The agreement - a memorandum of understanding – will involve the parties exploring opportunities to work together on research, placements and shared lectures and more.

Peter Westland, dean of the university’s School of Architecture, Design and the Built Environment, signed the agreement with Willmott Dixon’s Nottingham-based operations director Nick Heath. Peter said: “We’re very excited about this agreement and feel that it will be of major benefit to both parties. Forging links with the construction industry is a key priority for us and having an agreement in place with a large local company like Willmott Dixon will only serve to enhance the offering for our students and staff.

“Not only that, we’re sure our expertise will be of significant value to Willmott Dixon to enhance their knowledge and skills.”

Nick Heath said: “As a one of the UK’s largest privately owned construction companies with a major base in the East Midlands through our Nottingham office, it made sense to form a strategic collaboration with Nottingham Trent University to ensure we can both benefit from our skills-sets and further develop efficiencies and best practice in the construction sector.

“Although Nottingham Trent University is local to our Nottingham office, the university is a national brand and one of the highest performing in construction based courses.”