The University of Central Lancashire is rebranding by removing ‘Central’ from its name, now becoming the University of Lancashire. This decision highlights the university’s regional impact, strengthens its name recognition, and aligns with strategic growth objectives.
- The rebranding aims to better reflect the university’s regional economic significance.
- The official name change has been approved and will be implemented gradually by September 2025.
- Signage updates are underway across the Preston, Burnley, and West Cumbrian campuses.
- The university’s history of name changes dates back to its founding in 1828.
The University of Central Lancashire is undertaking a significant rebranding effort by dropping ‘Central’ from its name, henceforth being recognized as the University of Lancashire. This decision, approved by the Office for Students, underscores the university’s substantial role in the regional economy and aims to enhance its brand recognition beyond the county limits.
Such a change is part of a strategic objective shared with local governments in the North West to attract more people to live and study in the area. The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Graham Baldwin, expressed that this new name better cements the university’s brand position and enhances its recruitment efforts nationally and internationally.
The rebranding will be implemented incrementally, with full adoption expected by September 2025. Initial changes include updated signage across campuses in Preston, Burnley, and West Cumbria, as well as an updated university URL, lancashire.ac.uk.
Professor Baldwin highlights that the university is the largest provider of graduate-level qualifications in the county and one of the largest universities in the North West. It collaborates extensively with public and private sector organizations on various regional issues.
Locally, the acronym UCLan was familiar, yet many outside the region were unaware of its status as a university or its location. The name change aims to clarify its standing and emphasize its operations predominantly within Lancashire.
Tracing its roots to 1828 as the Institution for the Diffusion of Knowledge, the university has undergone several name changes. Its journey includes transformations into the Harris Institute, Harris College, and Lancashire Polytechnic before becoming the University of Central Lancashire in 1992 after receiving degree-awarding powers.
Prof. Baldwin asserts the institution’s dedication to opportunity, reflecting the ethos present since its founding. The university is preparing to celebrate its 200-year anniversary shortly, with alumni continuing to play a critical role in its ongoing narrative.
The rebranding to the University of Lancashire aligns with both historical evolution and future aspirations, enhancing its regional and national stature.
