A student diagnosed with cancer during the first term of his Legal Practice Course (LPC) who was refused a refund of his fees is now campaigning for more 'enlightened' university policies, the Gazette learnt this week.


Christopher Hamilton developed testicular cancer at the end of his first term at Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU). He underwent surgery and chemotherapy, but was too ill to continue his studies. MMU had already invoiced him for the full term's fees - £2,300 - but later reduced the bill to £1,800.



Hamilton said: 'I expected more humanity from MMU, even if it is a business. I'm now campaigning [through a Downing Street petition] for more enlightened guidelines so postgraduate students with serious illnesses get their tuition fees back.'



An MMU spokeswoman said it had offered to defer Hamilton's LPC place for a year and waive the first term's fees so that he only paid the outstanding balance of the course. She added: 'We are disappointed by the accusations made against us.'



Jonathan Rayner