LONDON – A British-Pakistani graduate has filed a legal case against the London School of Economics (LSE) over a marking error that she claims prevented her from pursuing an MPhil at the University of Cambridge.
Rehab Shaikh, who graduated from LSE in 2023, stated that her undergraduate dissertation was assessed by only one examiner, instead of the usual two. This, she claims, led to an incorrect score being awarded.
Initially, Rehab received 57 marks for her dissertation. Unsatisfied with the grade, she appealed to the London School of Economics for a re-evaluation. Following the appeal, her marks were revised to 72.
Despite the increase, Rehab said the initial error had already affected her admission to Cambridge’s MPhil program. She claims that the delay and original grade caused her to miss the opportunity, which she believes could have significantly impacted her academic career.
Rehab has now taken legal action against LSE to seek official acknowledgment of the error. She is also pursuing compensation for the loss of opportunity caused by the marking mistake.
In addition to her personal case, Rehab stated that she wants her legal action to prevent similar errors from affecting future students at the London School of Economics. She emphasized that accurate assessment and fair grading are essential for student trust and academic integrity.
LSE has not publicly commented on the case, but such disputes highlight the importance of thorough and fair examination procedures in higher education institutions. The university typically requires two independent examiners to assess dissertations, ensuring accuracy and impartiality.
This case has sparked discussions about the responsibilities of universities in maintaining proper academic standards. Students and graduates are closely watching the developments, as the outcome could set a precedent for similar situations at other institutions.
In other news read more about Pakistani Students Can Now Earn British Degrees Without Leaving Pakistan
Rehab’s legal move underscores the growing trend of graduates seeking accountability from universities when administrative or academic errors have serious consequences on their future opportunities.
