A university apologized after some of its students got final results on their degrees, but later withdrew them.
Queen’s University Belfast blamed “human error at an extremely challenging and difficult time.”
But one of the 10 students affected by the bug told BBC News NI the news was “a kick in the teeth”.
“My ranking was flaunted to me only to be thrown out,” said Lucy McCormill.
The situation is due to industrial action on the part of the staff that includes a boycott of correction and evaluation.
Ms. McCormill is about to graduate with a joint degree in English and history from Queen’s.
He was initially told that despite the tagging boycott, he would be awarded his title with a ranking.
When he entered the university’s online results website, it confirmed that he had obtained his degree with first class honours, the highest qualification for an undergraduate degree.
“I was very happy because I had worked a lot, especially in the last semester,” he told BBC News NI.
“I really put my all into my academic work and as soon as I found out, I told everyone.”
But he later asked for clarification on one of his qualifications and was surprised to learn that he had been awarded his degree result in error.
“I thought it was a joke, I really thought it couldn’t be real,” he said.
While Ms. McCormill now knows that she will be awarded a first class honors degree at some point in the future, she doesn’t know when that will be.
“It’s a weird situation because I know I have it but I can’t celebrate it,” he said.
“It’s a bit of an invalid. I was conflicted about whether or not to postpone my graduation.
“The final grade and the final result and the recognition of my hard work is what’s important.
“I spent sleepless nights getting my degree, but I feel like my achievements are now a bit undervalued and unrecognized.
“So it feels like a little kick in the teeth.”
Ms. McCormill wants to continue with postgraduate studies and hopes that the situation with her degree will not prevent her from doing so.
‘Unfortunate situation’
In response to inquiries from BBC News NI, Queen’s confirmed that 10 students in total had been given a grade result only to have it withdrawn.
“We deeply regret the clerical error regarding the rankings,” a university spokesperson said in a statement.
“We wholeheartedly apologize for the upset it has caused the 10 students affected, especially in the context of the current labor dispute which is severely affecting students across the board.
“They have all received in-person apologies from their principals and school administrators and we are supporting them in dealing with this unfortunate situation and in relation to their next steps, whether they continue in education or start careers.”
“The error was due to human error at an extremely challenging and difficult time, but we take full responsibility for the error and assure all students that we care about their interests and are committed to addressing their concerns and resolving the dispute as soon as possible. possible. “