Worcester College student Jake Davies, 21, may have to wait a year to graduate, after his doctor declared him unfit to take the final three exams of his Masters degree in Engineering.

He was hurt, it is alleged, in a confrontation with a member of the security staff at the Purple Turtle nightclub in Frewin Court.

He suffered a broken cheek bone and four fractures to his eye socket, which was repaired with titanium plates.

Mr Davies, of west Oxford, said his grade average had put him in line for a first. It is now up to the university whether he will be allowed to graduate or asked to take the remaining exams next summer.

He may also have to attend more lectures, due to changes in the course syllabus.

He said: "I am devastated. I am very stressed and will not be going down to the Purple Turtle in a hurry."

He said he had been drinking on the night of the incident, but was not drunk, and denied misbehaving.

Mr Davies spent the night in hospital and underwent an operation three days later. The injuries were allegedly inflicted as he was thrown out at 11.15pm on May 31.

The Purple Turtle said the doorman, employed by a security firm, was no longer working at the nightclub.

A 29-year-old man has been arrested and released on police bail until July 4, in relation to the incident.