Majid Ahmed, of Bradford, West Yorkshire, gained four A grades at A-level in a bid to turn his life around after serving a four-month community service order for the offence in 2005.

But both Imperial College in London and the University of Manchester turned down his original applications to study medicine last year after learning of the conviction.

After a year-long battle with the two universities, Manchester has now offered the 19-year-old a place at its medical school from September.

A spokesman for the University of Manchester said: "I can confirm that we have offered Majid a place here at Manchester but I'm unable to discuss his application any further".

Mr Ahmed said: "At first I couldn't grasp that I am on the course this September - it's only a month away. I'm ecstatic. This shows people that determination and perseverance do pay off and if you think you have been mistreated by a university you should fight your cause."

It comes after an appeal against Imperial College by Mr Ahmed was rejected in June. The college said the conviction would not have had an impact on the vast majority of its courses but that it was relevant for medicine.

"Medical practitioners hold a position of responsibility in society, and must often deal with vulnerable people. The public must have confidence in the integrity and probity of its doctors," it said.

The General Medical Council advises that a criminal record does not bar an applicant from becoming a doctor but each case is assessed on risk grounds.

Higher Education Minister Bill Rammell had earlier argued that universities should give a second chance to applicants like Mr Ahmed who had got their lives together after past misdemeanours.



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