The University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) is a public university based in the city of Preston, Lancashire, England. It has its roots in The Institution For The Diffusion Of Useful Knowledge, founded in 1828. It became a university in 1992. UCLan is one of the largest universities in the UK, with a diverse student body. The university is known for its focus on applied research and its strong links with industry. It has a wide range of courses, with a particular strength in journalism, medicine, and forensic science.