Following a University’s grading error linked to the death of student Ethan Brown, a review of University’s processes and procedures reports systemic risks to quality and standards.
On 27 January, in an email sent to the student body, new Principal Andy Schofield confirmed a systemic risk at University of Glasgow (UofG).
An investigation conducted by the QAA has found systemic risks to academic standards and the quality of the student experience at UofG. The findings are a result of a thorough review of University services, which took place from 4 September to 13 November 2025, including two-day on-site visits from 28 to 29 October 2025.
The QAA investigation was launched following the events surrounding the tragic death of Geography student Ethan Brown, who took his own life in December 2024. Ethan was told he could not have graduated with Honor due to missing the grading threshold. However, an internal investigation conducted by the University revealed that they made an error, and Ethan should have in fact graduated with a 2:1 Honours degree. Overall, the internal investigation found issues with the complexity and application of University policy, faults within University process around extension requests and extenuating-circumstances, and in the communication of award outcomes. Schofield states that following this, the University self-referred itself and reported the issues they had found to the Scottish Funding Council (SFC), a public body primarily responsible for funding further and higher education in Scotland and for holding funded bodies to account for their delivery of services. QAA Scotland (QAAS) received a submission from SFC on 2 July 2025. This led to the QAA to perform a Targeted Peer Review. The review, contrary to the internal investigation produced by the University, did not cover the individual circumstances, but rather focused on the broader potential for systemic issues at UofG, which they ultimately found.
UofG is now required to submit an action plan by the end of February, covering all the recommendations made by QAA and proposing implementation timelines. Additionally, the University’s next regular external review will take place one year sooner than planned, in the academic year 2027-28.
In his email to students, the Principal stated “We recognise the seriousness of the findings in the QAA report and the systemic risks in our processes, and we are committed to implementing all the QAA’s recommendations in full. Our goal is to create a fairer, clearer, and more supportive experience for every student. […]
As part of this improvement, we will co-create new guidance and documentation with students from across the University. We will also maintain ongoing consultation with the Students’ Representative Council to ensure these changes address the issues effectively over the coming months.”
QAA’s Chief Executive, Vicki Stott, said about the review and its findings:
“I am grateful to the Targeted Peer Review team for conducting such a thorough and robust review of the University of Glasgow. The findings are of serious concern. We are committed to working closely with the university and the Scottish Funding Council to ensure that the University of Glasgow implements the recommendations in this report in a timely manner so that academic standards are protected, and the quality of student experience at the university is safeguarded. We look forward to completing the wider work that the Scottish Funding Council has announced today related to these topics, with the Scottish sector.”
The Glasgow Guardian has reached out to the University and the SRC for comment. The University informed us they have no further comment to add.
Image credits: Scottish Sun
