The University of Cumbria study found 70 per cent of student teachers thought making it Masters-level would lead to better job prospects.

In total, 66 per cent thought it would make a positive contribution to teaching practice. The study, which was done with educational resource group ESCalate, looked at the added value Masters level credits would bring to teaching.

It surveyed 1,500 student teachers along with 50 teacher educators.

Alison Jackson, ESCalate leader at the university, said: "Teachers do believe it will improve the quality of work."

The government said it wanted teaching to become a Masters-level profession in The Children's Plan.