The University of Northampton's criminal and corporate investigation programme team has signed a memorandum of understanding with Mitie.
The partnership will forge closer links between industry experts and academics at the university to enhance the student experience for those on the course.
It will be managed through Mitie's Northampton-based Global Security Operations Centre (GSOC). Experts there will support the criminal and corporate investigation programme by providing course-relevant presentations and offering work experience opportunities for students, as well as sharing their experiences at open days and career fairs to attract potential new recruits to the course.
John Fox, a former police detective and course leader at the University of Northampton, said: "We live in changing times where criminals are developing their capabilities quickly. Our partnership with Mitie will develop the way universities, and the business community, alongside our partners in law enforcement, can work together to develop our capabilities to deter, detect and disrupt criminality. Our students graduate with a sound theoretical grounding, and working more closely with Mitie, will have more hands-on, industry-relevant experience during their studies."
Jason Towse, managing director at Mitie Security, said: "Ensuring we have new talent with fresh thinking and innovative ideas plays a critical role in keeping the UK, and Mitie, at the forefront of the global security industry. We look forward to sharing our expertise and helping to develop the next generation of security experts in partnership with the University of Northampton."
As well as working with students and shaping course content, Mitie employees will also benefit from the academic expertise and education opportunities offered by the University of Northampton, which will make academic staff available to teach modules to Mitie GSOC employees.