University of Central Lancashire: Rankings, Courses & Admissions

UCLan operates across four distinct campuses: Preston, Burnley, Westlakes, and Cyprus. The university has invested over £200 million in recent years to upgrade its facilities, earning a 5 QS Stars (Excellent) rating for its modern infrastructure. 

Each campus is equipped with advanced teaching, research, and student support resources, including the £30 million Engineering Innovation Centre and the £60 million Student Centre at Preston.

Below are the key details for each campus:

1. Preston Campus

• Main campus and university headquarters, recently transformed by a £200 million masterplan.
• Features the £60 million Student Centre, Adelphi Square, Engineering Innovation Centre, Media Factory, and Sir Tom Finney Sports Centre.
• Offers guaranteed housing, free gym membership, and a full range of academic, social, and support services.
• Over 200 academic programs offered.

2. Burnley Campus

• Focuses on business courses, health courses, and social care programs.
• Located across multiple sites: Victoria Mill, Sandygate Mill, Newtown Mill, and Princess Way.
• Provides advanced teaching spaces, study areas, and student support tailored to the local community.

3. Westlakes Campus

• Specializes in nursing courses, medicine courses, and health studies courses.
• Features modern labs, clinical skills facilities, and close links with local healthcare providers.

4. Cyprus Campus

• UCLan’s international branch offers UK-accredited degrees in a Mediterranean setting.
• Delivers undergraduate and postgraduate programs in business, computing, law, and more.

After discussing the University of Central Lancashire campuses and infrastructure, let's understand how the institution is recognized globally and nationally on ranking platforms. 

The University of Central Lancashire is consistently recognized in major global rankings, maintaining a position within the top 1000–1200 universities worldwide. For 2025, the University of Central Lancashire ranking is #801–1000 by Times Higher Education (THE), and in the top 1500–1600 by US News.

Below is a summary of UCLan's global rankings for 2024, 2025, and 2026:

Next, let's look at the subject-wise ranking of the University of Central Lancashire to understand its academic strength and industry relevance across disciplines.

Top Course-wise Ranking 2025/26

The University of Central Lancashire’s top programs are recognized in global and UK subject rankings for 2025, with strong placements in Medicine courses , Law courses, and Engineering courses. According to QS and THE, Medicine is ranked in the global top 500–550, while Law is among the top 201 globally.

Below is a table of the University of Central Lancashire's top course-wise rankings for 2025/26:

Securing a place at UCLan requires careful attention to specific entry requirements and documentation, ensuring your application is both complete and competitive.

University of Central Lancashire Admissions 

UCLan’s admissions process for international students is highly structured, requiring official degree certificates, academic transcripts, and proof of English proficiency (IELTS band score 6.0 for UG, 6.5 for PG). 

Additional documents like recommendation letters and a personal statement are also needed. The university reviews applications on a rolling basis, with an acceptance rate of approximately 22%, making the process competitive.

Let’s break down the key requirements for your University of Central Lancashire admission:

Admission Requirements

Applicants must meet precise academic qualifications and provide all required documents. English language proficiency (such as IELTS or equivalent) is mandatory, and some programs may require interviews or standardized test scores. 

Next, let’s break down the major requirements for studying in the UK.

Academic Qualification

Academic qualifications for UCLan admissions are clearly defined and vary by program level. Undergraduate applicants must submit a higher secondary certificate with a minimum of 60% (India) or equivalent, while postgraduate applicants need at least 58% in a recognized bachelor's degree. All applicants must provide official academic transcripts and degree certificates.

Below is a table with detailed academic qualification requirements:

Requirements vary by course. Please check the official website for more details

Next, let’s review the language proficiency requirements for UCLan admissions.

Language Proficiency

UCLan requires all international applicants to demonstrate English language proficiency through standardized tests. For most undergraduate programs, a minimum IELTS score of 6.0 is mandatory, while postgraduate programs require an IELTS score of 6.5. 

Equivalent scores from the TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, and other recognized tests are also accepted.

Here are the detailed language proficiency requirements: 

Note: Test requirements can vary by department or program; always check individual program pages for the most current standards.

Competitive Exams

Competitive exams such as the GMAT, GRE, SAT, and ACT are not required for admission to the University of Central Lancashire for either undergraduate or postgraduate programs. Admission is primarily based on academic qualifications and English language proficiency. However, some business or management postgraduate courses may consider GMAT or GRE scores if submitted, but they are not mandatory.

Visa Requirements 

International students admitted to UCLan for full-time programs longer than six months must secure a Student visa for the UK. 

To apply, you need to get a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from UCLan, proof of sufficient funds maintained for at least 28 days, a valid passport, and evidence of meeting all academic and English language conditions. 

Some applicants may also be required to complete a UCLan credibility interview. 

Here are more student visa details: 

Before you start your application, it’s important to know the key deadlines and intake periods to ensure your documents are submitted on time.

Admission Dates and Deadlines

The University of Central Lancashire offers multiple intakes for international students, with the main entry points in September and January. For the September 2025 intake, the final application deadline is 10 August 2025, and the deposit deadline is 17 August 2025. 

