STUDENTS at the University of Bolton will be teaming up with the Manchester Giants giving them hands on experience in the world of sports science.

The Manchester Giants play in the UK's professional basketball league and the British Basketball League.

The new partnership will develop long term links between the university, UTC Bolton and the sports team.

The university, which has around 11,000 students, will also become the Manchester Giants' principle shirt sponsor for the current season.

And the partnership will see the two parties collaborate in the areas of sport science, sport rehabilitation, student work placements and student volunteering.

Manchester Giants chief executive John Dwan said: "We are delighted to link up with the University of Bolton. We will use our skill and experience to support the university’s academic and enrichment offer, working towards the establishment of a long-term partnership.

"It is the latest in a line of successful partnerships with a variety of education establishments across Greater Manchester and we have high hopes of helping nurture something special in Bolton."

University technical college UTC Bolton, which opened in September, specialises in health sciences and engineering technologies for 14 to 19 year olds.

UTCs are a new idea in education, developed in response to the needs of industry, which bring together practical, technical and academic learning with a specialist industry focus.

University of Bolton Assistant Vice Chancellor Bill Webster said: "We’re delighted to be partnering with Manchester Giants, a name synonymous with basketball in the North West.

"Working with Manchester Giants gives students the opportunity to gain real-world hands-on experience, underpinning the vision of the University to be a Teaching Intensive, Research Informed institution.

"Allowing students to work in an environment which reflects as closely as possible the working environment which they are likely to enter provides the best opportunity to find employment after graduation.

"The university is already a proud partner of England Rugby League, and regularly works with the region’s top football teams to ensure that its students receive the best possible educational experience."

Students have worked with some of the leading sports specialists to get hands-on experience whilst still at university.