The University of Lancashire is a multi-campus, internationally regarded university, established in 1828, that today leads the way in modern postgraduate learning and helps people succeed in their education, at work and in life.
The university's main campus is located in Preston - a small yet thriving city in Lancashire, which has recently been named the best city in the north west of England to live and work (Demos-PwC Good Growth for Cities Index, 2024).
The university has a student and staff community of around 42,000 people from more than 100 countries, plus a worldwide alumni network of over 200,000 people.
In recent years the university has invested millions in transforming its Preston Campus to provide all students with an exceptional experience The University of Lancashire is one of the highest regarded universities in the north west of England and in the world, with outstanding facilities and study options.
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There are currently around 200 postgraduate courses on offer, including taught degrees and supervised research degrees at master's and doctoral level. They have been designed to equip students with industry-ready skills, preparing them to excel in the next stage of their life and career.
There are full-time and part-time courses on offer, including distance learning courses which combine e-learning with university-based teaching sessions.
4.4To prepare graduates for their chosen careers, the university provides spaces that mimic real workplaces. Clinical labs, moot courtrooms and other specialist areas ensure students are ready to move straight into their professions.
3.9All the university's accommodation is conveniently located close to the campus.
The majority of places in university halls of residence are occupied by undergraduate students, but there are places available for postgraduates.
Students can:
Postgraduate entry requirements vary from course to course, and prospective students are encouraged to make themselves familiar with the requirements of chosen subject at the earliest opportunity.
For some postgraduate courses, applicants may need to possess a good undergraduate degree in a related subject. Others may require an undergraduate degree in any subject, while some are suitable for students returning to education following time in the workplace. Some may require students to attend an interview prior to acceptance, and/or submit a portfolio of work related to the subject.
The university has a flexible admissions policy, which means it treats every applicant as an individual. The admissions team take various things into consideration when deciding whether to offer students a place, including any qualifications earned to date and any relevant work experience. Therefore, students are encouraged to apply even if they don't quite meet the published requirements.
Students can visit the University of Lancashire postgraduate course pages to find out more.
Postgraduate Master's Loan
Students may be entitled to apply for a postgraduate master's loan to help with tuition fees and living costs.
Postgraduate discounts
The university offers a generous alumni loyalty discount. Students who gained their undergraduate degree at the University of Lancashire may be eligible for a 20 % reduction on postgraduate tuition fees. This offer is only available to UK students.
There are a range of postgraduate-specific bursaries and scholarships to support students during their studies.
UK students:
£9,535 per year for most full-time postgraduate taught courses.
EU and international students:
£18,750 to £19,500 per year for most full-time postgraduate taught courses.
£18,750 to £19,500 per year for most postgraduate research courses.
Exceptions to this include Medicine (MBBS and Veterinary Medicine and Surgery (BVMS) which are currently TBC.
For many courses, students have the option to study full-time, part-time, or pay for and study individual modules one at a time. Students can normally opt to study for a postgraduate certificate (PGCert) or postgraduate diploma (PGDip) and then upgrade their qualification to a full master's degree later on.
The University of Lancashire is comprised of ten academic schools, offering a range of courses in everything from business to health sciences, engineering and performing arts. Postgraduate students can pursue a breadth of qualification options, all of which are considered an excellent stepping stone to further career opportunities.
Students will benefit from being taught by lecturers who are experts in their fields. Many of them are leading academics and active researchers with extensive industry experience. They are not just knowledgeable in their subject, though - they are also passionate educators who thrive when inspiring the next generation of experts, helping to deliver course content in a way that is accessible and engaging.
The university is one of only a few to offer an undergraduate research internship scheme. After completing an undergraduate degree, students will have the opportunity to join the scheme over summer before the start of their postgraduate course. It involves working as an intern alongside academics and being tasked with producing postgraduate-level research.
Students are taught by university staff and industry professionals who bring research and practical experience to their teaching. They gain specialist skills and knowledge relevant to their field.
These courses offer flexible options like part-time study, online and blended learning, January start dates and evening sessions. A full-time taught master's degree usually takes one year, while part-time or online study can take up to two or three years.
