On Thursday 2nd March, three brave Somerville students will take on their professors in an epic battle of wits, as they go head-to-head on BBC R4’s ‘The 3rd Degree’.

Now in its thirteenth series, ‘The 3rd Degree’ is a quiz show that pits three undergraduates against three academics in a general knowledge/specialist subject quiz. The rounds vary from General Knowledge to a Subject-specific face-off, to quickfire bell-and-buzzer sessions. There’s also the popular ‘Highbrow / Lowbrow’ round, in which students can challenge their tutors on everything from Barthes to Beyoncé.

Appearing in this epic contest of Somerville minds are:

  • Senior Tutor Dr Steve Rayner vs. Di Ying on Physics
  • Assoc. Prof. Luke Pitcher vs. Charlotte Perry on Classics
  • Assoc. Prof. Louise Mycock vs. Lizzy Abel on Linguistics

Hosted by Steve Punt (‘The Now Show’), ‘The 3rd Degree’ is a formal quiz with a light-hearted approach that ensures no two shows are the same – all we need now is your support to cheer on our teams.

Venue: Flora Anderson Hall

Time: Doors at 17:40 ready for recording at 18:00

Tickets: Free

All members of the Somerville community are welcome. Please register to attend here.

Further reading?

Somerville JRF Sheds Light on the Cellular Origins of Sleep

Learn More
15 October 2025
Somerville JRF Sheds Light on the Cellular Origins of Sleep

Marking 100 years since the birth of Margaret Thatcher (1925-2013)

Learn More
13 October 2025
Marking 100 years since the birth of Margaret Thatcher (1925-2013)

Meet Francesca Arduini, Somerville’s New Tutorial Fellow in Economics

Learn More
10 October 2025
Meet Francesca Arduini, Somerville’s New Tutorial Fellow in Economics