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About Us

The University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) is a ‘modern’ university, created in 1992, but its roots go back to 1828 with the founding of the ‘Institution for the Diffusion of Knowledge’.  From humble beginnings the institution has evolved into one of the largest universities in the UK with over 32,000 students and a dynamic course portfolio of over 500 undergraduate programmes and 180 postgraduate courses.

In China and Hong Kong, UCLan is the leading UK university in terms of students studying on its programmes in-country. The University has also developed strong links with India, the Middle East, Malaysia, Vietnam and Nigeria.

Approximately 70% of UCLan’s students come from the North West and the University is playing a significant role in the regeneration of the region. As a major employer with nearly 3000 employees, the University has an annual turnover of over £120million and every year it indirectly contribute £300 million to the regional economy.

UCLan is investing heavily in improvements in its estate and it’s currently spending nearly £60 million on some exciting campus developments.  Two projects in particular will bring major benefits to the region. The £15.3 million ‘media factory’ will support work in art, design and performing arts as well as providing business incubation facilities for entrepreneurial graduates. The University is also tackling the North West’s dental crisis through a £5.5 million investment which will see the launch of a new School of Dentistry. Both facilities will receive their first intake of students in September 2007.

The University is also set to open the first School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences in Lancashire. Crucially the initiative has been approved by the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain with students enrolling in September 2007.

UCLan is also strengthening its academic base and is currently spending £10 million to boost research excellence. The funds are creating ten major international research areas including, amongst others, digital technology, diversity and mental health, investment in the Lancashire Business School and a centre for nuclear science.

These developments are great examples of how the University is constantly evolving its research and course portfolio to tap into the needs of local, national and international employers. Another example is the recently launched Foundation Degree in Nuclear Decommissioning, the first in the UK.  The new qualification is a direct response to the UK Government’s pledge to spend £50 billion on the clean-up of the UK’s nuclear facilities.

By ensuring that courses meet employers’ requirements, UCLan is producing graduates who are immediately employable.  The latest Government statistics back this up; 95% of UCLan graduates are in employment and/or further study six months after graduation: a statistic which is higher than virtually every other North West university and =32 in the UK.

Looking to the future, the University plans to embed employability and enterprise as a fundamental component of all its academic provision. This is a major development which will enhance its standing as a leading, student-focused institution whose graduates are superbly equipped to thrive in the global economy.