University of Central Lancashire (UCLan)

Established in 1828 as the Institution for the Diffusion of Knowledge, the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) is a prominent public university located in Preston, Lancashire, UK. It has evolved into one of the UK's largest universities, offering a diverse range of programs and maintaining a strong commitment to research and employability.​

UCLan's main campus is situated a ten-minute walk from Preston city center, with additional campuses in Burnley, Cumbria, and an overseas campus in Cyprus, which opened in 2012, making it the first British university in the country. ​

The university has a rich history of promoting social mobility and has been recognized for its efforts. In the 2024 Higher Education Policy Institute (HEPI) English Social Mobility Index, UCLan rose 13 places to rank 18th out of 100 institutions in England, placing fourth in the North West. ​