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

School of Education

Do you love the idea of working with children in childcare or early childhood education? The University of Notre Dame Australia’s job-ready Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood & Care 0-8 years)/Bachelor of Arts is your degree. This five-year double degree has flexible full-time and part-time study options available. In addition, you will complete 32 weeks of essential practical experience in education and care settings. Contact us today to enrol.

• Why study this degree?

  If you are interested in the care and education of young children, this nationally recognised degree is a perfect choice. The Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood & Care 0-8 years)/Bachelor of Arts degree will equip you with the knowledge and skills to be the best childhood educator and carer you can be. As a result, graduates from The University of Notre Dame Australia are in high demand in the early childhood workplace.

  Our degree is a highly structured and intensive program which will qualify you to work in childcare or an early childhood school setting with children from birth to 8 years old.

  The Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood & Care 0-8 years) degree combines educational theory and classroom learning with an integral practical component. At the same time, the Bachelor of Arts degree will allow you to major in an area of your choosing to develop your academic standing.

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

  The Education component will cover traditional subjects such as English, Mathematics, and early childhood-specific courses in Play and Pedagogy. In addition, you will carry out the essential practical component of 32 weeks in childcare and classroom settings. A unique feature is that this practicum experience counts towards your degree.

  When you study The Bachelor of Arts component, 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 (Early Childhood & Care 0-8 years)/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 Western Australia must pass 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

  Courses	Units of Credit
  Core Curriculum courses	50
  Education compulsory courses	725
  Arts Major courses	200
  Arts elective courses	100
  Total units of credit in the double degree	1100

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

  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, 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 reflected 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
  9. Develop dispositions for continued learning in evolving teaching contexts including the development of skills in inquiry, self-reflection, and advocacy

  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 must complete a minimum of 32 weeks of practicum in the following courses:

  • Year 1: EDUC1591 Professional Experience 1 Early Childhood and Care (2 continuous weeks in duration – 80 hours)
  • Year 2: EDUC2594 Professional Experience 2 Early Childhood and Care (10 continuous weeks in duration – 400 hours)
  • Year 3: EDUC3527 Professional Experience 3 Early Childhood and Care (10 continuous weeks in duration – 400 hours)
  • Year 4: EDUC4002 Professional Experience 4 Early Childhood and Care (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 (Early Childhood & Care 0-8 years)/Bachelor of Arts 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. The Bachelor of Arts component will give you further opportunities to specialise and advance your teaching or childcare career in your chosen setting.

• 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 (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.

• 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 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 (Early Childhood & Care: 0-8 Years) / Bachelor of Arts 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)	N/A	N/A
  (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	100%
  International students	N/A	N/A
  All students	<N/P	100.0%

  TABLE 1b – Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood & Care: 0-8 Years) / Bachelor of Arts 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.