Grade error

Queen's University, Belfast has formally apologised to students after an exams blunder left almost 1,000 applicants to both it and the University of Ulster in limbo.

An electronic error meant many who should have been accepted for places were rejected while others without the grades were accepted.

The error happened when the Northern Ireland Council for Curriculum, Examination and Assessments transmitted erroneous results to the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service.

Candidates mistakenly accepted were contacted by phone or by letter. The university made it clear the circumstances were entirely outside its control.