The university's research aims to create positive outcomes and insights that are incorporated into its teaching. Many academics work with leading organisations like NASA, the NHS and the United Nations. A large proportion of the university's research outputs (72 %) are rated as ‘outstanding' or ‘very considerable' in terms of impact (REF 2021 Submissions, renewing 2029). This includes projects that address crime prevention, and work that informs firefighter health in the UK and improving maternity care worldwide, demonstrating a firm commitment to excellence, and improving lives around the globe.
A research degree is especially useful for those who want a career in academia. Students are supported by experienced supervisors and research training, and may have the chance to do fieldwork in the UK or abroad. These degrees require students to work on their own and as part of a team, aiming to create new knowledge in their subject.
Applicants usually need to submit a research proposal that fits with the university's interests.
The university offers a number of distance learning postgraduate courses which are generally completed online. These programmes give students the flexibility to organise their studies around their existing work and family commitments, or achieve a University of Lancashire qualification from anywhere in the world.
The university has a long tradition of excellence and is known for its strengths in areas like forensic science, journalism, fashion and the creative arts. Some courses, like the British Sign Language (BSL) and Deaf Studies programmes have been part of the university curriculum for over 30 years, with around 60 % of all BSL/English interpreters in the UK trained at the University of Lancashire.
Recognised both as dedicated educators and as award-winning specialists, the university's academics are active researchers and leaders within their fields. Their work makes a measurable impact around the world and inspires students to make positive contributions. Their teaching approach places emphasis on hands-on learning, giving students practical experience through placements and up-to-date simulated workplaces from the outset of their course. Students take part in industry-related projects alongside expert staff and professionals, supporting their ongoing development. This makes University of Lancashire graduates well prepared for building a career after their postgraduate education.
The University of Lancashire's main campus is in the centre of Preston, at the heart of beautiful Lancashire, and it's the ideal student city. The campus is within walking distance of the city-centre but still well-connected enough to enjoy short journeys to Manchester or Liverpool, or further afield to the Lake District and Scotland. Preston is a welcoming, multicultural city with loads of character. It's — small enough to feel safe and friendly but with enough size and variety that students happily call it home. Many students love it so much and feel so welcome they make a life in Preston after they graduate.
There's always something for students to discover in Preston - from live sports, such as football at Deepdale Stadium, home of Preston North End, to activities like bowling and escape rooms, or catching a movie at the cinema. At night, the city lights up. Students will find laid-back pubs, lively nightclubs, and trendy cocktail bars, or for those who prefer no alcohol, there are also plenty of late-night cafe sand dessert bars to grab a snack and socialise, and live music venues to explore.
Preston has lots of beautiful green spaces to relax in, including the charming Georgian Winckley Square and the peaceful lawns of Avenham and Miller Parks, ideal for students to take a stroll and enjoy the fresh air on the banks of the River Ribble.
There are over 150 clubs, societies, sports clubs and volunteering opportunities on offer. There's something for everyone, giving students the chance to pursue a new hobby, express their creativity, get political, explore their faith, meet new people and have fun.
4.1Every student is automatically a member of the students' union, which exists to help students get the most out of their time at university. Students can get involved in a huge range of activities, opportunities and events, as well as accessing independent advice, getting student representation and more.
4.3At the main Preston Campus, in University Square, is the university's award-winning Student Centre. As well a place to get together with friends or relax on the rooftop terrace, it's also the first stop for expert advice and guidance.
All Preston Campus support services are based here including:
Student services also operate across Burnley and Westlakes campuses and are in place to ensure that every postgraduate student has free, fast, and confidential access to the support and guidance needed to thrive in their chosen course.
There's also an information point for quick questions and the Students' Union has its own advice centre offering independent, impartial support for any aspect of student life.
3.0The university is Lancashire's largest provider of graduate-level qualifications. Combining academic excellence with real-world learning, it offers a wide range of intellectually engaging and rewarding courses which will give postgraduate students the skills, knowledge and self-confidence required to achieve their potential and set themselves on course for a better future.
Students benefit from state-of-the-art facilities, close industry links, and opportunities to gain vital work experience by participating in placements and live projects. There are also frequent opportunities to attend networking events and connect with top employers.
If students are interested in establishing their own start-up company, they can access expert business advice, mentoring and incubation facilities through the university's Propeller service, which will help students transform their ideas into reality, by offering help with planning, funding and development. Open to all, it links students with local businesses, runs skills workshops and gives personal support and online training.
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