Oxford University Dispute: Tamil Nadu PhD Student Alleges Forced Transfer to Master’s Program

“My assessors at Oxford failed me,” said Lakshmi Balakrishnan, a PhD student from Tamil Nadu, as she shared her story of being forcibly transferred from a PhD to a master’s programme without her consent.
Balakrishnan joined Oxford University in October 2018, eager to pursue her PhD in Shakespeare studies. However, in November 2021, during a critical assessment known as the “confirmation of status,” her assessors allegedly deemed her research unsuitable for doctoral-level work. This decision, based on the claim that “Shakespeare does not have scope for PhD studies,” led to her PhD rejection and involuntary transfer to a master’s programme.
Oxford initially approved her research proposal, but two assessors raised concerns during her fourth year, prompting her allegations of racial bias. “There were two white students in my October 2018 cohort also researching Shakespeare. Their PhD theses were approved, while mine was not,” she explained.
Despite Oxford’s rigorous application requirements, Balakrishnan insists her PhD proposal on Shakespeare was clear from the start. “When I applied, I clearly mentioned my thesis would be on Shakespeare. The scope has remained unchanged,” she stated.
Oxford’s response, backed by an independent review from the Office of the Independent Adjudicator (OIA), maintains that academic standards were followed. Balakrishnan, however, argues that her appeal is not about the academic decision itself but about the racial bias and procedural issues she believes influenced it.
The Queen’s College at Oxford, where Balakrishnan studied, has also raised concerns, noting her term reports’ positive evaluations and potential errors in the appeal process. Despite holding two master’s degrees and significant resources invested, watch how a student, whose thesis was initially approved, faces major setbacks in her fourth year.
#OxfordUniversity #PhDStudent #LakshmiBalakrishnan #itwebvideos
#MastersTransfer #TamilNaduStudent #HigherEducation #UniversityControversy #NewsMo #IndiaToday

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[bodhisatwabhattacharyya]

I am a PhD student myself in the uk and can understand what she is currently going through

[Matty-wz]

Uni is to blame. They recruit self funded students to continue subjects of low value and intake in modern era. There are no takers in UK for these type of subjects so wealthy international students are offered the brand name for more than 100k. Will a really smart person pay that kind of money to study English in this time and era when knowledge is free? Oxford is selling the brand name; but majority in the 3rd world countries don't know this so this kind of degrees might hold value there for a few more years.

[kwertygworl]

What specifically was her research on? Shakespeare is incredibly broad, she would’ve had a niche area she is researching.

[mrcommenter-zb]

*fails subject*
I cant beleive my college didnt give me my degree even though I paid fees

[shivamagro]

1:25 poor in grammar yet expecting PhD from Oxford in English. Please don't put one sided story as it deters India Today's credibility.