Undergraduate study

Undergraduate degrees are typically for students starting out in university life for the first time. They will normally be your first degree and follow on from completing your A Levels, BTECs, Level 3 NVQs or T Levels.

Once you’ve graduated, you might also decide to explore a subject in more depth by taking on a postgraduate degree.

We work closely with leading employers across the North West to secure work experience opportunities for our students. 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)

An undergraduate degree usually takes about three years to complete if you're studying full-time, or five to six years if you're studying part-time.

Some students opt to take a foundation year before they start their full undergraduate degree. Our courses with an integrated foundation year are designed for students who have the ability to study for a degree, but don’t have the necessary formal qualifications to directly enter their chosen honours degree programme. It involves an extra year of study which will help you get the skills you need.

Choosing what to study at university can be overwhelming. It's a big decision that can have a huge impact on your life and career. We have a handy guide to help you decide what degree to study.

We have a broad range of subjects and courses at various levels. Across our four campuses we have something to suit everyone. Learn more about what subjects we have to offer.

There are plenty of excellent reasons to go to university to study an undergraduate degree. Not only will you become an expert at your chosen subject, you will have unforgettable experiences along the way. You'll make lots of new friends and meet people from all over the world. It's also a great way to better your career prospects and increase your earning potential.

University is more than lectures, classes and assignment. It's a unique opportunity to get to know a diverse range of people and cultures. You'll develop independence and confidence and try new activities. As an undergraduate student, you’ll enjoy the perfect mix of academic study and a range of opportunities that will set you up for a lifetime of success. 

Discover why you should study an undergraduate degree at UCLan.

Studying an undergraduate degree opens up a world of employment opportunities for you. You could study a vocational course such as nursing, or keep your options open with a humanities degree. At UCLan you will gain skills and experience that employers value considerably. Plus, your earning potential increases once you graduate. This means you could earn on average 30% more in your lifetime than a non-graduate (Institute of Fiscal Studies).

Have you already decided on your career path? Are you still considering your options and what subject areas interest you? Whatever stage you’re at, we’ve got advice and guidance to help. Our courses have a strong focus on employability and our Careers Team are here to support you every step of the way.

If you're a student wishing to study an undergraduate degree full-time with us, you should make your application through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) anytime from early September for the following year. Application deadlines through UCAS vary for different courses:

• For medicine, veterinary medicine and dentistry courses you will need to apply by the deadline in autumn, usually around mid October.
• For equal consideration on all other courses, you'll need to apply by January. Usually this is around the end of January but please check UCAS for official dates.

We accept applications for a lot of courses throughout the year, but some of our more popular courses may stop accepting applications after the equal consideration deadline in January. Find out more information on how to apply for an undergraduate course, including entry requirements and contextual admissions.

Preparing for an undergraduate degree in the UK involves a few key steps to ensure a smooth transition. Start by researching the courses that interest you, paying close attention to entry requirements and deadlines. You'll need to complete your UCAS application, so gather all necessary documents, including academic transcripts and references. Finally, make sure your finances are in order, including tuition fees, living expenses, and any available scholarships or financial aid. 

With careful planning and preparation, you'll be ready to embark on your undergraduate journey.