University of Lancashire

The University of Lancashire, formerly known as the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan), has a history dating back to 1828 when it was established as the Institution for the Diffusion of Knowledge. It gained full university status in 1992 and has grown into one of the largest universities in the UK, with approximately 38,000 students across campuses in Preston, Burnley, Cumbria, and an international branch in Cyprus. In 2024, the university announced a rebrand to “University of Lancashire,” set for full implementation by 2025. The institution is organized into 20 schools, offering a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across disciplines such as medicine, engineering, journalism, and veterinary science.

The University places a strong emphasis on employability, research, and industry collaboration. It maintains partnerships with major corporations like BAE Systems, Rolls Royce, and Cisco, and actively supports innovation and entrepreneurship through its business incubation hub. Its research output has been recognized as high quality, with a significant portion rated as world-leading or internationally excellent. The university has also invested heavily in upgrading its Preston campus, enhancing facilities such as its engineering innovation centre and student support infrastructure, earning recognition for its quality in teaching and campus environment.

Students at the University of Lancashire benefit from a diverse and inclusive campus community, with peers from over 100 countries and international partnerships enriching the academic experience. The university supports a vibrant student life through its Students’ Union, which hosts over 100 clubs and societies, and offers top-tier sports and leisure facilities. Located in the city of Preston, students enjoy the advantages of an affordable living environment combined with strong transport links and access to both urban centres and natural attractions in the North West of England.