Some courses may close earlier if they reach capacity, so early application is recommended. UCLan also offers a January intake for select programs, and a May intake is available for certain courses.

Below is a summary of key deadlines by course type and intake:

Note: Always check your specific program's page for the most current deadline information, as some courses may have unique or earlier cut-offs.

Let’s explore the range of academic options available at the University of Central Lancashire.

The University of Central Lancashire offers one of the UK’s broadest academic portfolios, with over 350 undergraduate and nearly 200 postgraduate courses spanning fields such as business, engineering, healthcare, and the creative arts. 

This extensive range ensures students can find industry-focused programs specific to their career ambitions and interests.

Here are some of the most popular programs offered at UCLan:

• MSc Cancer Biology and Therapy: Research-focused course preparing students for PhD study or careers in biomedical sciences.
• MSc Data Science: Combines computing and analytics skills to meet the growing demand in data-driven industries.
• MSc Advanced Clinical Practitioner: Designed for healthcare professionals seeking advanced practice roles.
• MBA Business Administration with Professional Placement: Combines business theory with a paid industry placement to enhance employability.
• MA Animation: Creative course focusing on animation techniques and industry-standard software.
• MSc Mechanical Engineering: Covers advanced engineering principles with opportunities for industrial collaboration.
• MBBS Medicine and Surgery: Professional medical degree with clinical placements in leading hospitals.
• BSc (Hons) Computing: Comprehensive computing degree with options in software development and cybersecurity.
• BSc (Hons) Nursing: Pre-registration nursing degree with practical clinical experience.
• BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering: Accredited engineering degree with strong industry links.
• LLB Law: Provides foundational legal knowledge with opportunities for practical training.

As you consider which UCLan program best fits your goals, understanding the associated tuition fees is essential for planning your finances.

Program Fees at the University of Central Lancashire

Tuition fees at the University of Central Lancashire are precisely structured by course and level. International undergraduate programs such as BA Business and Management and BSc (Hons) are set at £16,500 per year (INR 17 lakh), while the LLB Law is £17,325 per year (INR 18 lakh). 

Most postgraduate taught courses, including MSc Project Management and MSc Forensic Toxicology, are £16,900 per year (INR 17.5 lakh), and the MBA is £17,900 per year (INR 18.5 lakh).

Here’s a clear picture of the investment required for each program.

Note: 

• Fees may vary depending on the specialization. Please check the official University website for the most up-to-date information.
• The currency conversions are based on the current exchange rate.

Understanding the total cost of studying at UCLan is essential for planning your academic journey and financial commitments.

The tuition fees at the University of Central Lancashire vary significantly by course and level. Standard international undergraduate programs cost £16,500 per year (INR 17.2 L), while most masters in the UK cost £16,900 per year (INR 17.6 L). 

Specialized programs such as Medicine & Surgery (MBBS) and Dentistry have much higher fees, up to £50,000/year (INR 52 L).

Below is a breakdown of average tuition fees for key courses: 

Note: Salary conversions are based on the current exchange rate.

When planning your studies at UCLan, it’s important to budget for living expenses in Preston, which is known for being one of the more affordable student cities in the UK.

Cost of Living 

The average annual cost of living for a student in Preston (excluding tuition) typically ranges from £7,800 to £9,600 (INR 8.1–10 L), depending on lifestyle and accommodation choices. This includes housing, meals, transport, personal expenses, health insurance, and miscellaneous costs.

Below is a detailed breakdown of typical annual costs:

Understanding the financial aspects of studying in the UK is crucial, and UCLan offers multiple options designed to reduce your financial burden.

UCLan provides a comprehensive range of scholarships, including automatic tuition fee reductions, competitive merit-based awards, and prestigious international scholarships. 

These scholarships are available for both UG and PG students and can range from £2,000 (INR 2.1L) to full tuition coverage, depending on eligibility and course level. 

Let’s explore the specific scholarships available:

Internal Scholarships

UCLan’s internal scholarships are highly targeted, offering automatic and application-based awards to international students who demonstrate academic excellence and progress from partner pathway programs. 

These scholarships include the International Bursary (£1,000 per year for all self-funded international UG/PG students) and the Excellence Scholarship (£3,000–£3,500 per year for top-performing applicants).

Below are some popular scholarships to study in the UK.

Now, let’s look at external scholarship opportunities supported by the University of Central Lancashire.

External Scholarships

External scholarships for UCLan are particular, funded by government bodies, foundations, and international organizations, and are aimed at students with outstanding academic records, leadership qualities, or financial need. 

These awards, such as the Chevening, Commonwealth Shared, and Aga Khan Foundation scholarships, often cover a significant portion or the entirety of tuition and living costs.

Below is a detail of key fully-funded scholarships in the UK available to UCLan students:

Now that you have explored the financial aspects of studying at the University of Central Lancashire, let's check out the institute’s placement outcomes and professional opportunities.

Placement outcomes at the University of Central Lancashire are handled by a strong focus on employability, with 95.5% of graduates in work or further study within six months. 

