Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood & Care 0-8 years)

School of Education

Have you always had a special interest in early years education? Can you imagine the joy that comes with fostering a child’s learning and development? Our Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood & Care 0-8 years) program provides you with a qualification to work with young children in early learning centres nationally and within primary school settings in Western Australia. This program integrates theory and practice throughout the four years and allows you to experience early years settings in the program's first semester.

• Why study this degree?

  This highly-structured and intensive program qualifies you to work with children in early learning centres nationally and within primary school settings in Western Australia (WA). Designed to offer maximum flexibility in delivery modes and completion pathways, this program strikes an important balance of theory and practice. With the support of your lecturers and tutors you will be equipped to begin your first practicum in the first semester of the program.

  In addition to core developmental and learning areas, students must engage in practicum across early learning centres and schools, depending on the selected pathway. The Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood & Care 0-8 years) also offers students the unique opportunity to complete either a Religious Education pathway to teach in the Catholic sector or to complete a Major in Inclusivity and Disability.

  The program is innovative in design, providing exciting entry pathways if you are already working in the early learning context. Ask us about the early years pathway most suited to your circumstances. There is also the option to exit the degree in WA after completing three years of study, with a Bachelor of Early Childhood & Care 0-8 years for the pre-compulsory school setting.

  Please note: Education students who select the WA birth-eight program pathway must pass the National Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education Students (LANTITE). The Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) administer the test externally. Students must register, pay for the test and pass this to graduate from the program.

• Program summary

  The four year Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood & Care 0-8 years) contains a range of pedagogically based courses and curriculum courses. The program is structured to develop the theoretical and philosophical base of early years education and care on which pedagogical decisions are made. A strong play-based pedagogical approach is integrated within all courses, and students are provided with 80 - 95 days of professional practice to enact their learnings.

  In addition, you will complete two core courses, unique to The University of Notre Dame Australia. The core courses engage students in critical thinking skills and contribute to the development of the whole person.

  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

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

  More information regarding courses can be found at the course descriptions pages Fremantle Sydney.

• 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 70

  OR

  • International Baccalaureate (IB) score of 25

  *Selection Ranks include ATAR plus Adjustment Factors.

  Applicants with Higher Education Study

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

  OR

  • Successful completion of the Notre Dame Tertiary Pathway Program (TPP), or a tertiary preparation program from another institution that is deemed to be of a similar academic rigour to the Notre Dame TPP

  *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).

  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 135 in the Multiple Choice section and 140 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.

  Entry requirements NSW

  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*

  OR

  • International Baccalaureate (IB) score

  *Selection Ranks include ATAR plus Adjustment Factors.

  Applicants with Higher Education Study

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

  OR

  • Successful completion of the Notre Dame Tertiary Pathway Program (TPP), or a tertiary preparation program from another institution that is deemed to be of a similar academic rigour to the Notre Dame TPP

  *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).

  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 (Early Childhood & Care 0-8 years) graduates will:

  1. Synthesise knowledge of current research and theoretical perspectives of early years education
  2. Synthesise knowledge of relevant and current perspectives on child development for the emotional, personal, social, language, cognitive, physical, spiritual, creative, and cultural domains in order to make planning, teaching and assessment responsive to the needs of the child
  3. Demonstrate the required knowledge of curriculum and policy frameworks and their application across early years’ contexts
  4. Critically reflect on international perspectives and contemporary issues in early childhood
  5. Demonstrate effective communication and collaborative skills in a variety of early years’ contexts
  6. Demonstrate competence in planning and implementing teaching and learning engagements for children from diverse backgrounds and of ranging abilities, based on sound understandings of early years’ pedagogy drawn from research and theory
  7. Apply professional and practice knowledge and skills to plan, teach, assess, and evaluate programs that establish a strong foundation for children’s well-being and future success
  8. Utilise skills for engaging appropriate and effective partnerships with families, communities, organizations and other professionals; and
  9. Develop dispositions for continued learning in evolving teaching contexts including the development of skills in inquiry, self-reflection, and advocacy.

• Practical component

  Students are required to complete all practicums within the program.

  Year one

  • EDUC1028: Teaching and learning in context (includes 10 days PE: K/PP)

  Year two

  • EDUC2053: Early intervention in Early Childhood Contexts (includes 20 days PE: 0– 2-year-olds)

  Year three

  • NSW: EDUC3054: The Reflective Practitioner (incl. 10 days PE)
  • WA: EDUC3055: Theory to practice: K/PP placement – 25 days (B.Ed) & 50 days (B.EL)

  Year four

  • NSW: EDUC3058: Theory to practice: K/PP placement – 50 days (B.Ed)
  • WA: EDUC4002: Teaching internship – 40 days (5–8-year-olds)

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

• Career opportunities

  Teachers graduating with a Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood & Care 0-8 years) degree will be able to work in Australia as early childhood primary school teachers in Catholic, Independent and Government schools; or in community and government organisations as a carer, including long day care, family day care, pre-schools, after-hours care.

• Real-world experience

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

• Professional accreditation

  The Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood & Care 0-8 years) 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).

  The Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood & Care 0-8 years) is also accredited by the National Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority. To obtain teacher registration, students must apply to their local Teaching Authority and are advised to check their specific State-based requirements.

• 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:

  
  

  Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
  A Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) is a place at a university where the Australian 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, which is 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. 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.

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

  
  

  International Full-Fee Paying
  Tuition costs depend on an international student’s study load and discipline. Fees are payable each semester at least four weeks prior to the commencement of your program.

  
  

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

• Student profile data

  The tables below give 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.

  TABLE 1a – Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood and Care 0-8 years) BASIS OF ADMISSION IN SEMESTER 1, 2021 INTAKE

  Applicant background	Semester 1 2021
  	Number of students	Percentage of all students
  (A) Higher education study (includes a bridging or enabling course)	14	43%
  (B) Vocational education and training (VET) study	<5	N/P
  (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)	10	48%
  International students	N/A	N/A
  All students	28	100.0%

  TABLE 1b – Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood and Care 0-8 years) ATAR PROFILE DATA FOR APPLICANTS ENTERING ON THE BASIS OF RECENT SECONDARY EDUCATION IN SEMESTER 1, 2021 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

• 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 contact our Prospective Students Office.

  Fremantle and Broome Phone: +61 8 9433 0533 Email: future@nd.edu.au

  Sydney and Melbourne Phone: +61 2 8204 4404 Email: sydney@nd.edu.au

  
  

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