Episode 1

What does it take to make it on to the toughest quiz on television? For the student teams who appear on University Challenge, their quest begins months before they arrive in the studio to meet the formidable Jeremy Paxman. Now, for the very first time in the programme's history, the cameras have followed the students' journey every step of the way.

With access to some of the most prestigious universities and colleges across the UK, this explores what drives the students to compete in this iconic contest, and watches them negotiate the minefield of selecting their perfect teams, then swot, cram and bond in preparation for the gruelling audition process. Only 28 teams will make the grade but who will have done enough to earn a coveted place in the competition?

Narrated by Richard Osman.