Fifty engineering students at North East Scotland College (NESCol) are facing disruptions in their academic progress after an audit revealed malpractice in the awarding of qualifications. The students, who were enrolled at the Aberdeen Altens Campus during the 2023/24 academic session, will have to retake parts of their coursework to meet certification standards.
Errors Trigger Internal Investigation
The college initiated an internal audit after issues emerged in result verification and coursework assessments. NESCol confirmed that errors in awarding qualifications had been reported to the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA), impacting 50 students.
- Forty of the affected students remain enrolled at the college.
- Ten students have since left, raising concerns about their ability to correct the errors.
The institution acknowledged lapses in internal assessment protocols, attributing the errors to malpractice among a limited number of staff members.
NESCol Responds to Student Concerns
In a statement, the college reassured students that strict verification standards remain in place and are subject to external scrutiny. However, officials admitted that the identified malpractice had compromised the integrity of some assessments.
“A full internal investigation has been conducted, and remedial actions are being taken in line with NESCol policies,” the college stated.
To address the issue, the college is providing personalized support to students to help them complete remedial coursework and satisfy qualification requirements as soon as possible. Officials emphasized that they are working closely with the SQA to resolve the matter.
Impact on Students and Future Measures
For students still enrolled at NESCol, the revelation has led to uncertainty about their academic progress. The college has pledged to rectify the situation without disadvantaging any students, though it has not disclosed details about potential repercussions for the staff involved.
A spokesperson for the SQA confirmed receipt of NESCol’s investigation findings, stating that they would be reviewed under existing malpractice procedures. The SQA has not indicated whether further disciplinary actions will be taken.
Accountability and Institutional Oversight
This incident raises broader questions about the effectiveness of quality control measures in academic institutions. While NESCol insists on maintaining rigorous verification procedures, this lapse underscores the need for stronger oversight and transparency in the awarding of qualifications.
With the investigation ongoing, NESCol has refrained from commenting further on staffing-related matters. The college’s immediate focus remains on ensuring students can recover their academic standing without undue delay.
