The 17 managers completed a foundation degree in Tesco retail from Manchester Metropolitan University and The University of the Arts London. The degree has been designed to run alongside Tesco's A-level options and graduate recruitment programme.
The students graduating are the first to complete the pilot course, which is a two-year, full-time degree in management, consumer behaviour, in-store marketing, management of information, retail law and retail leadership.
The course combines academic study and workplace learning. Learning is primarily web- based, but students attend university three days each term.
Tesco is allowing participating staff two days' study leave per term as well as a further day to discuss issues with tutors. The cost to Tesco is £1,048 for each student each term. Students study eight to 12 hours every week and work full-time in store.
UK operations personnel director at Tesco Hayley Tatum, said: "The is a flexible innovative approach to training. Tesco staff can learn while they earn and this has shaped the approach Tesco has taken to the foundation degree - you don't need a string of A-levels or months away from the shop floor. The opportunity to study in the workplace is a key element of foundation degrees. I am very proud of what our new graduates have achieved."
