Fast food giant KFC have launched a degree in partnership with a UK university to train its restaurant general managers.
The degree will see 60 KFC managers studying a bespoke BA Hons management course at De Montfort University (DMU) in Leicester, starting in January 2013.
KFC, part of the world's biggest global restaurant group Yum!, aims to reward its "best performers" by giving them a chance to gain a "meaningful and respectful qualification".
Martin Shuker, UK & Ireland managing director of KFC, said: "We felt there was a good culture fit between [us at DMU]. The aim is to provide our managers with enhanced skills to do their job."
The lucky few will embark on a programme of "blended learning", which will enable the students to continue earning money as restaurant managers.
Professor David Wilson, deputy vice-chancellor, said: "We pride ourselves on our ability to adapt our skills and services to match the needs of business – and our track record in forging partnerships with key organisations across all sectors is second to none.
"This is an important new contract for De Montfort University and we’re delighted to have this opportunity of working with such a major player in the global restaurant market."