KFC Hons: fast food chain offers business management degree

http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2012/jul/23/kfc-fast-food-degree

Version 0 of 1.

The fast food chain KFC is to offer a BA honours degree in business management, in conjunction with De Montfort University Leicester.

The business has invested £600,000 to fund half of a three-year degree course for 60 restaurant managers over the next five years, with the first intake starting in January next year. The course will combine sessions at the university with full-time work.

The business already works with City & Guilds to offer two levels of apprenticeships.

New students starting full-time degree courses in England and Wales this autumn face paying tuition fees of up to £9,000 a year. But the new KFC degree will cost £9,000 for three years, half of which will be funded by the company and the rest by the student.

KFC is working with the university on the selection criteria, which are likely to include assessments and interviews.

The fast food industry has weathered the worst effects of the recession in the UK. KFC, which employs more than 23,000 people, has enjoyed 24 consecutive quarters of sales growth. It is also investing £24m in opening 35 stores this year, creating 1,600 new jobs. The rival restaurant chain McDonald's launched a two-year foundation degree for its restaurant managers in 2010, combining classroom learning at a special facility in East Finchley in London with on-the-job training.

Martin Shuker, managing director of KFC UK & Ireland, said: "KFC degrees give us an opportunity to reward some of our best performers, who never had the chance to go to university when they were younger. Our employees gain a meaningful and respected qualification while still earning money, and we reap the benefits of their improved skills and confidence in the business."

Professor David Wilson, deputy vice-chancellor and dean of business and law at De Montfort University, added: "At De Montfort University, we pride ourselves on our ability to adapt our skills and services to match the needs of business. This is an important new contract for De Montfort University and we are delighted to have this opportunity of working with such a major player in the global restaurant market."