university challenge india
The following are the official profiles of the UK universities and teams taking part on University Challenge India. Although these photographs are unrepresentative of what most of us look like, they were the ones submitted to British Council India (so you cannot complain!) Unofficial profiles of team members can be found here (e-mail me for username and password).
Founded by Queen Victoria in 1845, Queen's University Belfast has a long and distinguished history of academic achievement. The University is situated in the leafy suburbs of south Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland, and has developed from the glorious Lanyon building that forms the focal point of the University.
The University has 18,500 undergraduate and postgraduate students. The international outlook of Queen's is evidenced by the fact that a high proportion of its academic staff are from outside Northern Ireland. The Chancellor is the US statesman, Senator George Mitchell. The Canadian-born Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sir George Bain, has had a distinguished career in academic leadership on both sides of the Atlantic. Queen's graduates are making their mark all over the world in fields as diverse as physics, surgery, civil engineering, agriculture, archaeology and music. Currently over 1100 of the University’s students come from outside the British Isles with a growing number coming from India.
Academic strengths
Queen's offers almost 300 undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes through 5 faculties: Engineering; Humanities; Legal, Social & Educational Sciences; Medicine and Health Sciences; Science & Agriculture.
The UK Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) figures reveal that research in 33 out of 40 units assessed at Queen's is of national and international quality. Sixteen units were rated in the top category - grade 5 and 5*. Three areas were singled out as centres of international excellence.
In the UK government’s university teaching assessment, more than two thirds of the subject areas visited are rated "excellent". Queen's has scored particularly strongly in the guidance and support provided for students and the facilities that are available.
Assessment results in research and teaching have, according to league tables, placed Queen's in the Top 20 UK universities and Indian students currently study on courses that range from human rights law through to telecommunications.
Student Support
The University is conscious of the need to cater for the welfare of its students and so, as well as the normal system of advisers and tutors, the University has a comprehensive Student Support Service. This includes the University Health Service, Student Counselling and the Careers Service. In addition, the International Office has a special responsibility for international students’ welfare.
A 3-day orientation programme is provided for new international students to introduce them to the staff and facilities of the University and to the city of Belfast. A meeting service is available from both Belfast airports on specified dates and by prior arrangement with the International Office.
Facilities
University accommodation is guaranteed for international students for at least their first year of study. The main accommodation complex, Queen's Elms Village, is situated in a pleasant residential area within walking distance of the main site.
Queen's offers excellent computing, library, language and sports facilities. All students have access to PC systems on campus, with free internet and email facilities provided.
While Queen’s offers excellence in its teaching, research and facilities, its student fees compare very favourably with all of the traditional UK universities.
Student life
Easily accessible by air, and with over 35 flights available from London to Belfast each day, the international media has described Belfast as "Europe's friendliest and trendiest regional city" and "one of today's most fashionable places to visit and live". Next to the Queen's campus is Belfast's famous 'Golden Mile' of cafes, restaurants, and entertainment venues. Social facilities are also provided in the University's Students' Union which is the centre for 150 clubs and societies, covering a wide range of sporting and cultural interests. Many of the societies are specifically aimed at international students. In short, Queen’s offers its students a high quality of life balanced with a relatively low cost.
Belfast is casting off its old image with new developments that compliment its historic face and that add immeasurably to a city that is home to one third of Northern Ireland’s population. Enriched by British and Irish ties Northern Ireland has an astonishing variety of landscapes, cultural attractions and leisure opportunities as well as an intriguing and famously complex history.
One international student summed up his experience at Queen's as follows: "At Queen's I have the opportunity to aim for a good degree whilst getting a good degree of enjoyment along the way."
 Alan McBride (captain)
Age: 31
Educational
Background: B.Sc. (Hons.) Biochemistry, Queen's University Belfast 1995.
Ph.D. (Cantab.) Biochemistry, Downing
College, Cambridge 1999.
Currently reading Law (B.Leg.Sc.).
