Overview of University of Lancashire
Overview and Mission
Founded in 1828 as the Institution for the Diffusion of Knowledge, University of Lancashire has evolved into one of the UK’s largest universities. With campuses across Preston, Burnley, Blackburn (Training 2000), West Cumbria, London, and an international campus in Cyprus, the university is committed to delivering world-class, practical education that prepares students for real-world applications. University of Lancashire's history of name changes reflects its growth and expanding educational scope: from the Harris Institute (1882), Harris College (1956), Preston Polytechnic (1973), and Lancashire Polytechnic (1984), to achieving university status in 1992 as the University of Lancashire. Since then, University of Lancashire has embraced a distinct identity, adopting the widely recognized “University of Lancashire” brand in 2007 and undergoing a rebranding in 2020 to better reflect its mission and values. Today University of Lancashire has a staff and student community approaching 42,000. Its employment-focused course portfolio has over 350 undergraduate programmes, nearly 200+ postgraduate courses and rich array of CPD courses offering the skills and experience that industry needs. Our community is made up of students from more than 100 countries around the world. And we are partnered with 123 institutions across the globe making us a truly international University ranking in the top 7% of universities worldwide (Center for World University Rankings 2024).
Mission and Vision
University of Lancashire’s mission emphasizes transforming lives by providing exceptional educational experiences that generate opportunity and prosperity within the communities it serves. The university prioritizes real-world, practice-based education, ensuring students are prepared to engage with industry and emerge as highly employable graduates. The university’s core values—opportunity, liberation, innovation, and resilience—are foundational to its educational approach, empowering students and staff alike to thrive in their professional and personal lives.
University of Lancashire’s motto, Ex solo ad solem (From the Earth to the Sun), captures this ethos of empowering students from diverse backgrounds to realize their full potential. The institution prides itself on serving as a “civic anchor,” adding economic and social value through local sourcing, job creation, and supporting regional growth.
Campus Growth and Community Integration
University of Lancashire's Campus Masterplan envisions a world-class campus seamlessly integrated with the surrounding cities, benefitting students, staff, and the broader community. A core feature of this plan is the £200 million investment in the Preston Campus, which includes the 2021 Student Centre and University Square—a vibrant community hub designed as an accessible gathering place for local events and interaction. Another significant addition is the £35 million Engineering Innovation Centre (EIC), opened in 2019, which serves as a collaborative space where university researchers, industry experts, and students work on pioneering projects. Additionally, University of Lancashire is constructing Lancashire’s first Veterinary School, which will become the 11th of its kind in the UK, solidifying its commitment to innovation and education. Our University is Lancashire’s largest provider of graduate level qualifications. We have established links with global businesses, police constabularies, NHS trusts and work with more than 7,000 enterprises across a variety of sectors. University of Lancashire is also a Gold Tier University in the Green Universities Report 2023, highlighting our commitment to sustainability. We have retained a 2:1 classification in the People & Planet University Green League 2023/24, where we also ranked first place in the North West for water reduction. The University is also one of just 13 universities worldwide to achieve a Bronze Carbon Literate Organisation status.
Research and Global Impact
University of Lancashire’s research extends globally, collaborating with major international institutions, including the United Nations, the World Health Organisation, the European Space Agency, and NASA. These partnerships enable the university to contribute to impactful, accessible research that addresses social needs and challenges. University of Lancashire researchers have achieved significant milestones, such as capturing the first photograph of a black hole, advising on fire safety in high-rise buildings, and advancing the well-being of individuals living with dementia. This focus on research reflects University of Lancashire’s dedication to practical solutions that benefit both local and international communities. In the latest Research Excellence Framework (REF), a government assessment of the quality of research across UK Higher Education, two-thirds of our submissions were recognised as world-leading or internationally excellent. This highlights our commitment to producing cutting-edge research and academic excellence. Most recently in the Times Higher Education World Impact Rankings 2024 University of Lancashire placed in the top 15% of universities worldwide. As University of Lancashire’s Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research and Enterprise Professor StJohn Crean explains, "The Times Higher Education World Impact Rankings is important because it considers all aspects of University operations and the impact they have on society. As an anchor institution, we are committed to aiding economic and social growth across the many communities we serve.”
Commitment to Student Success
University of Lancashire is dedicated to helping students achieve outstanding academic and professional outcomes. The university’s extensive curriculum spans the arts, sciences, medicine, and engineering, ensuring a comprehensive, research-informed, and industry-engaged education. This dedication to academic excellence is reflected in its alumni network of over 200,000 graduates worldwide, with more than 68% achieving top honors. Through this combination of theoretical knowledge and practical application, University of Lancashire graduates are well-prepared to enter the workforce and make impactful contributions to their fields.
University of Lancashire’s long history, expanding campuses, innovative research, and community focus make it a leading institution in the UK’s educational landscape. Its commitment to integrating campuses within local communities, fostering real-world learning, and driving positive change resonates with students, staff, and partners. With a mission to empower individuals from all walks of life, University of Lancashire remains dedicated to transforming lives and contributing to the economic and social well-being of the communities it serves.
Introduction of School of Health, Social Work and Sport（University of Lancashire）
The School of Health, Social Work, and Sport at the University of Lancashire is a distinguished part of the university that provides comprehensive education and research opportunities in health sciences, social work, and sports studies. Known for its hands-on, experiential approach to learning, the school combines academic rigor with practical training to equip students for careers that address the diverse needs in healthcare, community welfare, and physical wellness.
Mission and Vision:
The school’s mission is to develop competent professionals who are ready to positively impact health and well-being within communities. Its vision centers on becoming a leader in producing ethical, skilled, and innovative practitioners who contribute to societal health, wellness, and social responsibility.
Programs and Curriculum:
The school offers a variety of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, including degrees in nursing, public health, social work, physiotherapy, sports science, and counseling. The curriculum is designed to be practical and research-informed, preparing students to work in complex, real-world environments. The school’s courses are therefore approved by professional bodies such as the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA), the British Association of Sports and Exercise Sciences (BASES), Association for Physical Education (AfPE), Institute for Outdoor Learning (IOL), Sport and Exercise Nutrition Register, National Strength and Conditioning Association (UKSCA), Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy and the North West Ambulance Service.
Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities such as clinical skills labs, simulated hospital environments, and sports performance labs. These resources allow students to develop practical skills in controlled settings, enhancing their readiness for professional roles.
Industry Partnerships:
The school has strong ties with regional healthcare providers, social care organizations, sports institutions, and governmental bodies. These partnerships provide students with valuable internship opportunities and placement experiences, ensuring they gain practical experience alongside academic study. University of Lancashire is also a UK Sport Talented Athlete Sport Science support centre – offering a range of sport science services to elite athletes from numerous sports. This is based upon having strong links with a large number of sports organizations, including professional sports teams, public and private sector sports providers and grassroots sports clubs including Manchester Utd, Manchester City, Liverpool FC, Everton FC, Burnley FC, Preston North End FC, Blackpool FC, Wigan Warriors RLFC, and Preston City Council.
Research and Innovation:
University of Lancashire’s School of Health, Social Work, and Sport is also a hub for research in fields such as public health, mental health, social policy, sports performance, and rehabilitation sciences. Students and faculty contribute to research that aims to advance knowledge, improve professional practices, and shape public policies.
In summary, University of Lancashire’s School of Health, Social Work, and Sport is highly focused on integrating teaching, research, and community engagement to prepare graduates for impactful careers in essential service fields.