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Westminster University's student union is backing claims for costs from 14 mature students who, having accepted places at the university's division of podiatric medicine this autumn, have been told that they will have to find alternatives because the school is closing.

Vice chancellor Geoff Copland informed them that equivalent courses were available in Brighton, Cardiff and Glasgow but the union says that most of the students have family and financial ties.

Dr Copland has urged those concerned to talk to the university. Natfhe will ballot staff on industrial action as part of a campaign to save the podiatrics school.