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A proposal by Warwick University 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.