A new state-of-the-art 3-D room at the university will bring learning to life and could help doctors treat cancer patients.

The £250,000 multi-wall computer system allows pupils to create models of different situations, and from next September a new degree in Immersive Digital Environment (IDE), coordinated by the Department of Technology, will be available.

Lik-Kwan Shark, course leader, said: "This is a really exciting new degree programme, it's ahead of its time.

"We hope to capture students' imagination, and through our creative delivery, we hope to pass on our expertise in image based 3-D technology."

Graduates could go on to working in commerce, industry and entertainment, including gaming and interactive design.

Mr Shark said research is also being conducted with the Royal Preston Hospital looking into how the equipment could help treat cancer patients.

He said: "By being able to create a fully three dimensional tumour and simulate real body parts doctors can be more accurate and it could help with trainee doctors and nurses too."

The equipment, based in UCLan's Computer and IT Building, Fylde Road, Preston, can also be used for training purposes for other courses like car maintenance where students could work on a simulated broken down car.

My Shark said: "The potential for what you can do is massive and we see this type of technology becoming more and more popular."