Exam in a tent for university students

So they were horrified to be ushered into a tent next to a busy road - and given earplugs to block out the noise.

The students from Manchester Metropolitan University had to use a hastilyerected marquee after the original plan to accommodate them fell through at the last minute.

Now they say the noise, lack of heating and inadequate flooring made it impossible to concentrate. And they have accused university staff of ruining their chances of getting top grades.

One business IT student, 23, who did not wish to be named, said undergraduates were "stunned and disgusted".

The university - the third largest in the country with more than 20,000 full-time students - had initially book ed a conference room at the City of Manchester Stadium-after scrapping its own exam hall because of costs.

But the arrangements fell through at the last minute and the marquee had to be erected.

Students found out about the change only when they arrived at the stadium.

Professor Huw Morris, dean of the university's business school, apologised to students last night, admitting the situation was "not ideal".

He said exam markers would be instructed to take the situation into account when deciding grades and degree classifications.