Can I transfer credits from other courses?

Yes. You may be able to transfer up to 30 masters level credits into phase one of the MTL programme. If you are a newly qualified teacher (NQT), these are very likely to come from your postgraduate certificate of education (PGCE) course. You may also be able to transfer credits into phases two and three of the MTL programme. You will need to talk to your school-based coach or higher education institution (HEI) tutor about your individual situation.

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 Can teachers with an MTL expect to earn more?

There is no direct link between the MTL and pay and progression decisions, and teachers will not be penalised for not having a masters level qualification. Teachers with an MTL will be well placed to demonstrate professional standards at a higher level when applying to cross the threshold or be assessed as an excellent or advanced skills teacher (AST).

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 How long will it take to complete the MTL?

For most participants, the MTL will take three years to complete.

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 How will my course be funded?

The way that the MTL programme is funded has changed. Please see the funding update. 

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 I am already studying for an MTL, is it still worth continuing?

The MTL is a fully-validated masters programme, which will help to develop professional practice as a teacher. The Government has set out its commitment to develop a culture of professional development where more teachers acquire postgraduate qualifications. Local MTL providers can be contacted for further questions about the impact of the changes.
 

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 I expressed an interest in starting MTL this year, will I be able to study for a fully-funded MTL?

Only existing participants will be funded to complete their MTL. Speak to your local MTL provider to find out what this means for you.

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 If I change job before I finish my MTL, can I carry on with the programme?

Yes, you should be able to continue with your studies if you are moving to a maintained school in England. If you are applying for a new job, it is worth letting the school know as soon as possible that you are studying for the MTL. They may not have any participating teachers and will need time to find out about the programme and recruit a school-based coach.

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 Is MTL being scrapped?

No. The MTL is a fully-validated masters programme, it is the full Government funding which has been discontinued (with the exception of existing participants).

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 I’ve already started my MTL, will I be able to continue?

The Government has committed to fund existing participants until they complete their MTL.

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 What makes the MTL different from a traditional masters programme?

The MTL combines the academic rigour of a traditional masters degree with hands-on, classroom-based learning. It is focused on children and young people, and on applying evidence and educational theory to real-life situations. The programme is flexible and can be personalised to reflect both individual and school priorities.

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 Will it be compulsory for teachers to do a masters degree?

No. It will be entirely up to individual teachers to decide whether to undertake a masters level course. In the long term, the Government’s ambition is for teaching to become a masters level profession. This will help ensure that teachers are delivering the very best teaching and learning to children and young people, further boost the status of the teaching profession and bring England into line with the highest performing education systems in the world.

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 Will the MTL involve participants spending much time out of the classroom?

Given the flexible nature of the programme, it is difficult to give a definitive answer. The expectation is that the programme will be largely classroom-based, but there will also be opportunities for participants to meet each other and access some learning outside the classroom.

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