51¹ú²úÊÓƵ

A proposal by Warwick 51¹ú²úÊÓƵ to require students to buy laptop computers has been attacked as "top-up fees by the back door" by the National Union of Students.

Warwick's e-strategy plans to make ownership or lease "of an appropriate mobile computer" mandatory for students from 2003.

The university estimates the cost to students as ?1,250 over three years. Subsidies would be available.

A spokesman denied the NUS's accusation and said that the university would not make any money out of the scheme. He added: "This whole strategy is going to cost us money."

But Caitlin McKenzie, president of Warwick students' union, said: "There is a danger that Warwick will become increasingly elitist."

The document is part of a two-month consultation process in which students and staff can give their views.