Why choose us?

University of the YearThe Edufuturists Uprising 20233rd in the North West2023 National Student Survey (Student Positivity)

Lowest cost of living in the UK

We're proud to be the most affordable university in the country according to The Times (2023)

Here for your mental health

We're ranked third in the UK for our mental health support for students (Humen University Mental Health League Table 2022)

Affordable accommodation

Average monthly rent at UCLan is the 3rd Cheapest in the UK and the cheapest in the North West (Save the Student, 2023)

Future planning

Preston has been named as one of the best cities in the UK for graduates to live (Compare the Market, 2022)

Second-to-none support

Our range of support services will provide you with the help you need throughout your time here and beyond. Our dedicated teams are here to help with every aspect of student life. From financial matters, health and wellbeing, inclusive support, visas, whatever you need help with, we're here for you.

Discover our support

Guaranteed accommodation

We guarantee a room in halls, on campus, for all new full-time students at our Preston Campus. There’s something special about living in university accommodation, especially if it’s your first time away from home. With a wide range of accommodation options, we'll help you find the right place for you.

Explore our halls

Free sports membership

You'll have access to free gym membership and fitness classes when you study at our Preston Campus. This gives you access to our state-of-the-art Sir Tom Finney Sports Centre and Sports Arena.

If you're studying at our Burnley Campus enjoy free membership at Burnley Leisure Centres. Membership includes gym access, swimming, sauna, classes and free personal training sessions. You'll also have access to the Active Network, providing access to 18 leisure centres across the North West.

Westlakes Campus students can sign up for a free gym membership which gives access to all Better Leisure Centres in Cumbria. This includes access to the pool, gym and exercise classes.

Find out more about sports at UCLan

Why UCLan?01 / 01

What our students say

Preston, a place to call home

Discover why Zahra loves Preston

Making friends at UCLan

Read Nicol-Stella's story

Why I love studying in Burnley

Read Bethany's blog

Student living costs

Thinking about applying to university and wondering how you’ll afford it? We can help you understand how to manage your finances. Find out what support is available during your time at university.

Visit our cost of living support hub

Learn from the experts

You'll benefit from being taught by academic staff who are leading experts in their field. Many are active researchers or industry experts whose work is making a positive impact on people's lives - from educating deaf students in India to improving maternity care worldwide. Our research staff have collaborated with a major international organisations including the United Nations, World Health Organisation and European Space Agency. As well as contributing to policy and practice, they are often sought out by the world's media for their expertise.

Explore our subjects

Work or study abroad

Experience a unique new way of learning, enhance your career, make new friends for life - and have fun whilst doing it all. Working or studying abroad is an unforgettable and priceless experience. It strengthens your key marketable skills and improves your career prospects.

Discover global opportunities

Graduate career ready

Step into the workplace with confidence. Work experience is included on many of our courses. We work closely with leading employers across the North West to secure you relevant work experience. It’s the reason why 95 percent of our graduates are in work or further education within six months*.

*HESA Employment Performance Indicator 2018 (full-time, home-domiciled, first degree leavers)

A multi-campus university

Where is Preston?

Preston is a vibrant, multicultural city in the heart of the North West, making it the perfect place to live, work and play.

Explore our campus and city

Awards

  • We’ve been awarded the maximum 5 QS Stars (Excellent) for employability (2022). We combine academic excellence with real-world teaching to give our students the skills and experience that today’s top employers are looking for. That’s why our talented graduates are in such high demand across the world. Our 5 Star rating also reflects the outstanding careers support we offer to help students land their dream job or even start their own business.

Funding your studies

Fees and funding

Studying with us is one of the biggest investments you'll make towards your future. We're here to help you every step of the way. Find out about tuition fees and financial support available such as scholarships and bursaries.

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Bursaries and scholarships

We believe that opportunity creates success, and that’s why we offer a range of attractive bursaries, scholarships, funds and discounts to our prospective students to give them a helping hand along the way.

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Cost of living support hub

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Studying is one of the biggest investments you can make towards your future. We're here to make the fees and finance side of university as easy as possible to understand.

Read more