‘Detrimental to my mental health’: Students sue UK universities for curriculum disruptions in pandemic

She is currently working with the Student Group Claim, which brings together claimants under a group litigation order, to demand students be paid the difference in what they were promised and what was delivered by the universities.

More than 50,000 students are being represented by two law firms, Harcus Parker and Asserson, on a “no win, no fee” basis.

Mr Ryan Dunleavy, solicitor for the Student Group Claim, said: “We feel it’s a fairly cut and dried case of, like anything, you buy a Rolls-Royce, and then you get delivered a Robin Reliance or a Renault, and told that’s all they have in stock, so we’re going to keep the difference in value between the Rolls-Royce and the Renault or Robin. You wouldn’t expect that as a consumer.”

SEEKING REFUNDS

A University College London (UCL) spokesperson said the school had prioritised “the health and safety of the community and followed UK Government guidance”.

The university also implemented policies to support students’ wellbeing and academic progression throughout the pandemic, and worked to minimise disruption from strike action, said the spokesperson.

However, claimants say universities still continued to make millions of pounds in profit, while students were plunged into debt.

Former Universities Minister Michelle Donelan had encouraged students dissatisfied with their courses during the pandemic, to apply for refunds.