University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) was established in 1828. Back then, the university was known as Institution for the Diffusion of Useful Knowledge. In 1992, the institution was granted the consent to operate as a university. Before operating as a university, the institution was known as an art college and later a polytechnic college.

According to the Complete University Guide 2015, UCLan is the 90th best university nationally. One achievement the university may always remember is that they are included in the 2010 QS World Rankings as the first modern university in the United Kingdom to ever make it to the list.

In terms of courses offered, the school has more than 500 undergraduate courses and 200 postgraduate courses to offer. There are several degrees which are currently in development: Journalism, Fashion, Forensics, and Sports Science. Meanwhile, UCLan is always strong and excellent in the following aspects: Pharmacy, Architecture, and Astrophysics.

The award winning Student's Union will make sure your experience here is unforgettable such as the de-stressing Puppy Rooms during exam season while their Library offers 24/7 access to high quality learning resources and flexible study spaces during term time.All full-time undergraduate degree students enjoy free membership of their on-campus Sir Tom Finney Sports Centre.

UCLan is located at Preston. Preston is a small student-friendly city and provides a safer environment than many larger cities in the UK, helped by initiatives like 24 hour CCTV, security across our campuses and a safe bus scheme. 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 40-minutes from metropolitan Manchester and the stunning Lake District.