The master of the college is typically selected for significant academic, journalistic, political, or cultural contributions.

A master selected by the fellowship uses the title master-elect until installed in the new position, typically at the beginning of the academic year.

The current master of the college is the former director of BBC News, Roger Mosey.

[2] Other masters such as Richard Appleton (1907–1909) have had their initials engraved on the exterior stones of the college's Dining Hall.

Subsequent masters of the college, including Richard Bowring (2000–2013) and Roger Mosey, have continued to lead the college's expansion through the development of new academic and residential buildings.