A graduate who went viral after criticising a well-known UK university for not supplying her graduate certificate for three years – and calling her degree a “scam” – has received an apology.
Lucy Younger left TikTok viewers outraged after sharing her story.
The 25-year-old Londoner attended Goldsmiths University, studying English Literature and Language.
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At the time, she was also battling a brain tumour but was determined to finish her degree.
But after graduation, Lucy was “distraught” by how Goldsmiths and the University of London Diploma Production Office treated her.
She has chased both institutions for her certificate for three years, and only now, after going viral, has she finally received it.
“I’m glad that they’ve apologised and acknowledged the situation instead of hiding from it, and I hope this situation doesn’t happen to any other students,” she told Need To Know.
Lucy claimed Goldsmiths said the delay was due to strike action, while the Diploma Office “hung up” on her “several times”.
She was forced to email her MP, Steve Reed, for help, who in turn sent an email to both Goldsmiths and the University of London Diploma Production Office for a “formal enquiry”.
Lucy’s TikTok has gained 1.3m views since she posted the video earlier this month, with the words “My 3-year degree being a scam” written across the clip.
Three days later, on 7 October, Goldsmiths and the University of London Diploma Production Office got in touch with Lucy via email and confirmed they had received her award details and would dispatch the document to her.
On 19 October, she finally received it.
Jam Press contacted Goldsmiths for comment.
A representative of the university said: “With most of our students studying for a degree awarded by the University of London, of which Goldsmiths is a part, the responsibility for issuing documents related to degree awards is shared between us.
“Graduating students receive their transcripts from Goldsmiths two months after graduation.
“We then send a pass list detailing all students’ awards to the University of London, whose Diploma Office then sends out degree certificates.
“We provide full support to graduating students, so they have the documents they need to move forward with their studies or careers.
“The process is typically straightforward, but it appears this was not the case on this occasion.
“Although we cannot talk about individual case details, we sincerely apologise for any upset that may have been caused.”
Albeit relieved, Lucy says the ordeal has left her “disappointed” and “upset” – especially after paying thousands for her degree.
She said, “I feel so angry and let down.
“I put a lot of effort into my degree and, despite battling a brain tumour, graduated with a 2:1.
“It was incredibly difficult, and I felt really proud when I walked across the stage at graduation.
“I didn’t receive my certificate or my grade on the day because of the protests at the university at the time, but I assumed it would be sent to me soon after.
“I have been chasing Goldsmiths and the University of London Diploma Production Office for three years.
“I kept ringing them, and they either answered and told me there was nothing they could do, or they would answer and then just hang up on me.
“After I went viral and approached Steve Reed, Goldsmiths finally responded to me.
“I don’t understand why it took them so long when it was that easy to do.
“I am really disappointed and upset to have been treated this way.
“Students shouldn’t have to go to these lengths to get proof of a degree they’ve paid thousands for.”
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