Bachelor of Education (Primary) / Bachelor of Arts

School of Education

Are you passionate about teaching children and fostering an enthusiasm for lifelong learning? The University of Notre Dame Australia’s Bachelor of Education (Primary)/Bachelor of Arts degree is the ideal choice. The five-year double degree has flexible full-time or part-time study options available. A Bachelor of Arts allows you a major in an area that interests you, providing you with in-depth specialist knowledge. Our degree will prepare you to teach primary-aged children in Catholic, Independent and Government Schools Australia-wide. So start your journey today to be the future of education.

  • Why study this degree?

    If your ambition is to shape young minds of the future, this is the degree for you. The University of Notre Dame Australia’s Bachelor of Education (Primary)/Bachelor of Arts degree qualification is a nationally recognised five-year double degree. Our teaching degree combines educational theory and classroom learning with an essential practical component. The Bachelor of Arts will develop your academic standing.

    When you study for a Bachelor of Education (Primary) degree at Notre Dame, you will be inspired by our innovative approach to teaching and learning with the latest in learning technologies. Our double degree will provide the academic skills you need to support, engage, and extend primary-aged children by integrating theory and practice.

    You will complete 32 weeks of school-based professional teaching practice as an integral part of your degree. As a result, you will experience total immersion in a classroom environment and gain valuable insights into your chosen career.

    You will choose one specialist subject area for your Bachelor of Education (Primary) degree. Areas of interest include Science, HASS, Special Needs, Drama, Service Learning and Social Justice, Mathematics, and English.

    When you study the Bachelor of Arts component of this double degree, you will choose a major in an area of special interest, such as English Literature, Social Justice, Politics and International Relations, History, Archaeology and Theatre Studies.

    Your chosen major will provide you with in-depth, specialist knowledge and skills. Our Bachelor of Arts degrees will develop your ability to analyse, interpret, deliberate, draw conclusions, communicate, work as a team member and problem-solve, all skills needed in the 21st-century workplace.

    Graduating with a double Bachelor of Education (Primary)/Bachelor of Arts degree will give you the edge and open further employment opportunities.  Get in touch today to find out more.

    Please note: Education students in WA must sit the national Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education Students (LANTITE). The test is administered externally by the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER). You must register and pay for the test.

  • Program summary

    CoursesUnits of Credit
    Core Curriculum courses 75
    Education compulsory courses 705
    Arts Major courses 200
    Arts elective courses 100
    Total units of credit in the double degree 1080

    Core Curriculum

    • CORE I: Foundations of Wisdom
    • CORE II: Elective
      • Electives in philosophy and\or theology
      • Professional embedded electives that integrate studies in a profession with philosophy and\or theology
      • An option to undertake a pilgrimage embedded in the study of the philosophy and theology of pilgrimage, e.g., World Youth Day
      • An option to undertake a course that integrates philosophy & theology with community service and charity work
      • An option to undertake an elective in philosophy, theology, and the liberal arts contained within an international experience

    More information regarding courses can be found at the course descriptions page.

    Full details of the program requirements are contained in the Program Requirements.

    See Bachelor of Arts Program Requirements for details about Arts Majors and courses.

  • Entry requirements

    Entry requirements WA

    Academic requirements for this program are outlined below.  In addition, to be eligible for admission, all applicants need to satisfy the Minimum University Admission Requirements outlined. These include those relating to minimum age and English Language Proficiency.  We also consider your application more broadly – your non-academic achievements (such as any previous leadership roles, volunteering, work, church and/or community involvement) as well as personal qualities - your aspirations and interests and your capacity to complete your chosen program.  See Individual Factors for further details regarding this.

    Applicants with recent Secondary Education

    • Indicative ATAR/Selection Rank* of 75

    OR

    • International Baccalaureate (IB) score of 27

    *Selection Ranks include ATAR plus Adjustment Factors.

    Applicants with Higher Education Study

    • Successful completion of 4 subjects at an undergraduate level or higher*

    *Applicants who have successfully completed subjects at another University, which are relevant to the selected program of study, may be eligible for credit (Advanced Standing).

    Note: Tertiary Preparation Programs are not accepted for entry.

    Applicants with Vocational Education and Training (VET) study

    • Successful completion of AQF Certificate IV or higher from an accredited provider such as TAFE or a Registered Training Organisation (RTO)

    Applicants with Work and Life Experience

    Applicants who left secondary education more than two years previously and who have not undertaken VET or higher education study since may be considered for direct entry. This includes applicants who have completed Steiner, Montessori or home school curriculums. To qualify, applicants must be 20 years of age as at 1 March in the year of intake and meet one or more of the following:

    • Applicants who have completed at least two years of relevant work experience may be considered for direct entry. Applicants must provide evidence of their work experience, including duties undertaken and years of experience, and they must demonstrate that they have the academic capability to undertake undergraduate studies. The Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) may be required.

    OR

    • Completion of STAT with scores of at least 150 in the Multiple Choice section and 150 in the Written English section.

    OR

    • Completion of two Year 12 WACE, HSC or equivalent exams, with a result equivalent to the Indicative ATAR/Selection Rank listed under Secondary Education section above.

    *STAT results must have been obtained within the last three calendar years in order to be considered (e.g. for 2024 admission, STAT results obtained in 2023, 2022 or 2021 can be considered).

    Discipline Specific Requirements

    • Applicants to all initial teacher education programs must complete a statement of purpose. This assesses non-academic capabilities important for success in the teaching profession. Assessment of non-academic capabilities for entry into teacher education is a national requirement. View more information regarding this requirement.

