The Defence College for Police and Guarding in Southwick Park, in Southwick, near Fareham, has made the landmark agreement with the University of Teesside.

Through the agreement, more than 200 military police personnel will complete short courses accredited by the university, based in Middlesbrough.

Southwick Park, headquarters of the Royal Military Police, includes the combined military school and training facility for the navy, army, air force and Royal Marines Police.

The courses will vary in level of complexity, at advanced and intermediate level. The advanced will cover investigations ranging from murders and rapes, while the intermediate examines other crimes such as burglaries and thefts.

They will be led by appropriate military personnel or specialists from various ranks. These include non-commissioned officers, such as corporals or staff sergeants and commissioned officers, including pilot officers and captains.

The link with Southwick Park came about through Ian Pepper, principal lecturer in policing at the university.

Working with Squadron Leader Dawn Thompson, officer commanding joint training and development team at Southwick Park, Mr Pepper wrote an article for a military brochure advertising university courses.

The collaboration between the two organisations developed from there, evolving into the short courses, which will be mainly delivered by Southwick Park staff.

Mr Pepper said: 'This is a fantastic opportunity to work in a very diverse policing arena. It expands the provision that we already offer with Cleveland and West Mercia police forces.

'Although the courses are studied at the college, the military personnel can be deployed anywhere in the world, from a ship to a garrison to an air station.'

'It gives military personnel the chance to have their knowledge and skills recognised for the future when they leave the services.

'Some of them may have served for many years and may not have any formal qualifications that are recognised outside the military.

'The university is providing recognition for their experience which can be transferred into their current and future careers.'