A recent internal email at Queen’s University of Belfast (QUB) has stirred controversy, suggesting that some staff members should take into account the higher grades awarded at competing universities when evaluating their own students’ work. The email, which was leaked to BBC News NI, has raised concerns about potential pressure on lecturers to inflate grades.
According to a whistleblower who spoke to BBC News NI anonymously, there is a perceived expectation for lecturers to boost marks. However, a university spokesperson has vehemently denied these allegations, stating that there is no coercion on staff within the QUB Business School to inflate grades.
The university spokesperson emphasized that QUB has rigorous oversight mechanisms in place, including internal and external scrutiny, to ensure the quality of teaching, assessment, and marking processes. They also noted that comparing data from similar universities is a standard practice and not an extraordinary measure.
The Business School at QUB reportedly sent an email during the exam marking period in May 2024, indicating that the institution’s marks were lower than those of Russell Group comparators. The email suggested that in order to align with other Russell Group management programs, the university should aim for higher average marks. Despite the controversy, the university assured that there are processes in place to maintain academic standards and quality assurance
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