HI-TECH students are taking masters degrees at Bolton Institute -- via e-mail.
The first graduates have completed the inaugural course and places are filling up fast for the next intake in June.
Mike Vogwell and Andy Hare were the first in the country to receive an MSc in Advanced Microelectronics for Industrialists.
They completed 11 taught modules and researched their dissertation entirely on the world wide web in a joint venture between the Institute and Northumbria University.
Mr Hare took three years to complete the course. He said: "It was tough going at times and it would have been impossible without the support of my wife. E-learning was the perfect choice for me."
The course is designed for people in full-time employment.
Professor Danny Morton, associate Dean for the Faculty of Technology at Bolton Institute, said: "Our remote access effectively takes the laboratory to the home."
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