Top reasons to choose us
We know that as well as a world-class education, you’re looking for an unforgettable student experience and a valuable, professionally-respected qualification. So when weighing up your options, you should look at The University of Central Lancashire to start your dream degree. Our mission is to transform lives, so if you’re looking for a transformative student experience to help you reach your career aspirations, check out these great reasons to choose UCLan…
You’ll be joining one of the top universities in the world
Ranked in the top 3.3% of universities in the world by the Centre for World University Rankings 2017 (CWUR), UCLan was the UK’s first modern university to get into the QS World rankings, and we were also awarded the maximum 5 stars for the quality of our teaching.
OUR TEACHING QUALITY IS AWARD-WINNING
UCLan has recently received a silver quality award for ‘consistently exceeding rigorous national quality requirements’ in the first ever national Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) assessment. We are delighted to see recognition of our commitment to personalised provision and excellent support for students.
We’re one of the top universities for budding entrepreneurs*
If your ambition is to work for yourself, you’re more likely to succeed at UCLan. Our graduates are still running thriving businesses after three years.
YOU’LL GRADUATE WORK-READY
Over 93% of our graduates are in employment six months after graduating, having benefited from our close industry links with over 1000 employers, who offer invaluable work experience opportunities to help you become career-ready. Have a look at where our graduates are now!
STUDY A TOP 20 RANKED SUBJECT
The most recent Guardian league table has ranked eight of our subject areas in the Top 20 nationally, and we’ve risen 20 places overall. The University is also the fifth highest riser nationally, and is now ranked joint 5th out of 12 North West universities.
WE’RE INVESTING SERIOUS MONEY IN YOUR EDUCATION
Our £200m Campus Masterplan will blend our already fantastic facilities with new buildings – including a £30m-plus state-of-the-art Engineering Innovation Centre, opening in 2019 - and public green spaces, improving access for pedestrians and cyclists.
BEST IN THE NORTH WEST
It’s official – Preston is the best place in the North West to live and work, according to a recent report** which measures economic success and personal and family wellbeing, and is ranked 19th overall in the Good Growth for Cities index. So listen to the experts and pay us a visit!
WE’RE A SMALL CITY WITH A BIG PERSONALITY!
Our compact campus is at the heart of Preston and everything you need - from shops to restaurants and nightlife - is in walking distance. Preston is one of the greenest cities in the UK – over two thirds of the area is rural or green open spaces – and you’re just a 25 minute drive from the beaches and bustle of Blackpool, and 40-minutes from metropolitan Manchester and the stunning Lake District.
YOU’LL DEVELOP THE SKILLS YOU NEED TO COMPETE ON AN INTERNATIONAL STAGE
You’ll be offered the chance to take on a work experience placement or study a semester of your course abroad - in Europe or the USA - and you’ll also enjoy the opportunity to learn a language for free while you study.
YOU’LL STAY PART OF THE UCLAN FAMILY
Our Careers Service offers ongoing careers advice and guidance, drop in sessions, online careers support/resources and employer events to support and enhance your employability throughout your degree … and we’re still here for you for help and advice, even after you’ve graduated.
And if that wasn’t enough, it’s good to know that many of our academics also undertake world-leading research which helps to inform our teaching and benefit our students. Almost 50% of the research which the University submitted to the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2014 was assessed as world-leading or internationally excellent.
*The Higher Education Business and Community Interaction Survey (HEBCIS) 2015-16, 2nd in the UK
**published by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) and the thinktank Demos.