Two men aged 22 and 30 have been arrested on the University of Nottingham's campus under the Terrorism Act, police confirmed today.

Police have been searching premises at the university and properties in Nottingham since the men, believed to be a student at Nottingham and a former student, were arrested on Wednesday morning during a low-key operation between police and the Midlands counter terrorist unit.

The arrests are understood to relate to alleged radical material.

Terrorism on campus is an ongoing government concern. The higher education minister, Bill Rammell, issued revised guidelines for universities earlier this year after outrage at the government's original guidelines asking academics to "spy" on suspect students.

Lecturers have concerns about the new government guidelines to tackle terrorism in further education colleges, which say staff should watch out for students with an interest in al-Qaida and monitor students' internet activities, and external speakers invited on to campus, to spot potential terrorists.

The union believes the whole tone of the consultation and guidance is wrong and risks singling out Muslim and other faith groups as predisposed towards violence.

Dr Mary Bousted, general secretary of the Association of Teachers and Lecturers, said the moves risk creating tension between staff and students.

She said: "Rather than supporting colleges that attract students from a wide range of backgrounds to help these students live and learn together, the government has put an emphasis on preventing terrorism in a way which could create further divisions in society.

"These proposals could lead to a break down in trust between students and colleges, and do more damage than good."

A new website aimed at helping students debate issues surrounding Islam - Campusalam - was launched last week.

In a statement, Nottingham University said: "The university has been co-operating fully from the outset but the investigation is ongoing, and while police officers are undertaking their enquiries it would not be appropriate to comment in detail.

"Nottinghamshire police have stressed that there is no risk to the university community or to the wider public.

"We accept that this sort of police operation is necessary and reasonable for the welfare of communities."