Hobbies: Playing cello, Mackintosh architecture and furniture, Baroque music, web design.
3 Words that
best describe you: Artistic, focussed, feisty.
How do you feel about taking part in University Challenge India:
“I am really looking forward to returning to India, taking part in the show and promoting Queen's University, Northern Ireland and the UK as a whole. It should be interesting to see if there are any differences in how the show is recorded in Delhi v the UK show.”
 Ciaran McGee
Age: 22
Educational
Background: B.A. (Hons.) Ancient and Modern History, St Anne's College Oxford 2002.
Hobbies: Golf, tennis, reading, cinema, music.
3 Words that
best describe you: Tense, talkative, conscientious.
How do you feel about taking part in University Challenge India:
“I feel it's a wonderful opportunity to take part in a quiz show
enjoyed by millions, and to visit a country of such huge historical and
cultural significance.”
 Caroline Magennis
Age: 21
Educational
Background: B.A. (Hons.)
English, Queen's University Belfast 2003 and will begin studying for an M.A.
Hobbies: Cinema, music, writing/composition.
3 Words that
best describe you: Ubiquitous, fearless, open-minded.
How do you feel about taking part in University Challenge India:
“To begin with I was a bit daunted because I haven't really traveled
outside of Europe. But since reading about the country I am very excited and grateful for the opportunity to visit it.”
 Thom Kerr
Age: 31
Educational
Background: LLB, Bristol University.
B.A. Archaeology, Queen’s University Belfast.
Reading for a Ph.D. in Archaeology.
Hobbies: Reading, cinema, socialising, sport, choral singing, archaeology.
3 Words that
best describe you: Garrulous, forthright, honourable.
How do you feel about taking part in University Challenge India:
“I am very excited about taking part in UC India, both for the opportunity of being in the Sub-Continent, and also to be able to represent my region of the UK. Hopefully we won't embarrass ourselves in front of the biggest TV audience in the world!”
The University of Edinburgh is one of the UK's leading universities. Founded in 1583, it has attracted international students for over four centuries. For teaching and research, it is considered one of the leaders in the UK, Europe and beyond. Edinburgh is one of the UK's larger, more diverse universities with a current student population of around 21,000 (16,000 undergraduates & 5,000 postgraduates). About 4,000 of these students are international, from 130 different countries.
Academic strengths
Edinburgh has three principal colleges embracing Medicine, Veterinary Medicine, Science and Engineering, Arts, Education, Law, Divinity, Music and Social Sciences. With 120 different subject areas, over 300 different degrees are offered at undergraduate level. At postgraduate level, research and 'taught' degrees in around 150 different programmes are offered. Edinburgh is also one of the principal research institutes in the country, with 95% of staff working in disciplines rated in the top two grades of the UK government's research assessment exercise.
Facilities
The University Library holds approximately three million printed volumes across its twenty-one sites (textbooks, reference & electronic journals, statistical sources, government publications and rare material, foreign language volumes & newspapers). Students can access the Library's electronic data and collections through the University network, which provides a gateway to academic information, catalogues of other libraries, past exam papers, electronic journals and reference books. All students at the university receive an email address and access to computer laboratories, and some laboratories have 24 hour access. All computers have high-speed internet access. The Centre for Sport and Exercise offers courses of instruction in a range of sports/conditioning. A fitness assessment, advisory service and a sports injuries clinic are available to students. The Sports Centre houses an indoor swimming pool, squash courts, a table tennis studio, a rifle and archery range. The playing fields at Peffermill have excellent grass and artificial pitches, tennis courts and golf teaching and practice facilities. Firbush Point Field Centre (a residential outdoor centre located on the shore of Loch Tay, Perthshire) provides activity/courses in sailing, canoeing, skiing and mountaineering.
