OXFORD University vice-chancellor Prof Andrew Hamilton is leaving the university to become president of New York University next year.

Prof Hamilton, who has been vice-chancellor since 2009, is due to leave Oxford at the end of December.

He is Oxford’s second longest serving Vice-Chancellor of the modern era and has already spent time in the United States for his work.

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He said: “It is a huge privilege to serve this great university and will remain so for the rest of my time here.

"It is premature to talk of achievements and legacies - there is still much to be done on my watch - but I am delighted to have been part of a very exciting, dynamic and successful time in Oxford’s long and illustrious history.

“It won’t be easy to leave Oxford. I have learnt a great deal, and I’m sure the insights and experience gained here will stand me in good stead in my new role in New York."

The chancellor of the University Lord Patten said: “Andy has shared his departure plans with me, and I know he will continue to serve Oxford for his remaining period in office with the same remarkable energy and commitment that have made his tenure as Vice-Chancellor such a success.

"When the time comes, he will leave Oxford with our best wishes and sincere thanks.”

The process of choosing a successor is already in motion, with a committee expected to select a name for approval by early June.