The University of Central Lancashire has maintained its top 200 position in a worldwide league table ranking the positive impact higher education institutions have on society and the environment.
Despite an additional 500 participants, the University has been ranked in the top 200 institutions in the world, out of a list of 2,500, in this year’s Times Higher Education (THE) University Impact Rankings.
It has risen from the top 15 percent in 2024 to top nine percent this year. In total, 2,540 universities from 130 countries and territories submitted data for the 2025 edition.
We are a University that is dedicated to promoting social mobility and creating opportunities for people irrespective of their background.– Head of Widening Participation and Public Engagement Dr Liz Granger
The THE Impact Rankings rates the differences universities are making in the world against the 17 United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The annual table provides an opportunity for higher education institutions to highlight the positive work they are doing for society in terms of sustainability, health and well-being, gender equality, economic growth and justice.
For 2025, the University has ranked in the top 50 when it comes to SGD 10, Reduced Inequalities, thanks to its commitment to making educational accessible to all. The ranking for SDG 10 looks at the University’s numbers of first generation students, numbers of students from developing countries, numbers of staff and students with disabilities and its measures against discrimination.
Head of Widening Participation and Public Engagement Dr Liz Granger said: “We are a University that is dedicated to promoting social mobility and creating opportunities for people irrespective of their background. We’re incredibly proud to be ranked in the top 50 Universities for reducing inequality and it reflects the enormous amount of work we do to make higher education accessible to all.”
We know that reducing inequalities takes a whole university approach. We all play a part in removing barriers, developing inclusive practices and creating opportunities for all.– Charlotte Delaney, Director of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
The University is also in the top 100 institutions for SGD 1, No Poverty, which looks at the amount of financial aid provided to students and anti-poverty initiatives run for students and the local community.
Charlotte Delaney, Director of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, said: “We know that reducing inequalities takes a whole university approach. We all play a part in removing barriers, developing inclusive practices and creating opportunities for all.
“It’s been the hard work of so many people around the university that has led us to be recognised in the top 50 for reduced inequalities. This recognition helps strengthen our commitment to embedding fairness, inclusion and diversity into everything we do so that everyone feels they truly belong at our University.”
The University has also preserved its high rankings across the SGDs Quality Education, Decent Work and Economic Growth, Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, Life Below Water, and Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions.
Our success in the THE University Impact Rankings is testament to the hard work of the staff and students to make a positive contribution to economic and social growth within the many communities we serve.– Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research and Enterprise Professor StJohn Crean
Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research and Enterprise Professor StJohn Crean added: “We are delighted to maintain our position within this global league table, especially considering the significant increase in the number of entrants.
“Our success in the THE University Impact Rankings is testament to the hard work of the staff and students to make a positive contribution to economic and social growth within the many communities we serve.
“I am particularly delighted to see that we have been ranked in the top 50 for Reduced Inequalities. As an institution committed to widening access to education for all to promote social mobility, reducing inequalities through extensive widening participation activities and student support services is extremely important.”
The Times Higher Education World Impact Rankings is available to view online.