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All our University Centre courses are awarded by well-respected institutions such as Lancaster University, University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) and the University of South Wales.

Our validation/approval process is rigorous and we frequently review our courses to ensure that we’re constantly offering courses that meet your needs.

Lancaster University logo

Lancaster University

Blackburn College is a Partner College of Lancaster University. Over 85% of higher education provision offered at the College is validated by Lancaster. The growing reputation of Lancaster is reflected by The Times and Sunday Times award for University of the Year 2018.  High rankings year-on-year in each of the UK's major university league tables - The Times/Sunday Times (12th), the Complete University Guide (10th), and the Guardian (14th). Lancaster is ranked 146 in QS World Rankings (2023) and 12th in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide (2023).

On successful completion, students on Lancaster University courses receive a Lancaster University award and certificate. The University is represented on the Boards of Examiners for the individual subjects and on the Assessment Boards which are responsible for making recommendations to the University Senate for the awarding or withholding of the University’s qualifications.

Students are registered with Blackburn College and are subject to its rules and regulations. The College will be primarily responsible for academic appeals/student discipline and student complaints. Students wishing to make a formal complaint about any matter which cannot be resolved by informal means will use the complaints procedure for Blackburn College.

Lancaster University
University of Central Lancashire logo

University of Central Lancashire

Some of our courses are approved by the University of Central Lancashire. These include our Teacher Training courses. There are numerous opportunities for students on these courses as you’ll be able to enjoy many of the facilities that students studying on the main UCLan campus are also entitled to. You’ll be able to join welcome events and get involved with the University of Central Lancashire’s Student Union.

UCLan
University of South Wales logo

University of South Wales

University Centre at Blackburn College is a collaborative partner of the University of South Wales. Our Law and two of our Sports courses are validated by the University and we have an extremely mature relationship. Staff from the different departments at the University of South Wales work closely with colleagues from University Centre at Blackburn College. You’ll find that staff from the University of South Wales contribute to programmes and may conduct some lectures/classes with you.

University of South Wales
European social fund logo

European Social Fund

The College offers a range of services and projects which are funded by the European Social Fund. These projects primarily tackle issues such as:

  • Worklessness - Training, development and qualifications to support people to enter/return to the Labour Market
  • Workforce Development (upskilling and reskilling)
  • Business Support (for Lancashire-based Small and Medium Enterprises)
  • Supporting young people into education, employment and training

Blackburn College is a partner in the ESF LEAP (Lancashire Engaging Apprentices Programme) Project.  ESF LEAP supports individuals and SMEs to engage in Apprenticeship programmes.  Support can include additional courses or training for individuals (adding value to their apprenticeship) and support to train staff at SMEs to effectively mentor, coach and support Apprentices.

Blackburn College is a partner in the ESF STELa (Supporting Technical Education in Lancashire) Project.  ESF STELa supports SMEs to engage in student placement programmes (work experience, internships, substantive placements).  Support to the SMEs can include:

  • Courses or training to enable their SMEs to effectively mentor, coach and support work placement students
  • Workplace preparation ahead of placements (risk assessments)
  • Establishing the specific roles/tasks/targets for the placement so that it directly supports and benefits the business.
CPL Group logo

CPL (Crescent Purchasing Ltd) Group

CPL (Crescent Purchasing Ltd) Group are supporting Blackburn College in the creation of a cutting-edge Engineering facility that allows students across the College to experiment and develop innovate Engineering solutions with the latest technology, resources and materials.  Grant support from CPL has enabled us to purchase a 3D Printer as part of our plans for our Engineering IDEAS Centre.

Crescent Purchasing Ltd Group