Blackpool and The Fylde College

Blackpool and The Fylde College is recognised as one of the top colleges in the United Kingdom and the only college in Lancashire to be awarded both Beacon of Excellence and Accredited College status, the ultimate accolade from the British Government.  This means that the quality of education we provide is outstanding and student success rates are high.  At the college you will be entering a friendly adult environment with first-class facilities and professional, well-qualified staff.

Since 1993 Blackpool and the Fylde College has held associate college status with Lancaster University, a United Kingdom top 10 university with an international reputation for quality higher education.  The associate status means that Lancaster University acknowledges the college’s ability to deliver education of a high quality through a wide range of courses.

There are currently 4,000 full-time and 17,000 part-time students studying at the college.  We have students of all ages, backgrounds and nationalities, including international students from more than 35 different countries.

Courses

We offer a vast range of courses for you to choose from including A Levels, vocational courses and degrees and HNDS in the following disciplines:

Academic Studies; Art, Design, Fashion and Photography; Business, Administration and Management; Catering, Food and Hospitality; Computing; Construction; Engineering, Motor Vehicle/Cycle and Electrical; Hair, Beauty and Holistic Therapy; Health, Fitness and Remedial Therapy; Heath, Care and Early Years; Maritime and Nautical Studies; Performing Arts, Music Technology and Media; Public Services; Science; Sport, Leisure and Recreation; Teacher Training; Travel and Tourism. 

We run three courses exclusively for international students: 

The Lancaster University International Foundation Programme at Blackpool and The Fylde College is a one-year foundation programme that develops the language and skills necessary to meet the demands of university study.  It also provides you with opportunities to progress to Bachelor degree courses at Lancaster University or other United Kingdom universities. 

Our other foundation course, The Year 0 Combined Honours for International Students – Foundation Degree, also gets students ready for university study.  It is the first year of a four-year programme leading to a degree in combined honours awarded by the University of Central Lancashire. 

In addition, we offer a postgraduate professional programme in International Hospitality Management, which is designed to prepare overseas hotel school graduates and young professionals for first-line management positions in the international hospitality industry.

We run two English courses, English as a Foreign Language (EFL) and English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), and we provide English tuition for students who want to improve their language ability.

Facilities

We have four main campuses located across the Fylde Coast, each with its own specialisms.

There are Learning and Resource Centres on each of the main campuses that offer a mix of traditional library-based services alongside modern computer facilities.

We want you to enjoy your time with us and encourage you to make full use of the facilities available at the college by taking part in the wide range of social, sporting and enrichment activities that are on offer.  We have some excellent sporting facilities including two sports halls, a gym, fitness studios and an all-weather floodlit pitch.  Our other facilities include a travel agency, a hair and beauty salon, two shops, numerous snack bars and refectories and two elegant restaurants where you can enjoy food prepared by our catering students. 

Blackpool and the Surrounding Area

Located on the coast in the North West of England, Blackpool is Europe’s most visited tourist resort.  Millions of visitors travel to the town each year to see its dazzling Illuminations light up the promenade, go for a ride on the famous Pleasure Beach amusement park or take a trip to the top of Blackpool’s 518 foot high Tower.  If you’re looking for a fun time then this is the place to be.

For shopping, there are high-street stores and the Hounds Hill Shopping Centre, as well as interesting gift shops and markets.  Everywhere you turn there are places to eat.

There is a huge variety of recreational and sports facilities available and there are some excellent walks along the coastline.  Blackpool’s central British location along with its excellent transport links make it easy to visit key destinations in the north west and further afield.  The vibrant neighbouring cities of Manchester and Liverpool are about an hour away by road and easily reached by train.  Each with their own unique character both cities are home to designer shops, museums, galleries, entertainment venues and of course world-class football with premier division team Manchester United based at Old Trafford.  Liverpool is also the birthplace of the Beatles.

If you want to explore the United Kingdom’s countryside, the nearby Trough of Bowland and Lake District are areas of outstanding natural beauty where you can enjoy some spectacular scenery. 

Blackpool Airport offers competitive flights to London and further afield and the international airport at Manchester makes European and inter-continental travel easy and convenient. 

Entry Requirements

For information about English language and academic entry requirements please contact the International Office or visit our website.

How to Apply

To apply to study English courses, A Levels and vocational qualifications you should contact the college directly for an application form.

For degree and HND courses you must make your application through a central agency known as UCAS (Universities and College Admissions Service).  Details of the application procedure for international students are available at their website at www.ucas.co.uk. 

If you are interested in one of our courses exclusive to international students you should contact our International Office who will advise you on how to make your application.

Photographs on this side by Blackpool Tourism