Bachelor of Primary Education

School of Education

If you are passionate about teaching children and inspiring a lifelong love of learning, the University of Notre Dame Australia’s Bachelor of Primary Education is the ideal choice for you. This four-year degree offers flexible full-time and part-time study options and is designed to prepare you to teach primary-aged children in Catholic, independent, and government schools across Australia. With a strong emphasis on practical classroom experience, you will graduate with the confidence, skills, and real-world teaching practice needed to succeed from day one. Contact us today and take the first step towards shaping the future of education.

• Why study this degree?

  When you study the Bachelor of Primary Education at the University of Notre Dame Australia, you will be inspired by our innovative approach to teaching, leading, learning, and pastoral care. This degree integrates educational theory with hands-on practice, equipping you with the academic knowledge and practical skills needed to support, engage, and extend primary-aged children in diverse classroom settings.

  The program focuses on the characteristics, development, and individual needs of primary school learners, preparing you to teach and lead at an excellent professional standard. You will develop strong foundations across the key learning areas of the primary curriculum, including English and literacy, Mathematics and numeracy, Science and Technology, the Arts, Health and Physical Education, and the social sciences, and Religious Education if you choose.

  A defining feature of this degree is its strong emphasis on professional experience. You will complete 30 weeks (150 days) of supervised school-based placements, allowing you to build confidence, refine your teaching practice, and graduate profession-ready to make a meaningful difference in the lives of the next generation. You can further tailor your degree by choosing a specialisation in Religious Education, making you eligible for accreditation to teach in Catholic schools, or in English Education, Mathematics Education, Service Learning and Social Justice (WA only), or Special and Inclusive Education.

• Program summary

  The Bachelor of Primary Education requires a total of 800 Units of Credit completed including:

  Year 1

  • EDUC1037 Academic Skills and Digital Literacy in the Age of Artificial Intelligence
  • EDUC1038 English 1: Language Learning and Literacy
  • EDUC1039 Foundations of Education
  • EDUC1040 Development and Learning (includes 10-day observation)
  • EDUC1041 Mathematics 1: Personal Numeracy
  • EDUC1042: Integral Human Development in Education

  Year 2

  • EDUC2069 Mathematics 2: Teaching and Algebra
  • EDUC2070 English 2: Reading Pedagogy
  • EDUC2071 Introduction to Teaching Principles
  • EDUC2076 Exploring Science in Primary Education: integrating Technology
  • EDUC3046 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Students: Culturally Responsive Connections
  • EDUC2077 Positive Learning Environments
  • EDUC2072/EDUC2073 Professional Experience 2 - Primary
  • Specialisation 1

  Year 3

  • EDUC3066 Enriching Inclusive Education
  • EDUC3067 Mathematics 3: Teaching Measurement & Statistics
  • EDUC3068 Health and Physical Education
  • EDUC3069 Wonders of the World Humanities in the Primary Curriculum
  • EDUC3070 English 3: Writing Pedagogy
  • EDUC3071/EUC3072 Professional Experience 3 - Primary
  • Specialisation 2
  • Specialisation 3

  Year 4

  • EDUC4044 Advanced Pedagogy and Professional Ethics
  • EDUC4045 Cultivating Creativity - The Arts in Education
  • EDUC4046 Mathematics 4: Advanced Pedagogy
  • EDUC4047 English 4: Engaging all Literacy Learners
  • EDUC4048 Exploring Technology in Primary Education: Integrating Science
  • EDUC4049/EDUC4050 Professional Engagement and Internship
  • Specialisation 4

  Minors

  • Mathematics Education: Primary
  • English Education: Primary
  • Science and Technology: Primary
  • Religious Education: Primary

  Specialisations

  • Special and Inclusive Education: Primary Specialisation
  • Service Learning and Social Justice Primary Specialisation (Fremantle only)

  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.

  Please note: the availability of these courses is indicative only and may be subject to change.

• Flexible delivery option

  In your first year, Sydney students can choose to enrol in two courses at the Oran Park Study Centre, and two courses at the Broadway Campus. Each course has a lecture and a tutorial. Our flipped learning model means lectures are prerecorded so you can watch them online at home or at the Study Centre with your peers before you come to your in-person tutorial.

• 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

  • 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).

  Experience Based Entry

  If you are currently in Year 12 and completing the ATAR, General, VET, or Enabling pathway, you may be eligible to secure a place at Notre Dame University through experience based entry. Mature age applicants can apply by combining their academic background with relevant work experience. See Experience Based Entry for further details.

  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

  • Prescribed ATAR/Selection Rank*

  OR

  • Equivalent International Baccalaureate (IB) score

  *Selection Ranks include ATAR plus Adjustment Factors.

  Applicants with Higher Education

  • 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).

• Reach Higher program

  Are you looking to become a primary school teacher while living in a rural, regional, or remote area of Australia? The Reach Higher initiative offers you the opportunity to pursue a Bachelor of Primary Education online via our Broome Campus. Our courses are designed to fit your lifestyle, featuring pre-recorded lectures and interactive online tutorials led by expert tutors.

