Master (College)

Master is a traditional term for the head of a college in Oxford and Cambridge . The term mistress is also used in some cases for a female head . In many colleges (e.g. King's College in Cambridge, The Queen's College in Oxford or Queens' College in Cambridge) other names are used, e.g. B. Warden , Provost or President (in the cases mentioned, perhaps because a title like "Master of Kings" was not considered appropriate).

The post is traditionally highly regarded within the college hierarchy and accordingly is mostly filled with deserving researchers or other members of the college who have become highly respected. Actual power is rather limited (although this varies from case to case depending on the college statute); in most cases it is more of a primus inter pares , even if the master usually has an ex officio seat on the decision-making bodies in the college.

He also plays an important role at the graduation ceremonies in Cambridge, where in the vast majority of cases he represents the University's Vice Chancellor.