Pharmacy - MPharm (Hons)

University of Lancashire

Reflecting on my journey at UCLan in Preston, I’d say it's been both rewarding and challenging, and it’s shaped my experience as a mature student returning to education. Choosing to go back to university after some time away was a big decision, and UCLan felt like the right choice because of its strong reputation and welcoming environment. One of the best aspects of my time here has been how accessible and practical the MPharm course is. UCLan really emphasises hands-on, real-world learning, which has been invaluable for someone like me who values applying knowledge directly to real-life scenarios. The lecturers here are genuinely supportive and patient with students from all backgrounds, which made the transition back into academic life much smoother than I anticipated. They also do a great job of breaking down complex theories into manageable pieces, which is especially helpful when you're new to a subject or struggling with the material. UCLan's diverse community and open atmosphere also stand out. As a mature student, I wasn’t sure how I’d fit in initially, but UCLan has a fantastic range of societies and events that bring together students of all ages. I've found myself learning not just from the lectures but from the diverse perspectives of my classmates, which has been one of the most enriching parts of my time here. One of the standout positives of studying at UCLan is definitely the access to the sports centre and the free gym membership. As someone who values staying active and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, this has been a huge benefit. The sports centre is well-equipped with a variety of facilities, from the gym to indoor courts, swimming pool, and even specialized rooms for classes like yoga. Having access to these facilities for free as part of the student experience has been fantastic, especially when I need a break from studying or want to clear my mind after a long day of lectures. In addition, the range of sports societies at UCLan is impressive. There’s something for everyone, whether you're into team sports, fitness classes, or even more niche activities like rock climbing or martial arts. As a mature student, I appreciate the chance to stay active and engage with like-minded individuals. The social aspect of joining a sports society has also been great for meeting new people and building a sense of community outside the classroom. It’s a perfect way to balance the academic side of university life with something fun and physically engaging, helping me maintain my well-being while also benefiting from the social connections and support that come with being part of a team. However, I’ve faced a few obstacles. My late acceptance to the course, for instance, meant I missed out on crucial welcome sessions, which set me back in terms of getting oriented. This delay added stress as I tried to navigate accommodation and enrolment in a short timeframe. The university could improve in terms of support for late applicants, as a smoother onboarding process would ease that initial period and help students settle in faster. Having a more streamlined and responsive communication system would go a long way in reducing unnecessary stress and making the overall experience more efficient and transparent for students. Clearer guidance and more timely updates would be especially helpful for mature students who might be balancing other responsibilities alongside their studies. Even with these challenges, I’d say UCLan in Preston is a fantastic place to study. The balance between academic rigour and a lively, supportive community has made it a genuinely rewarding experience, and I feel that I’m leaving with not just knowledge but also a sense of personal growth.

Teachers and students are welcoming. Although it could be improved by not making lecture attendance essential, since I am the type to concentrate when I am studying on my own time, however I can see how it could help other students to make the time to actually study their course. Also don't enjoy the 9am start but that's just personal. A lot of jobs start at this time so it is considered early training for the work life

I think it's really good because it is a friendly environment and it allows a student to fully explore and find out their true interests

Preston, Lancashire in UK is a great place yo live in. My university supports students in every way possible. I am grateful to be a part of UCLAN. There’s always a room for improvement, so my university can organise more events for Inter Students to make them feel homely.

It has been good! A lot happens and you really grow as a person... It is what you make it really. I don't do much with uni, but I do other things like DofE that made it enjoyable