Additional reporting by Polly Nash

The students, who each failed a single module in Leading and Managing Business, have claimed they received unfair treatment at the hands of university staff.

In emails seen by The PIE News, students complained to the university administration that they had received inconsistent feedback, claiming staff said submissions did not need significant revisions but then when it came to marking, the students failed. 

Meetings between the Students’ Federation of India and UWS’ administration have been ongoing since January this year, but the SFI has said an investigation led by the university has failed to address the students’ concerns.

“We’ve spent a lot of money to come here, and we’ve left our family to do something better outside our comfort zone, and then we get this treatment, which is unfair. The universities should be more professional,” one student said. 

A UWS spokesperson told The PIE that the university is “committed to treating all members of our diverse community with dignity and respect”.

“The wellbeing of our students is an absolute priority and we offer a comprehensive range of clearly signposted support mechanisms our students can access at any time.

“All complaints made to UWS are taken seriously with an established, formal procedure and we would encourage any students to engage with this process; if necessary, using the services of our student support team or Students’ Union.”

After a back and forth between the SFI and the university administration, 10 students were allowed to retake assessments. 

However, the remainder have not been given the opportunity to retake, according to SFI. 

The wellbeing of our students is an absolute priority and we offer a comprehensive range of clearly signposted support mechanisms our students can access at any time

UWS

The PIE understands that those protesting were students at UWS’s London campus in the city’s East End. It is understood that the course was delivered by the university’s partner organisation The Education Group London.

Last week, the Office for Students (OfS) revealed it had reviewed the potential risks of sub-contractual partnerships between universities and third-party providers, as well as identifying several potential benefits of the model.

The Education Group was contacted for comment by The PIE.

On August 1, a number of affected students protested at the Import Building at UWS’ London campus. The PIE spoke to students at the protest and heard of the emotional turmoil that the mass failing has caused. 

“I spent £27,000 to come here… I borrowed the money from my family. I have to give it back to them. Most students have taken loans. The financial burden is too much. If they go back without a degree they won’t get any jobs,” said one student, who did not want to be named. 

The student explained that many had faced a serious impact on their mental health. 

Lots of students are crying every day… the embassy told them to update their visas, so they aren’t able to work

Anonymous student protestor

“Lots of students are crying every day… the embassy told them to update their visas, so they aren’t able to work.” 

“There is one girl. In every meeting she is crying. It’s been the same since January. She paid for the FLR twice. It’s a lot of money. We are all worried for her.” 

Students told The PIE they are paying thousands to remain in the UK on further leave to remain visa extensions as they wait for the situation to be resolved.

The Home Office fee for FLR applications costs up to £1,258. There is also an Immigration Health Surcharge of £2,587.50 that must be paid in addition to the FLR fee.