Student life
The International Office works hard to welcome and support international students, working alongside a variety of university departments, societies and support services, which promote the welfare of international students, and providing advice on issues such as immigration. The International Students' Centre (ISC) is run by students and offers a drop-in centre and programme of events for international students, including trips around Scotland, parties and regular coffee evenings at the centre. Edinburgh University Students Association (EUSA) provides all on-campus catering, bars, games rooms, shops, theatres, TV rooms, snooker rooms and meeting rooms, and affordable food and services. The entertainment programme in these buildings features debates, regular clubs and live acts. 170 student societies provide a remarkable range of social, cultural, academic, political and religious interests.
Additional Support Offices: The Advice Place – a free drop-in advice centre; The Disability Office - welcoming and advising disabled students, and the Chaplaincy Centre - offering services of worship, and pastoral care for students and staff of all faiths.
 Simon McArthur (captain)
Age: 22
Education
Background: Third year student, studying Mathematical Physics.
Hobbies: Films, reading, computers, quizzes(!), golf, keeping fit, playing the cello.
3 Words that
best describe you: Easy-going, confident, thoughtful.
How do you feel about taking part in University Challenge India:
“I am incredibly excited that Edinburgh University has been chosen to represent Scotland in University Challenge India. As a self-confessed quiz geek, this event represents the ultimate challenge and it is a huge thrill to be taking part.
When I tried out for the team to represent Edinburgh in the UK version of University Challenge, I did not have high hopes of actually being selected. It came as a huge surprise when I qualified. To now be asked to travel with my team to India to compete with the best of the UK teams against India's finest students is a great honor.
We have a strong team representing a wide range of interests, so I am confident that we can put up a good fight in the competition and fly the flag for our nation and institution. I would love to do well in University Challenge India, but even if we are outclassed, the experience will be fantastic. This is an opportunity that I would not miss for the world!”
 Will White
Age: 22
Educational
Background: Studying for an M.A. in Art History.
Hobbies: Playing and following cricket, rugby and football.
3 Words that
best describe you: 'Very, very nice' or 'Good at quizzes'.
How do you feel about taking part in University Challenge India:
“The prospect of travelling to India under any circumstances is incredibly exciting especially as British youth culture - particularly music and fashion - is currently experiencing something of a love-affair with Indian popular culture. Britain and India have obvious historical links and I think that we have really healthy and strong ties. The chance to represent my (adopted) country and British universities as a whole is also something I feel immensely privileged and proud to be able to do; I think I may have missed the boat with cricket. I'm keenly looking forward to meeting not only other students from all corners of Britain but also students from all over India - I know very little about Indian universities and student life and it will be interesting to compare notes. And if I bump into Sachin and Sourav, well that'll be a huge bonus. My fingers are crossed.”
 Rachel Boase
Age: 22
Educational
Background: Third year student of English Literature.
Hobbies: Reading anything and everything, listening to writers and writing, theatre (acting).
3 Words that
best describe you: Creative, eclectic, lucky.
How do you feel about taking part in University Challenge India:
“I'm hugely excited about going to India since I've always wanted to experience at first-hand what we only get a sampling of (in food, music and films) in the UK. As a fan of all things quizzical I am delighted to know there is a whole nation which shares this passion!”
 Graham Allison
Age: 19
Educational
Background: Second year student of B.Sc. in Artificial Intelligence and Computer Science.
Hobbies: Football, extensive reading, travelling and making friends.
3 Words that
best describe you: Outgoing, friendly, sensible.
How do you feel about taking part in University Challenge India:
“I am very excited about taking part in University Challenge India, as I enjoy travelling and a chance like this comes up very rarely!”
Established in 1872, Aberystwyth was the first university in Wales. Today, it has over 7,000 students. The University has links with other academic institutions across the world and recently launched a series of exchange programmes with universities in the USA.
Students from Aberystwyth, regardless of their subject, have the opportunity to spend a year in employment and the University is continually strengthening links with employers to find out more about the opportunities available to graduates.
