THE University of Glasgow was accused of “systemic failures” today after a grading error led to a student taking his own life.

Geography student Ethan Scott Brown, 23, was told in September last year that he would not graduate with an honours degree after not being awarded a grade for one course.

On December 13 2024, the day he should have graduated, he was found dead in his bedroom at home in Coatbridge by his mother Tracy Scott. 

After enquiries from his family, it later emerged that a grading error had gone unnoticed, and he should have graduated with a 2:1 Honours degree.

Ms Scott collected the degree on her son’s behalf today in memory of him and “his hard work and dedication to his studies and his dream of graduating.”

Making clear it was important to his family that other “families are able to enjoy their day without disruption or overshadowing,” their solicitor Aamer Anwar said: “This approach to Ethan’s graduation does not, however, dimmish the family’s serious concerns regarding the university’s handling of Ethan’s case and the systemic failures prior to his death and the university’s shameful failure to engage properly thereafter.”

He added: “The family continue to call for a full, transparent, and robust investigation into the flawed academic processes and the decisions that were made.

“Their aim is to ensure that no other student or family endure what Ethan and his family have.”

A University of Glasgow spokesperson said: “The university expressed its profound sympathy to Ethan’s family following his tragic death in December last year.

“We are heartened that Ethan has been awarded his degree and that members of his family are able to attend the graduation ceremony to receive it.”