UCLan offers a wide range of paid placement options, ranging from part-time to year-long roles, across engineering, business, science, and health, ensuring students gain practical experience with good job prospects in the UK and abroad.

Here's how UCLan supports your career development through internships and co-programs:

• Year-Long Industrial Placements: Many courses, especially in engineering, computing, and science, offer optional 6–12 month paid placements with employers such as Ernst & Young and Accenture, allowing you to apply your academic knowledge in real industry settings.
• Part-Time Placements: You can undertake placements of up to 20 hours per week alongside your studies, often lasting several weeks to months, providing flexibility to gain experience without pausing your degree.
• Global Internships: UCLan’s Global Opportunities team facilitates 4–12 week internships abroad during the summer, supported by the Turing Scheme, enabling you to gain international work experience in countries worldwide.
• Professional Placement MBA: The MBA with Professional Placement includes up to 10 months of paid work in the second year, where you apply for competitive positions and gain business management expertise in real environments.
• Career Support and Fairs: The UCLan Careers Service provides CV writing, and interview prep and organizes job fairs, connecting you with employers for internships, placements, and part-time jobs on campus.
• Sector-Specific Placement Innovation: Innovative placement solutions in health and clinical programs include simulation, remote, and virtual placements, expanding opportunities beyond traditional settings.

Now, let's explore the companies that hire graduates from UCLan.

Top Recruiters

UCLan's strong industry partnerships and practical curriculum ensure graduates are highly employable, with more than 1,000 employer connections and a placement rate above 95%. 

Top recruiters are from sectors such as engineering, technology, finance, and healthcare, offering students in-demand jobs in the UK and internationally. 

Below is a list of top recruiters and typical job roles: 

• BAE Systems: Graduate Engineer, Technical Officer, Software Engineer
• NHS: Staff Nurse, Healthcare Assistant, Clinical Fellow
• Accenture: Analyst, Business Consultant, Project Manager
• Amazon: Operations Manager, Account Manager, Logistics Coordinator
• Barclays: Graduate Analyst, Finance Associate, Risk Analyst
• BBC: Broadcast Journalist, Media Researcher, Production Assistant
• Training 2000: Account Manager, Apprenticeship Coordinator
• UCLan (internal roles): Research Fellow, Lecturer, Administrative Assistant, Performance Sport Coordinator
• Cisco Systems: Network Engineer, IT Support Specialist
• Rolls Royce: Mechanical Engineer, Design Engineer

Whether you're looking for social opportunities or professional experiences, UCLan's student life is designed to help you both inside and outside the classroom.

Student life at UCLan is lively and diverse, featuring over 150 student-led societies, a multi-million-pound Students' Union, and the award-winning £60 million Student Centre. 

Preston is ranked among the top 20 student cities in the UK, and the campus offers 24/7 library access, dedicated international support, and a comprehensive wellbeing hub, all tailored to enhance your university experience.

Here's what makes UCLan student life stand out:

• Clubs and Societies: Choose from more than 150 societies and clubs, including cultural, academic, and special interest groups, all coordinated by the UCLan Students’ Union.
• Sports and Fitness: Access the UCLan Sports Arena and Sir Tom Finney Sports Centre for football, rugby, athletics, hockey, and a modern gym; compete in BUCS leagues or join recreational classes.
• Accommodation: On-campus housing features self-catered, en-suite rooms, 24/7 security, and a guaranteed place for first-year students who apply by the deadline.
• International Student Support: The International Student Support team offers orientation, visa workshops, and a weekly Global Café for networking and cultural exchange.
• Events and Social Spaces: The £60 million Student Centre hosts live music, cultural festivals, and student-led events, while the 24/7 library provides group study pods, silent zones, and IT support.
• Volunteering and Leadership: UCLan’s Centre for Volunteering and Community Leadership provides over 1,000 volunteering opportunities annually, helping you build skills and community connections.
• Student Wellbeing: The university offers a dedicated Student Centre for all wellbeing services, is ranked 3rd in the UK for mental health support, and provides free counselling, disability support, and support for the cost of living in Europe.

Let’s explore some of the most distinguished graduates who exemplify the strength and reach of UCLan’s global network.

The University of Central Lancashire has a global alumni community of over 200,000 graduates, with many achieving prominence in media, arts, science, business, and public service. Noteworthy alumni include BAFTA winners, leading journalists, government ministers, and international athletes, reflecting UCLan's broad influence and its dedication to nurturing talent for leadership and success.

Below is a selection of notable UCLan alumni:

Choosing the right UK university can be challenging. To help you make an informed decision, here’s a side-by-side look at the University of Central Lancashire, Lancaster University, and the University of Nottingham.

Lancaster University and the University of Nottingham consistently rank among the UK’s top 150 universities, while UCLan is recognized for its affordability and broad range of course offerings, with over 500 undergraduate and 180 postgraduate programs. 

Tuition at UCLan is notably lower, at around INR 16–17 L per year, compared to Lancaster's and Nottingham's INR 20–34 L range. All three universities offer post-study work visas, strong placement support, and a variety of scholarships.

Let’s break down the specifics for each institution in detail across key parameters:

Note: The tuition fee is calculated as the average for top courses.