Academic strengths
There are three main faculties, namely the Faculty of Arts, the Faculty of Science and the Faculty of Social Studies. These are subdivided into various departments, ranging from art through to Welsh studies some of which the University has particular strengths in, for example accounting, biological sciences, international politics, geography and earth sciences, law, history and Welsh history, management and business studies and computer science. The Department of International Politics, the first department of its kind in the world when it was founded in 1919, was rated 5* in the recent Research Assessment Exercise. It also boasts one of the largest graduate schools for International Relations in the world, with over 150 Masters and PhD students.
Facilities
The University's main library has seating for over 1,700 students and houses over one million titles. The National Library of Wales is also situated next to the campus. It is one of the five copyright libraries in Great Britain, which means that it receives a copy of every book published in Britain. It holds over six million books, periodicals, magazines and maps.
The University has over 700 PCs in residential halls or departments which are available to students and most can be used on a twenty-four hour open access basis. This software is for word processing, databases and design. The University's network serves as a gateway for the internet.
Further facilities include a gallery and studios for the School of Art, a range of scientific laboratories and materials to support practical work in theatre, film and television studies. The language laboratory is based upon computing packages, to help students learn a variety of languages, including English, German, Spanish and Welsh.
There is also a brand new building on campus housing the Department of Theatre, Film and Television Studies, including both radio and television studios.
Childcare facilities are available, based around the childcare co-ordinator's services. There are school clubs and holiday clubs together with a fully-licensed and approved nursery for pre-school children.
Student life
The guild welfare service aims to answer most students' questions on issues such as housing, finance or visas. Student counsellors are employed to provide support for those who need someone to talk to on a confidential basis. Financial assistance available includes a number of bursaries to help those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
The welfare co-ordinator offers specialist advice to mature students on problems they may face.
There is plenty to keep students occupied in their spare time. There are over 170 clubs and societies covering most of the usual sports and some of the more unusual, such as clay pigeon shooting and paintball. Surfing is also on offer, given that the beach is so close to the campus. The beach is the perfect place to relax in the summer and the coast has been awarded the EU blue flag for its rubbish-free environment.
The Student Union provides much of the University's entertainment with three bars and several catering outlets. There are also gigs, theme and party nights, music concerts and the annual May Ball. Recent appearances have included nationally-renowned acts such as Divine Comedy, Space and Jools Holland. Aberystwyth itself has lots of pubs and clubs, which are lively in the evenings and weekends.
The University's arts centre underwent a £3.5m expansion in 2001. The centre puts on events including drama, classical music, dance and film. For those who enjoy more traditional music, there are numerous choirs, symphony and chamber orchestras on offer. There are also practice rooms at the Joseph Parry Hall for any budding musicians.
The University runs its own radio station, Bay Radio, which involves students as DJs, news reporters, producers, technicians, fundraisers and in every other aspect of the business. Similar media opportunities are open to students at the University newspaper, The Courier.
The Students' Union places great emphasis on campaigns and awareness, ensuring that all students are aware of their rights. It actively supports minorities through liberation campaigns and support groups. The union also organises a number of community action projects. 'Rag Aber Rag' and 'Dim Prob', are two organisations playing an important role in the local community and in fundraising projects further afield.
 Colan Walsh (captain)
Age: 26
Educational
Background: Open University Certificate in Management
of Voluntary Organisations.
Currently studying International Relations.
Hobbies: Snowboarding, running, soccer, reading history and science, pub quizzes, working with voluntary youth organisations, spending time with friends. Currently learning Welsh in spare time.
3 Words that
best describe you: Inquisitive, social, hard working.
How do you feel about taking part in University Challenge India:
“Truthfully, I feel really honoured to be able to take part in such an event on behalf of my university. I’ve had too little personal exposure to Indian culture and history in my life, and hope that this trip to be a chance to rectify that deficit.”
 Angelina Karpovich
Age: 24
Educational
Background: B.A. (Hons.) Film and Television Production, University of Westminster.
M.A. Anthropology of Media, School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London.
