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People

Magdalene's greatest asset is its people: a resident community of nearly 800 students, Fellows, and staff.

Discover more about the people who work here, find out about our internationally recognised teaching and research staff, alongside many others who make Magdalene both a world-class academic institution and a welcoming community in which to live and learn.

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.

The Master

The Master is the Head of House and the Senior Member of the College community. Sir Christopher Greenwood GBE CMG KC, is a former British judge at the International Court of Justice, on which he served from 2009 to 2018. He became the 36th Master of Magdalene on 1 October 2020.

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Fellows

Magdalene’s Fellowship includes over 100 academics, many of them world-class researchers. Around 40 Fellows serve on the Governing Body, guiding the College. They also make up the core teaching staff, supporting students in their studies.

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Directors of Studies

Directors of Studies (DoS) are selected from the Fellows and College Lecturers. Each undergraduate course has one or more DoS who meet regularly with students to track their academic progress and offer advice and support.

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College Lecturers

College Research Associates are typically early career or postdoctoral academics working on major research projects at the University. They are also part of the Magdalene community and often assist Directors of Studies with teaching in their subject area.

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College Research Associates

College Research Associates are usually Early Career (or Postdoctoral) academics employed on major research projects in the University. They are also members of the community at Magdalene and often assist Directors of Studies with teaching in their subject area.

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College Officers

The College Officers are Fellows who manage specific aspects of the College's administration and operations. Working closely with the Master, they ensure the smooth running of the College on a day-to-day basis.

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Staff

The College staff, around 120 strong, are essential to the community, handling everything from building maintenance and garden upkeep to food preparation, housekeeping, security, and administration.

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