Proposed Marking and Assessment Boycott raises fears over visas and graduations
By Maryse Bots and Lucy Frewin
The University of Edinburgh has warned students that the Edinburgh branch of University and Colleges Union (UCUE) are planning to impose a Marking and Assessment Boycott from 1 May.
In an email to students, Lucy Evans, the University’s Vice-President of Students, has said:
“I am writing to let you know that further industrial action will be taking place at the University of Edinburgh from May 1.
“The Edinburgh branch of the University and College Union (UCUE) is calling on its members to take continuous action short of a strike in the form of a marking and assessment boycott.”
This comes in light of an ongoing dispute between the University and the UCUE, who held two days of strike action this past semester. The UCUE have claimed that the University had breached an agreement made between the two parties “by not engaging meaningfully, including barring the union from key meetings and not sharing necessary financial information.”
In 2023, the UCU held a nationwide Marking and Assessment Boycott from April until September, which saw a cessation of all summative assessment marking. This left students graduating with blank pieces of paper and left international students at risk of having visas withdrawn and some were even forced to leave the UK.
Principal Peter Mathieson commented:
“We are profoundly disappointed, disheartened and frustrated that UCU Edinburgh members have again voted in favour of purposefully targeting our students with a marking and assessment boycott. We believe that this action is completely unjustifiable and will add unnecessary strain on our students during an already challenging and important time.
“Students will understandably have very real concerns about the disruption this boycott will cause, given that for some this may impact receiving awards or outcomes on progression. We will take all practical steps to keep exams and coursework submissions on track to support our students’ ability to progress and graduate.
“UCUE representatives may say that they want constructive engagement, however this decision and timing suggests otherwise. The University will continue to offer consultation with union representatives and continue to uphold our commitments under the agreement reached in December 2025, as we believe this is in the best interests of our staff.”
The UCUE have been approached for comment.