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Master's Office

 The Master's Office

The Master is the chief academic and administrative officer of the College. Appointed by, and accountable to the Governors, he is responsible for promoting the continuous development of Birkbeck's record of academic excellence in both teaching and research.  The Master is also the designated Accounting Officer to the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE).  

In his responsibility for the day-to-day management of Birkbeck and in his role as the representative of Birkbeck on a wide range of organisations, the Master is assisted by the Vice-Master, Professor Philip Dewe, Vice-Master Designate, Professor Matthew Innes and Pro Vice-Masters as detailed below.  Professor Dewe also has Pro Vice-Master (PVM) responsibility for Links with Business and Commercial Exploitation.  Professor Dewe will step down as Vice-Master on 31 July 2014.    The Vice-Master is appointed for a term of office of five years and acts as deputy in the Master's absence and has management and executive responsibilities.  Pro Vice-Masters (PVMs) are appointed by Governors for fixed terms of three years, on the recommendation of the Master, and are responsible for the strategic consideration and development of initiatives in specific areas.  Details are below:

  • Professor Philip Dewe, (Links with Business & Commercial Exploitation)
  • Professor Costa Douzinas, (International Links)
  • Professor Stephen Frosh (Research)
  • Professor Matthew Innes, (Strategy and Special Projects) (Vice-Master, Designate)
  • Professor Sue Jackson, (Learning and Teaching)
  • Mrs Tricia King,  (Student Experience)
  • Professor Matthew Weait (Academic Partnerships)
  • Professor Li Wei (Postgraduate Studies)

The Master also works closely with Keith Harrison, the College Secretary and Clerk to the Governors who is the legal representative of the College and is responsible for central administration and services.  These services are sub-divided into a number of sections whose senior officers are responsible to the Master through the College Secretary.

For more information on Birkbeck, its history, structure and governance, click: http://www.bbk.ac.uk/about-us