Reading for a Ph.D. in Film and Television Studies.
Hobbies: Cinema, literature, travel.
3 Words that
best describe you: Creative, curious, entertaining.
How do you feel about taking part in University Challenge India:
“I feel incredibly privileged to be participating in the University Challenge experience, particularly as I'm representing Aberystwyth – the best kept secret in Wales! I am absolutely thrilled to be a part of University Challenge India, and look forward to the trip, to meeting with students from India, and to being overwhelmed with Indian culture and hospitality. In all likelihood, for me this will be the experience of a lifetime!”
 Tom Gardiner
Age: 22
Educational
Background: Currently studying French and Geography, B.A. (Joint Honours).
Hobbies: Reading, playing tennis and cricket, watching football, and cinema.
3 Words that
best describe you: Reflective, modest, self assured.
How do you feel about taking part in University Challenge India:
"I feel incredibly excited about the whole experience. I am looking forward both to the challenge of such a prestigious quiz against students with a similar interest in general knowledge and to the incredible opportunity I have been given to see the Indian capital and its environs. Travel and general knowledge have always been important to me as separate interests and this experience offers a unique opportunity to unite the two."
 Peter Sisson
Age: 22
Educational
Background: B.Sc. Geography
Hobbies: Films, music, football, computers.
3 Words that
best describe you: Capable, determined & motivated.
How do you feel about taking part in University Challenge India:
“I am really looking forward to experiencing a different culture in India and representing both Aberystwyth University & my adopted homeland in this international competition.”
Part of the University of London, Birkbeck is a research-led college, which is currently ranked among the leading UK university institutions.
The College welcomes applications from international students for their on-line and full-time taught Master’s and postgraduate research programmes, offered by the 15 Schools within the faculties of Arts, Science and Social Science.
Birkbeck has a high percentage of mature students, whose backgrounds, occupations and commitment to study, make for dynamic class discussions and a widening of horizons.
30% of our full-time postgraduates come from outside Europe, half of whom are doing research.
Academic strengths
Birkbeck is a research-led college. Over 91% of Birkbeck’s academic staff are active in research – the highest rate for any multi-faculty institution in London and the fifth highest for the UK. The College performed well in the latest national Research Assessment Exercise, where eleven of our fifteen Schools were rated in the top categories – grade 5 and 5*, with three other Schools rated 4.
5* English, History and Spanish
5 Crystallography, Earth Sciences, Economics, German, History of Art, Law, Philosophy, Politics and Sociology
4 Archaeology, Computer Science and Management
The College has also consistently achieved excellent ratings in Teaching Quality Reviews, with Economics, English, History of Art, Molecular Biosciences, Organismal Biosciences and Psychology getting excellent scores.
Studentships
Birkbeck offers a number of studentships to overseas research students. Many of our international students are also successful in winning funding from sources within their own country or through the College’s participation in the Overseas Research Students Awards scheme.
Facilities
Features include:
· Award-winning library
· Research resources in and around London including British Library and other University of London libraries
· Full computing facilities and support
· Help with accommodation
Student life
Birkbeck’s Students’ Union provides a lively focus for social activity, and the University of London Union (ULU), on our doorstep, offers the opportunity to meet students from other colleges and to enjoy a wide range of social and sporting activities. In addition, about a 15-minute walk from Birkbeck is a great meeting place for international students: International Students House (ISH). Birkbeck students are entitled to make full use of ISH social and recreational facilities. ISH also arranges excursions around Britain, and hosts talks and lectures.
London has something for everyone – 300 museums and art galleries, 6,000 restaurants, 30,000 shops and stores, and 400 live music venues. Alongside other colleges of the University of London, Birkbeck College is ideally located in tranquil Bloomsbury, Central London - an area that offers world-famous museums and galleries contrasted with beautiful leafy squares. The University of London library and the British Library are close by, while the British Museum is just a five-minute walk from the main college. Also within walking distance are the well-known shops of Oxford Street, and the restaurants, pubs and clubs of London's West End, including Chinatown and Theatreland.
