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NTU and the community

Our mission is to make meaningful contributions to the community by sharing knowledge, creating partnerships and developing opportunities, locally, nationally and internationally.

Creating meaningful change

We work hand-in-hand with community groups, schools and charities, in a shared effort to deliver meaningful change. Since we were founded in 1843, we have continued to play a significant role in shaping Nottingham’s physical development and cultural growth.

Today, NTU is one of the city’s largest employers, and every year our students make an invaluable contribution to society and the economy through thousands of hours of volunteering, placements and part-time work.

We have invested over half a billion pounds in our facilities, equipment, and learning resources, providing thousands of local people with access to work, training and continuing professional development opportunities. These opportunities are helping to transform Nottingham by creating new ways for people to develop, upskill and grow.

We make a difference by...

Investing in the region

We rely on the support, goods and services of many local businesses, purchasing from over 700 companies. Our staff and students - many from outside the region- also spend significant sums with local businesses.

Contributing to over 10,000 jobs

We employ around 4,000 people in the local community, and our enterprise support programmes have helped generate another 6,000 local jobs.

Driving local growth

We provide local businesses and the community with the right skills, knowledge, and people to thrive.

Supporting local enterprise

Over 900 SMEs have engaged in our support programmes, with £6.5m of public funds accessed through NTU. We've also incubated over 500 student and graduate-led businesses since 2001.

Local volunteering and engagement

The Centre for Student and Community Engagement (CenSCE)

The Centre for Student and Community Engagement (CenSCE) drives Nottingham Trent University’s widening participation and social mobility agendas.

We have a national reputation for innovation, being the first UK university to sign the social mobility pledge and were named University of the Year at the UK Social Mobility Awards in 2019. We provide leadership to the sector on driving evidence-based change.

Learn more about CenSCE

Public access to NTU support and services

Legal advice

NLS Legal offers services across a range of practice areas, to those who are unable to afford, or otherwise access, legal advice and assistance.

Helping local businesses

From start-up support to workforce development, our staff have extensive experience of helping SMEs. Find out how we can help your business grow.

Hire NTU facilities

From conference spaces to laboratory hire, find out about the range of facilities and spaces on offer for individual and business use.

Sport membership and facilities

Make use of our excellent sports and fitness facilities across Nottinghamshire. With public membership from £175, you can access:

  • gyms, pitches, courts, and other facilities at our three campuses, as well as the University of Nottingham's swimming pool
  • a timetable of regular fitness classes and activities, from yoga to boxing
  • discounts on consultations, personal training, physiotherapy, sports massage, and more
  • our spaces for private events and activity hire.
Discover NTU sport

Initiatives for Nottingham

Nottingham Civic Hub

We are NTU’s dedicated unit responsible for leading, coordinating and championing the University’s civic mission. We act as NTU’s central hub for civic activity with partners from local communities, business, the public sector and the voluntary sector.

Nottingham Civic Exchange

Nottingham Civic Exchange is NTU’s place-based think tank – we commit the expertise of our staff and students to key social science questions. Our goal is to bridge the gap between research and policy: to bring theory into practice, through innovative projects that deliver impactful solutions.