to borrow during their studying.

Postgraduate Discounts

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

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

Journalism

UCLan has an excellent reputation for journalism, and students go on to work across the sectors of print, radio and television for the likes of BBC, Sky and ITV. Many lectures 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 the 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 will need to have achieved a 2:1 in journalism or a related degree at undergraduate level. Students looking to study MA Fashion Design will need to hold an undergraduate degree in a relevant subject as well as having proof of work experience.

Visit the university's website for more information on individual entry requirements.

The University has a world-class reputation for its research, and offers opportunities to students to undertake a research degree at doctoral and master’s level, either full or part-time. Students will spend the majority of their time studying alone with the 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 a number of online degrees at postgraduate level, including MSc Digital Marketing Communications, MA Antiques, MSc Strength and Conditioning, and MSc Food Safety Management.

Students learn via UCLan's learning portal, which provides all the relevant learning units and support materials for you to complete the course. Activities include live web seminars, research tasks and group activities with other students.

UCLan offers a range of distance learning courses which are generally completed online. They also offer mixed mode courses which are a blended mix of e-learning and attended sessions. These can be completed at undergraduate level, postgraduate level and even at doctoral level.

The university has over 200 postgraduate taught programmes across all Schools and there are opportunities in all Schools to complete supervised research at doctoral and master’s level. Research degrees can be studied full-time or part-time. Almost 50% of the research submitted to the Research Excellence Framework 2014 was classed as world-leading or internationally excellent.

Fees range from £4,300 to £6,700 a year depending on the course. Scholarships and bursaries specifically for postgraduates are available from the university.