University celebrates 40 years of partner college collaboration

Network has grown significantly to include more than 3,000 students based at partner institutions across the UK The University of Central Lancashire is celebrating 40 years of working with collaborative partners in the UK.

- By Lyndsey Boardman Contributor

Representatives from partner institutions around the country gathered at a special event at the University's Preston Campus to mark the milestone anniversary of the University's partnership network. Launched by the then Preston Polytechnic, the inaugural Lancashire Integrated College Scheme (LINCS) allowed further education colleges to offer higher education programmes accredited by the institution.

What began as a trial with Nelson and Colne College in the 1984-85 academic year, extended to include now Preston College, the following year.

The LINCS scheme was one of the first in the UK and has grown significantly to become the UK Partnership Network over the last four decades. Today, the University of Central Lancashire has more than 3,000 students registered on courses based within its network of 19 UK partner institutions.