    Please note: all applicants must be of school leaving age or older to apply.

  • Learning outcomes

    Upon successful completion of the Bachelor of Education (Primary) graduates will be able to:

    1. Demonstrate the required knowledge of curriculum as prescribed in the WA Syllabus documents and the Australian Curriculum
    2. Employ effective practices for planning and implementing teaching and learning engagements for children of diverse backgrounds and abilities, and based on sound understandings of pedagogy that draw on research and theory
    3. Demonstrate learning gained from applying on-campus studies of research-based theory in multiple, varied and extended Professional Experience opportunities with accomplished teachers in a mentoring context in classrooms and schools
    4. Have established relevant and current understandings of child development for the physical, social, cognitive, emotional, and cultural domains that will enable accurate and useful planning, programming and assessment of learning and for learning
    5. Utilise skills for engaging appropriately and effectively with parents and caregivers, as well as stakeholder professionals and external organisations, through the acquisition of a wide and varied repertoire of assessment, evaluation, reporting and communication strategies
    6. Exemplify dispositions of critical reflection for the continual improvement of teaching, commitment to on-going learning to maintain and improve knowledge and skills, effective collaboration to engage with professional colleagues within and beyond the school, and mindfulness of all aspects of children’s achievement and wellbeing within schools and school systems

    Upon successful completion of the Bachelor of Arts graduates will be able to:

    1. Demonstrate broad theoretical and practical knowledge, with depth in the underlying principles and concepts of one or more disciplines or practice areas
    2. Identify appropriate sources and evaluate information
    3. Demonstrate an awareness of different conceptual approaches and/or research methods
    4. Demonstrate the technical skills, professional skills and ethical practice required by one or more disciplines
    5. Synthesise knowledge and apply skills in order to solve complex problems
    6. Communicate arguments and/or ideas in a range of forms
    7. Work independently and, where appropriate, in collaboration with others; and
    8. Reflect upon personal knowledge, skills and experiences.
  • Practical component

    Students are required to complete the Bachelor of Education (Primary) that includes a minimum of 32 weeks of practicum in the following courses:

    • EDUC1391 Professional Experience 1 Primary (2 continuous weeks in duration – 80 hours)
    • EDUC2394 Professional Experience 2 Primary (10 continuous weeks in duration – 400 hours)
    • EDUC3394 Professional Experience 3 Primary (10 continuous weeks in duration – 400 hours)
    • EDUC4391 Professional Experience 4 Primary (10 continuous weeks in duration – 400 hours)

    Students are required to provide relevant clearance documents as directed by the School of Education.

  • Career opportunities

    Teachers graduating with a Bachelor of Education (Primary)/Bachelor of Arts will be able to work in Australia as primary school teachers in Catholic, Independent and Government schools. The Bachelor of Arts component will prepare you for a range of careers including education leadership roles.

  • Real-world experience

    You will learn from academics who are industry leaders and, through our practicum placements and internship programs, you will gain real professional experience and make valuable contacts with potential employers.

  • Professional accreditation

    The Bachelor of Education (Primary) is accredited by the national body the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL) via the agency of the Teachers Registration Board of Western Australia (TRBWA).

  • Study abroad

    A global perspective adds a valuable dimension to your university education. At Notre Dame University you can study while experiencing the world. We encourage students to become active global citizens through a range of exchange programs, professional placements, study tours, and volunteer opportunities. Visit International Opportunities to find out more.

  • Fees and costs

    This Program has the following loan scheme(s) available for eligible students:


    CSP
    A Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) is a place at university where the government pays part of your fees. This part is a subsidy, not a loan, and you don’t have to pay it back. However, this subsidy does not cover the entire cost of your study. Students must pay the rest, called the ‘student contribution amount’.

    In a Commonwealth Supported Place, your fees are subsidised by the Australian Government. Your fees will be split into two portions:

    • The Commonwealth contribution, which is the portion paid by the Australian Government.
    • The student contribution, which is the portion you pay. You may choose to pay upfront or defer your student contribution with a HECS-HELP Loan.

    Eligible students will be offered a CSP – you do not need to apply.


    HECS-HELP
    The HECS-HELP loan scheme assists eligible students with the payment of all, or part, of their tuition fees, not including additional study costs such as accommodation or textbooks. Your HECS-HELP debt will be indexed each year in line with the Consumer Price Index.


    For indicative fees and information on how to pay, including Government loan schemes and our online calculator, visit our Fees Page.

  • More information

    Considering your uni options?

    Talk to one of our career advisors for a personalised advice session. Our advisors provide support while choosing a program of study and completing our application process. Book my session.


    For more information, please call our Prospective Students Office on +61 8 9433 0533 or email future@nd.edu.au.


    All international enquiries should contact the International Students Office on international@nd.edu.au.

Our students give us top marks

  • No.1 in WA Overall Satisfaction*

  • No.1 in WA Full-time Employment*

  • No.1 in WA Overall Employment*

  • No.1 uni in Australia Overall Employment**

  • No.1 uni in WA
    Skills Development ***

  • No.1 uni in NSW & WA
    Learner Engagement ****

*2021 Graduate Outcomes Survey, undergraduate and postgraduate coursework categories, **2021 Graduate Outcomes Survey-Longitudinal (medium term outcome), undergraduate category, ***2021 Student Experience Survey, postgraduate category and ****2021 Student Experience Survey, postgraduate category - qilt.edu.au

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