University Challenge

University Challenge results, 2003

Here are the results of the 32nd series (8pm Monday, BBC2) that began on 2nd September 2002, and concluded with the final on 31st March 2003. Soon after this, BBC2 began the first series of University Challenge: The Professionals, so for the results, please see its separate page.

First round
Newcastle 205 180 York
UMIST 165 200 Clare, Cambridge
University, London 165 175 Jesus, Oxford
Liverpool 130 265 Worcester, Oxford
Selwyn, Cambridge 160 180 Merton, Oxford
Leeds 230 135 Liverpool John Moores
Cranfield 175 165 Brasenose, Oxford
Middlesex 70 200 Manchester
Sheffield 180 125 Homerton, Cambridge
Nottingham 225 105 Aberystwyth
Birkbeck, London 230 185 Emmanuel, Cambridge
Durham 190 115 Queens', Cambridge
Warwick 275 140 Wadham, Oxford
Southampton 190 125 Edinburgh
Highest-scoring losers
UMIST 150 205 University, London
Emmanuel, Cambridge 205 150 York
Second Round
Newcastle 80 215 Worcester, Oxford
Warwick 225 145 Southampton
University, London 330 125 Emmanuel, Cambridge
Durham 225 180 Jesus, Oxford
Birkbeck, London 190 130 Clare, Cambridge
Cranfield 190 175 Manchester
Leeds 170 165 Nottingham
Sheffield 195 125 Merton, Oxford
Quarter-Finals
University, London 145 220 Birkbeck, London
Warwick 175 180 Sheffield
Cranfield 165 160 Durham
Leeds 230 130 Worcester, Oxford
Semi-Finals
Birkbeck, London 190 155 Sheffield
Cranfield 200 125 Leeds
Final
Birkbeck, London 180 155 Cranfield
Comic Relief match
Gownies 185 190 Townies

Both teams in the final consisted of mature students, with the Birkbeck team coming out on top in a match that was close all the way. They were Tony Walsh (History and Archaeology), Thor Halland (Philosophy), Tony Gillham (Applied Linguistics) and Colum Gallivan (Classics). The trophy was presented by British poet, Benjamin Zephaniah.

On Comic Relief Day (14th March 2003), BBC2 held a special match between four graduates (David Baddiel, Frank Skinner, Stephen Fry, Clive Anderson) and four non-graduates (Jeremy Beadle, Gina Yashere, Danny Baker, Johnny Vaughan), hosted by Angus Deayton.