The TDA received a letter on the 6th December 2010 from the Secretary of State for Education, Michael Gove, stating that he has decided to stop the central funding for new participants on the Masters in Teaching and Learning (MTL) programme with immediate effect. (The TDA have set up a helpline for further information: 0845 6024892.)

Those teachers who are already studying for the MTL will be funded to complete the programme.

In his letter the Secretary of State explains his decision:

“The quality of teaching and teachers’ professional development are of utmost importance, and I am committed to developing a strong culture of professional development where more teachers acquire postgraduate qualifications like Masters and Doctorates and where teachers are supported to progress further academically and deepen their subject knowledge. However, I also believe that teachers should decide for themselves which Masters level course is the right one for them and that a single Masters degree prescribed by Whitehall is not the right approach.”

We are disappointed that funding is withdrawn as we strongly believe that MTL is an innovative, practice-based, rigorous and appropriate M level qualification. This route however is now part of the M level Portfolio in a large number of HEIs in the North West.

We would also reiterate the Secretary of State’s stated wish to focus on a diverse range of M level opportunities for serving teachers rather than a national M level programme.

Please be assured that the seven higher education institutions in the North West will continue to offer a wide range of Masters Level qualifications appropriate for teachers across the region. Please contact your preferred HEI for more information:

Edge Hill University: Visit

Liverpool Hope University: Visit

Liverpool John Moores University: Visit

Manchester Metropolitan University: Visit

University of Chester: Visit

University of Cumbria: Visit

University of Manchester: Visit