Bachelor of Education (Primary) / Bachelor of Science

School of Education

Are you passionate about teaching young children and fostering an enthusiasm for lifelong learning? The University of Notre Dame Australia’s Bachelor of Education (Primary) / Bachelor of Science degree is the ideal choice. The five-year double degree has flexible full-time or part-time study options available. It will prepare you to teach primary-aged children in Australian Catholic, Independent and Government Schools. If you have a love of science and would like to share your passion with primary-aged children, this double degree could be an ideal combination. You will complete 32 weeks of essential practical experience in various primary schools. Get in contact with us today to start making a difference.

• Why study this degree?

  The University of Notre Dame Australia’s Bachelor of Education (Primary)/Bachelor of Science qualification is recommended if you want to share your science knowledge. This nationally recognised five-year double degree combines educational theory and classroom learning with an essential practical component. Studying a Bachelor of Science will allow you to share your love of science in the classroom or further afield. Notre Dame University Australia graduates are in high demand.

  When you study at Notre Dame, you will be inspired by our innovative approach to teaching and learning with the latest learning technologies.  Our degree will provide the academic skills you need to support, engage, and extend primary-aged children by integrating theory and practice.

  You will choose one specialist subject area for your education degree. Follow your passion and choose from Science, HASS, Special Needs, Drama, Service Learning and Social Justice, Mathematics, and English.

  When you study The Bachelor of Science component, you study a combination of core interdisciplinary science courses, including Experimental design, Maths, Biology and Chemistry.

  These courses will provide you with the basis for strong skills in scientific investigation, including data collection and analysis, critical thinking, problem-solving, teamwork, and effective communication. These skills are highly sought after by employers within and outside the field of science.

  To further deepen your study of science, you will select a stream to match your interests. The courses available include Biology & Environment, Environment & Heritage, Human & Medical Science, and Multidisciplinary Science. You will acquire in-depth knowledge and skills through hands-on experience in the classroom, laboratory and the field.

  You will complete 32 weeks of school-based professional teaching practice as an integral part of your degree. You will experience total immersion in a classroom environment and gain valuable insights into your chosen career. Get in touch today to find out more.

• Program summary

  Courses	Units of Credit
  Core Curriculum courses	75
  Education compulsory courses	705
  Science compulsory courses	300
  Total units of credit in the double degree	1180

  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 Science Program Requirements for details of Science Streams 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 to continually improve teaching, on-going learning to maintain and improve knowledge and skills, collaboration to engage effectively with professional colleagues within and beyond the school, and responsibility to ensure mindfulness of all aspects of children’s achievement and wellbeing within schools and school systems

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

  1. Articulate the methods and philosophy of Science and explain why current scientific knowledge is both contestable and testable
  2. Explain the role and relevance of Science in society
  3. Apply broad and coherent theoretical and technical knowledge with depth in one or more disciplines
  4. Synthesise and critically evaluate information from a range of sources
  5. Design scientific investigations, collect and interpret data and draw conclusions showing creativity in problem solving
  6. Conduct investigations using practical and theoretical approaches
  7. Communicate results, information, and arguments to audiences for a range of purposes and in a variety of modes
  8. Apply current regulatory frameworks and exercise high personal and professional ethical standards; and
  9. Work independently as a reflective, self-directed learner and, where appropriate, in collaboration with others.

• 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 Science degree will be able to work in Australia as primary school teachers in Catholic, Independent and Government schools as generalist or specialist Science Teachers. While the Bachelor of Science component prepares you for a wide range of careers depending on your science major, including specialist science teacher, food chemist, data scientist, marine scientist, or laboratory technician, to name a few.

• 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.

• Student profile data

  The tables below gives an indication of the likely peer cohort for new students in this Program. It provides data on all students who commenced in this Program in the most relevant recent intake period, including those admitted through all offer rounds and international students studying in Australia.

  Fremantle Student Profile Data

  TABLE 1a – Bachelor of Education (Primary) / Bachelor of Science BASIS OF ADMISSION IN SEMESTER 1, 2022 INTAKE

  Applicant background	Semester 1 2022
  	Number of students	Percentage of all students
  (A) Higher education study (includes a bridging or enabling course)	<5	N/P
  (B) Vocational education and training (VET) study	N/A	N/A
  (C) Work and life experience (Admitted on the basis of previous achievement not in the other three categories)	N/A	N/A
  (D) Recent secondary education: Admitted solely on the basis of ATAR (regardless of whether this includes the consideration of adjustment factors such as equity or subject bonus points)	N/A	N/A
  Admitted where both ATAR and additional criteria were considered (e.g. portfolio, audition, interview, extra test, early offer conditional on minimum ATAR)	<5	N/P
  Admitted on the basis of other criteria only and ATAR was not a factor (e.g. special consideration, audition alone, interview, school marks &   recommendation with no minimum ATAR requirement)	<5	N/P
  International students	N/A	N/A
  All students	N/P	100.0%

  TABLE 1b – Bachelor of Education (Primary) / Bachelor of Science ATAR PROFILE DATA FOR APPLICANTS ENTERING ON THE BASIS OF RECENT SECONDARY EDUCATION IN SEMESTER 1, 2022 INTAKE

  RECENT SECONDARY EDUCATION - ATAR-based offers	ATAR (Excluding adjustment factors) *	Selection Rank (ATAR plus any adjustment factors) *[only if relevant]
  Highest rank to receive an offer	N/A	N/A
  Median rank to receive an offer	N/A	N/A
  Lowest rank to receive an offer	N/A	N/A

  Notes:  

  “<5” – the number of students is less than 5
  N/A – Students not accepted in this category
  N/P – Not published: the number is hidden to prevent the calculation of numbers in cells with less than 5 students

  In 2022, due to COVID, additional adjustment factor points were granted to applicants from NSW, ACT and VIC.

• 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.