Napier University has set itself the goal of providing off-campus teaching for 10,000 students by 2008.
It has adapted a software system for discussions between students and tutors under its Napier University: Flexible (Nuflex) scheme and plans to use it in a course in information systems from May.
Napier first launched flexible learning 15 years ago with a correspondence course for its librarianship diploma.
Sally Anderson, Nuflex director, said that now the university provides central support for academic staff who wanted to offer flexible courses.
"We are putting together a team that will provide departments with supportive skills in production, graphics and web design, marketing and logistics," she said.