Rebate follows admission

Nineteen students have won a rebate of half their course fees after Bournemouth University admitted teaching and equipment problems.

Students on the digital special effects masters degree complained, in January last year, of a lack of access to the software and hardware needed for their course and of inadequate contact with teaching staff.

A review of the course has since been initiated.

A spokesperson for Bournemouth University said: "While not accepting that the academic value of the course was damaged, there was a problem with elements of teaching in the second and third terms, and there were problems with hardware and software support for the course."

Despite the problems, the

masters students were still able to complete the course successfully and graduate.

Course fees are about Pounds 4,500, with some overseas students paying as much as Pounds 9,000.