UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL LANCASHIRE

School of Engineering & Computing

The School of Engineering will develop the future of engineering skills within the North West. The Engineering Innovation Centre (EIC) will be a state-of-the-art facility, equipped to a high quality standard, on the Preston Campus. UCLan is at the centre of one of the most intense engineering and manufacturing areas in the UK and the Engineering Innovation Centre will create an integrated space for teaching, research and knowledge exchange, resulting in higher education provision in Lancashire.

About the School

UCLan has a strong reputation for the quality of its engineering degrees. We offer accredited courses, supported by excellent industry links including the option for industrial work placements. As a student you will be provided with exciting, hands-on experiences to ensure you develop the practical engineering skills needed to get noticed by employers.

Our graduates are successful; working across the engineering sector. You can find them working in Formula One to the Ministry of Defence and from Airbus to BAE Systems. In 2014 UCLan launched the Engineering Innovation Centre (EIC) a collaboration of engineering teaching, research and innovation expertise at the University with industry, set to help shape the future of engineering skills development within the North West. The University is already investing in UCLan Engineering, including new staff and equipment.

The first stage of the development will see the construction of the Engineering Innovation Centre (EIC) a £30 million-plus state-of-the-art facility at the heart of the Preston - helping to further establish UCLan as a leader in engineering innovation.

Opening fully in 2018, the Engineering Innovation Centre (EIC) will capitalise on the location of the University to create an internationally competitive facility that will bring together the region’s expertise from within academia and industry.

The EIC will be equipped to the highest standard with technology demonstration areas and specialist work areas to create an integrated space for teaching, research and knowledge exchange.

THE MAJOR PROJECT OBJECTIVES

The Engineering Innovation Centre has seven major objectives, to deliver:

1. An expanded engineering school with the capacity to accommodate increased undergraduate students.
2. An increase in applied, industry relevant research linked to key Lancashire manufacturing sub-sectors and specialisms, directly supporting the engineering business base in Lancashire and the North West.
3. A long-term programme of SME and supply chain engagement, innovation and business development support, with companies able to access state-of-the-art equipment and testing facilities.
4. An increase in the number of graduate engineers each year in Lancashire, providing Lancashire employers with a source of locally trained new graduates.
5. An increase in the number of young people and, in particular the proportion of females, choosing to take up engineering at a local university.
6. GVA and employment generation as a result of the Engineering Innovation Centre’s activities.
7. An early element of implementation of the University’s Masterplan for the Preston Campus, creating facilities that also form an important element of the city centre’s regeneration.