The nanodegree is the brainchild of Udacity, a web-based education provider. The idea of vocational study, a course which targets students for a particular job or trade, is nothing new of course, but the new methods of delivery afforded by online learning environments make such courses much cheaper and easier to do. It therefore looks likely that the nanodegree, or at least the principle it represents, will be an increasingly appealing option in years to come.