University of Central Lancashire
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| University of Central Lancashire | |
|---|---|
| Name | University of Central Lancashire |
| Established | 0 1828 (as Institution for the Diffusion of Knowledge), 1992 (university status) |
| Type | Public |
| Endowment | £1.0 million (2022) |
| Chancellor | Ranvir Singh |
| Vice chancellor | Graham Baldwin |
| Students | 23,500 (2021/22) |
| Undergrad | 19,500 (2021/22) |
| Postgrad | 4,000 (2021/22) |
| City | Preston |
| Country | England, United Kingdom |
| Campus | Urban |
| Colours | Purple, red, black, white |
| Affiliations | University Alliance, Association of Commonwealth Universities, North West Universities Association |
| Website | www.uclan.ac.uk |
University of Central Lancashire is a public research university based in the city of Preston. With roots dating to 1828, it gained university status in 1992 under the Further and Higher Education Act 1992. The institution is a major presence in the North West, known for its extensive portfolio of vocational and academic programmes.
History
The university traces its origins to the founding of the Institution for the Diffusion of Knowledge in 1828, a product of the Industrial Revolution in Lancashire. It later became the Harris Institute, named after benefactor Edmund Robert Harris, focusing on arts and sciences. Following the Education Act 1944, it was designated the Preston Polytechnic in 1973, before becoming Lancashire Polytechnic in 1984 after merging with other colleges in Burnley and Chorley. The institution was a founding member of the Polytechnics and Colleges Funding Council and was ultimately granted university title by the Privy Council in 1992, adopting its current name.
Campuses and facilities
The main campus is located in the centre of Preston, featuring modern facilities like the Sir Tom Finney Sports Centre and the Media Factory, which houses the School of Journalism, Media and Performance. The university operates a significant campus in Burnley at the Burnley Business Centre and previously had a major presence in Westlakes Science Park in Cumbria. Internationally, it has operated campuses in Cyprus and established partnerships with institutions like Beijing Normal University in Zhuhai. Key buildings include the Library and Student Centre and the Engineering Innovation Centre.
Organisation and governance
The university is governed by a Board of Governors and led by the Vice-Chancellor, a role held by Graham Baldwin. It is structured into several academic schools, including the School of Medicine and the Lancashire Law School. The institution is a member of the University Alliance and the Association of Commonwealth Universities. Its ceremonial head is the Chancellor, currently television journalist Ranvir Singh, who succeeded Sir Richard Evans.
Academic profile
The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees across fields such as forensic science, clinical psychology, dentistry, and fashion design. It is recognised for its research in areas like solar energy through the Jeremiah Horrocks Institute and astrophysics. The institution has a strong focus on widening participation and was awarded the Queen's Anniversary Prize for its work in community business. It also validates degrees for numerous partner colleges across the United Kingdom and internationally.
Student life
The University of Central Lancashire Students' Union provides representation and hosts over 100 societies and sports clubs. The student newspaper, *Pluto*, and radio station, *Frequency 1350*, are key media outlets. The union operates venues like 53 Degrees and The Source on the Preston campus. Athletic teams compete in the British Universities and Colleges Sport leagues, with facilities at the Sir Tom Finney Sports Centre. The annual Preston Guild celebrations often involve significant student participation.
Notable people
Notable alumni include television presenter Saira Khan, BBC News journalist Sima Kotecha, and England footballer Jill Scott. In academia, Dame Sue Black, a renowned forensic anthropologist, served as Pro Vice-Chancellor. The university's staff have included figures like historian David Starkey and poet Benjamin Zephaniah, who was a professor of creative writing. Other distinguished graduates are Royal Navy officer Sarah West and Conservative MP Jake Berry.
Category:Universities in Lancashire Category:Educational institutions established in 1828 Category:1992 establishments in England