THE University of Central Lancashire has been highly praised in a report published this month by the Higher Education Funding Council.

The report follows a visit to the university in February by HEFCE inspectors to assess the quality of the linguistics teaching in the Department of Cultural Studies.

The department was awarded 22 points out of a possible 24, scoring full marks in several areas.

Assessors reported that lecturers created an 'intellectually stimulating and challenging atmosphere' and that they 'handled difficult concepts with great skill and clarity ... and achieved an excellent rapport with the students'. They congratulated the university on the 'excellent accommodation and technical facilities afforded by the new library, together with well-equipped language learning facilities in the department'.

Graduates from the course were found to have a successful employment record. Other findings were that progression and completion rates are high and and students with non-standard entry qualifications did consistently well.

Assessors noted that one former student had written to say 'the support was amazing and unfailing ... everyone was treated with respect for his or her individuality'.

Head of Department Daniel Lamont said: "This report reflects our commitment to excellent teaching and to providing very high levels of care and support for our students. It is extremely gratifying that our efforts are being rewarded so publicly in a report of this kind."

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