Who does what?
Senior Members of the College hold a wide variety of job titles. You might wonder, what do they all mean, and how does it all fit together?
Governing Body
The Governing Body of the College is led by the Master and includes around 40 Official and Professorial Fellows. Most are active academics, balancing roles in both University faculties and the College. Some Fellows, like the Bursar, Development Director, and Chaplain, have full-time roles at Magdalene, ensuring the smooth operation of the College and community.
The Governing Body is responsible for the College’s governance, finances, and policies. As a Registered Charity, the Fellows also hold legal responsibility as Charity Trustees.
Research Fellows
There are around 20 Research Fellows at Magdalene. While many teach, most focus on research projects in their area of expertise. Junior Research Fellows are early-career academics, typically in their first major role after completing their doctorate. They are appointed for three years, during which they often complete their first significant postdoctoral research. Senior Research Fellows are more experienced, often holding research positions at other University of Cambridge departments or external institutions alongside their Fellowship at Magdalene.
Emeritus and Life Fellows
Emeritus and Life Fellows are senior academics who have retired from full-time teaching but remain an integral part of College life. All are former Governing Body or Senior Research Fellows. Many continue to be active in research, and some still teach or serve on College committees.
Teaching Bye Fellows and Fellow Commoners
Teaching Bye-Fellows hold short-term appointments of up to two years to fill specific teaching roles. Fellow-Commoners also provide teaching, typically on a longer-term basis. Others in this category bring specialised professional expertise, such as the College Advocate (legal advisor), the College Accountant, or the Director of College Music.
Honorary Fellows
Honorary Fellows are distinguished individuals who have been granted special recognition by the College. Many, though not all, are former students. This category also includes former Masters of the College.
College Lecturers
College Lecturers are academic staff who provide subject-specific teaching at Magdalene. Many are Fellows at other Cambridge Colleges, as Fellows can only belong to one College. These Lecturers contribute to teaching at both Magdalene and their own College, sharing their expertise and enriching the academic experience.
College Research Associates
College Research Associates are early-career academics, typically working on research projects within one of the University's faculties. They contribute to teaching at the College and are fully integrated into the academic community, gaining both support and a sense of belonging.
Director of Studies
Each undergraduate subject area has one or more Director(s) of Studies, or 'DoS'. Directors of Studies are drawn from amongst the Fellows and College Lecturers and are responsible for providing academic oversight and guidance for students.
College Staff
College staff maintain the College's buildings and infrastructure, administer the College Offices, look after the beautiful gardens, and much more.