Beijing Foreign Studies University will join hands with the University of Nottingham in the United Kingdom to offer a joint degree program and nurture doctoral and master students.

On Tuesday, the two universities signed agreements in Beijing to start the four-year program for exceptional doctoral students with solid academic backgrounds and language abilities.

The joint effort will start from September and be open to BFSU's doctoral students in disciplines including English language and culture, laws, economics and politics.

Participating students will spend two years at both university's campuses, take courses and do research under the guidance of mentors from both sides, and finally get a joint degree recognized by the two universities.

Peng Long, president of BFSU, said the joint degree program will feature exchanges of students, staff, teaching and research resources as part of the university's efforts to build itself into a world-class higher education institute.

"The collaboration between BFSU and the University of Nottingham, one of the best universities in the world, will definitely help nurture more talent with international vision, generate more high-level research findings and improve the influence of both universities," Peng said.

David Greenaway, vice chancellor of the University of Nottingham, said he expected to see more exchanges between the two universities, adding that both sides will try to create more opportunities and resources to make the exchanges happen.