Reading students take on University Challenge

Students from the University of Reading are set to appear on the academic quiz show, University Challenge, next Monday 23 September.

The team of four hoping to progress to the next round is made up of students across a wide range of subjects, and includes:

• Rhiannon Snook (26) – studying for a PhD in Philosophy
• Stuart Rock (63) – studying for a Master’s in History
• Kissani Selvaramesh (22) – studying for an undergraduate degree in Biomedical Sciences
• Josh Finkelstein (27) – studying for a Master’s in Agricultural Economics

This year’s team follows in the footsteps of the University of Reading quartet that reached the University Challenge final in 2022, where they narrowly lost to Imperial College London.

Team captain Rhiannon Snook said: “My favourite part of the experience was definitely the filming that we got to take part in and meeting the team behind the scenes who make the show happen every year. I hope you’re just as excited as I am to see us and see how we got on!”

Professor Robert Van de Noort, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Reading, said: “It is fantastic that our student team has made it through to the televised stage of this year’s University Challenge. That in itself is an achievement.

“I’m proud to see students at different stages in their academic career, and from a diverse range of subjects, represent Reading on national television, and will be tuning in next week to see how they get on.”

The show will air on BBC Two on Monday 23 September at 8.30pm.