University of Central Lancashire - UCLAN (reviews)

Academics at University of Central Lancashire

UCLan offers Undergraduate and Postgraduate Programmes. Undergraduate Programmes create the perfect mix of academic study and practical development in order to prepare students for success in their professional careers. Students can enter their desired programme through a foundation year if they don’t have the needed qualifications. Study abroad opportunities available at UCLan allows students to experience life in another country and explore a new culture while enhancing their employability. UCLan has exchange agreements with almost 100 universities around the world, including universities in Europe, USA, Canada, Mexico, Australia, Hong Kong and other locations.

UCLan boasts an extensive portfolio of both taught and research Postgraduate Programmes, which develop students professionally and on a personal level. CPD courses and short courses are also offered by the University. They cover a wide range of study areas and are very flexible, ensuring that professionals will be able to complete their programmes without disrupting their careers.

UCLan students have the opportunity to learn a new language for free alongside their studies through the Worldwise Learning Centre.

Campus & Student Life

UCLan’s main campus is in Preston, which is a mid-sized modern city named the best city to live and work in the North West region of the UK. The campus in Preston is close to the town centre. Preston is one of the cheapest cities for students in the UK and yet it offers so many opportunities. Students can enjoy the city’s links to nature and relax in one of its beautiful green spaces. The city centre is full of cafes and restaurants which serve both traditional and international food and there is always something for everyone’s taste. The rest of the town is also rich in restaurants and steakhouses. Many nightclubs, bars and late night venues guarantee that students will have an amazing nightlife while at UCLan. The city is also very safe and has been awarded a purple flag for the safety and diversity of its nightlife. Preston has fantastic transport links, the railway station being a 10-minute walk away from campus, which allows students to travel easily to other destinations in the UK. It is close to the cities of Manchester and Liverpool, both of which have international airports, which makes access to the University quite easy even for international students. Preston is also a short distance from the coastline and the Lake District, which are two wonderful destinations for a short trip on a day off. Students can visit the home of Preston North End FC, a founding member of the original football league in 1888, and watch quality football live at the stadium.

The campus in Preston has its own library. The library is equipped with comfortable and flexible study spaces and has all the learning resources students may need throughout their programmes. Library staff also offer assistance with finding books and journals or help with assignments and dissertation formatting.

Students can choose whether to book accommodation on or off campus and the University offers help with finding the right place for everybody.

There is a wider variety of clubs and societies, which allow students to meet new people and enjoy doing what they are passionate for while learning something new. Students have the opportunity to create their own society as well. UCLan offers plenty of choice when it comes to sports activities. Students get free sports membership for access to Sir Tom Finney Sports Centre and could hire some of the sports facilities available in the UCLan Sports Arena. There are 40 different sports clubs which students can join and enjoy spending some time with friends while playing their favourite sport.

UCLan’s other campuses are Burnley, which is a modern campus established in 2010, and Westlakes, which is situated in the Westlakes Science and Technology Park in West Cumbria. The University also has an international campus in Cyprus, which opened in 2012 and is located in Larnaka.

Career & Alumni

UCLan Careers offers points students in the right direction towards a successful career. It helps students with career planning, gaining career knowledge and finding employment. CV, Cover Letter and LinkedIn assistance is also provided by UCLan Careers.

UCLan’s Alumni Network allows alumni to stay in touch with each other and the University. The University’s alumni are entitled to career advice, business support and access to the library and gym facilities after graduation.