Hello!
If you are interested in the JARs that define the criteria for flight training devices, google for "JAR FSTD-A". This document specifies (among many other things) the accuracy with which control forces need to be modelled for certain types of training devices. (Only relevant if these are used for JAR-FCL licenses of course).
The FNPT II device that our FTO uses for instrument and multi-engine training uses a pneumatic system to generate control forces. This is quite complex and uses expensive components (dual actuators for all three axes with linear encoders and continous pressure monitoring), far too much for your university project.
But I have seen some amateur-built simulators (based on MS Flight Sim or X-Plane) that use springs to simulate control forces. The springs are tensioned by modified RC-aeroplane servos with increasing airspeed. Out-of-trim conditions can be generated by tensioning the spring only on one side of the control. Simple, cheap and accurate enough for a project like yours I think.
Regards, Max