 Tony Gillham (captain)
Age: 38
Educational
Background: Studied Biochemistry B.Sc. at Chelsea College, University of London. Currently studying Applied Linguistics M.A.
Hobbies: Too busy with full-time job and Masters degree (& TV appearances) to have any!
3 Words that
best describe you: Dry, showoff, diplomatic.
How do you feel about taking part in University Challenge India:
“Having beaten the competition in UK in 2002-03, I want us to do the
same in India (especially if Scotland, Wales & Northern Ireland all lose
hence the use of the word 'diplomatic' in the previous question)- actually
just thrilled at the chance to combine a visit to India with the fun &
challenge of being on UC.”
 Colum Gallivan
Age: 57
Educational
Background: Royal Academy of Dramatic Art Graduate studying B.A. in Classics.
Hobbies: Language, literature, theory of theatre.
3 Words that
best describe you: Indolent, clubbable, irascible.
How do you feel about taking part in University Challenge India:
“When a friend was in India for 6 weeks filming 'A Jewel in the Crown' I was incredibly jealous - this is my revenge! I am absolutely delighted and as a classics student I am only too sad that I am too old to start learning Sanskrit. Still, there's always the Penguin 'Gita', Shanti.”
 Thor Halland
Age: 35
Educational
Background: Currently pursuing 2nd year degree in Philosophy.
Hobbies: History , computers, travel.
3 Words that
best describe you: Annoying, arrogant, entrepreneurial.
How do you feel about taking part in University Challenge India:
“Really happy to be travelling abroad - India is the country that I fear most, though, at quizzes - I reckon they are the most intelligent country in the world.”
 Tony Walsh
Age: 40
Educational
Background: Completed B.A. (Hons.) in Philosophy.
Currently studying for a B.A. History and Archaeology.
Hobbies: Cinema and music.
3 Words that
best describe you: Cautious, cynical, obsessive.
How do you feel about taking part in University Challenge India:
“I still find it hard to believe that I'm taking part. I have absolutely no idea what to expect and can't escape the nagging feeling that we're going to be soundly beaten (mind you I felt the same about each round we played in the UK and we still won!). Looking forward to the whole experience.”
 Siddartha Basu: Born in Kolkata (formerly Calcutta) on December 28,1954, Siddhartha has grown up in Mumbai (formerly Bombay), Delhi and Chennai (formerly Madras). He has schooled in Besant Montessori, Cathedral and John Connon Boys School, Mumbai; Frank Anthony Public School, Delhi and Kendriya Vidyalaya, IIT, Chennai.
He has a Master's degree in English Literature, and has been working as a director and producer of television programmes since 1977.He has presented and produced a number of quiz shows on television over the last eighteen years, including five series of ‘Mastermind India’. The landmark ‘Who Wants to be a Millionaire India’ – ‘Kaun Banega Crorepati’ hosted by Amitabh Bachchan was directed and produced by Siddhartha Basu, with content compiled by his team at Synergy.
Among Siddhartha Basu’s other popular quiz series are ‘Quiz Time’, the national inter-college quiz, ‘IQ’ or ‘India Quiz’ and ‘Kamzor Kadi Kaun’.
Siddhartha Basu has received the Uptron Award for ‘Quiz Time’ in 1998, the Pinnacle Award for ‘India Quiz’ in 1995 and recently, the Screen-Videocon award, the ITA (Indian Television Academy) Award and the Indian Telly Award for ‘Kaun Banega Crorepati’.
Among his notable publications are 5 volumes of Mastermind India & Inquisitive.
He runs quiz columns in a number of newspapers, among them, ‘Dainik Bhaskar’, India’s most widely read daily and ‘Hindustan Times’, the leader in Delhi.
 Jacqui Allan (British Council India)  Devyani Naidu (British Council India)
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