  There are various options for your Professional Experience placements—stay close to home, explore local schools, or even embark on placements across Australia and overseas. Our nationally accredited 4 year degree equips you to teach primary school aged children across Australia and overseas.

  To graduate, you'll need to complete all your coursework and Professional Experience, as well as pass two external assessments: the Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education (LANTITE) or an alternate pathway, and the Graduate Teacher Performance Assessment (GTPA).

  Whether you're a school leaver, an Education Assistant, or a mature-age student, our flexible online model suits your needs, allowing you to study full-time or part-time. If you're currently working as a Teacher Assistant, you may also receive support from your employer (contact them for further information).

  Meet Bridgette

  Bridgette is a student in the Bachelor of Primary Education through the Reach Higher program. Her story shares the ways the Notre Dame Reach Higher program supports her to study remotely and to balance study with work and family commitments. Through Reach Higher, Bridgette is on the way to achieving her lifelong dream of becoming a teacher.

• Learning outcomes

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

  1. Synthesise knowledge of curriculum as prescribed in state syllabus documents and the Australian Curriculum
  2. Plan and implement teaching and learning engagements for children of diverse backgrounds and abilities based on sound understandings of pedagogy that draw on research and theory
  3. Demonstrate the appropriate cultural sensitivities and knowledges necessary to teach primary Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander students in ways that recognise, respect, and respond to their unique stories, cultures, practices and ways of knowing, being and seeing
  4. Apply research-based theory in multiple, varied and extended Professional Experience opportunities with accomplished teachers in a mentoring context in classrooms and schools
  5. Create effective learning opportunities and outcomes based on contemporary understandings of child development in the physical, social, cognitive, emotional, and cultural domains
  6. Demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to engage 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
  7. Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of continual professional development in both formal and informal settings in collaboration with colleagues inside and outside the school, to build collective teacher efficacy
  8. Demonstrate the ability to integrate contemporary information and communication technologies to enhance learning creatively and effectively
  9. Interpret student data to design and implement authentic assessment to report on and improve student learning
  10. Articulate professional values and ethical standards that demonstrate a commitment to secure socially just and sustainable futures for all learners

• Practical component

  Students are required to complete Bachelor of Primary Education that includes approximately 30 weeks of professional experience/internship. Students must meet all 38 descriptors of the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (graduate) on their final internship. The program is aligned with the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (graduate).

  Students must complete at least 200 units of credit before commencing their first professional experience placement. Students must meet Graduate Teacher Performance Assessment (GTPA) standard to pass their internship and graduate as per Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL) requirements.

  WA students will require a current Working with Children Check and a National Police Clearance Check within six months of expiry.

  Successful completion of Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education (LANTITE) is required before the Internship in the final year.

  NSW students will require Anaphylaxis E-training, Child Protection Awareness, DoE Consent, Mandatory Child Protection, Pre-service teacher acknowledgement and a Working with Children Check.

  NSW students must partake in the successful completion of Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education (LANTITE) that is required before the Internship in the final year.

• Career opportunities

  With a Bachelor of Primary Education, the skills you graduate with enable you to work in independent, government or Catholic schools.

• Real world experience

  You will learn from academics who are industry leaders, and, through 30 weeks of practicum placements and internship programs (much more than at other universities), you will gain real professional experience and make valuable contacts with potential employers.

• Professional accreditation

  The Bachelor of Primary Education has been accredited with the Teacher Registration Board of Western Australia which qualifies graduates for registration/accreditation as a teacher in any Australian state or territory.

• Opportunities and experiences

  At the University of Notre Dame, we believe that gaining a global perspective is an important part of your university education.

  Students can immerse themselves in other cultures with Study abroad, through our international exchange programs, study tours, and professional placements. These experiences provide valuable academic and personal growth while earning credit toward your degree.

  You can also engage with the world through Global experiences, volunteer opportunities and cross-cultural initiatives designed to develop your global citizenship and broaden your understanding of international communities.

  Visit Opportunities and experiences to find out more.

• Scholarships

  Scholarships provide financial support to students while they are completing their studies. There are various scholarships available to prospective and current students, across all study levels and campuses.

  These can be funded by Notre Dame, industry, individuals and non-profit organisations, to provide financial assistance to students to support costs associated with study. This could include buying food, paying rent, transport, and household bills, raising children as single parents, being a single-income household, becoming unemployed or caring for a sick loved one.

  Please visit the Scholarships Finder to see which scholarships are available to Undergraduate students.

• 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.

• More information

  Considering your uni options?
  Our advisers provide support while choosing a program of study and completing our application process.

  If you need advice about studying at Notre Dame, the Prospective Students Office can help. Book a 1-on-1 advice session with a career advisor or call us on 1800 878 916.

  Fremantle and Broome
  Email: future@nd.edu.au
  Address: 23 High St, Fremantle, WA 6160

  Sydney and Melbourne
  Email: sydney@nd.edu.au
  Address: 128-140 Broadway, Chippendale, NSW 2008

  International students
  If you need advice about studying at Notre Dame, fill out our Make an Enquiry form, and you can book a session with one of our friendly International Student Advisors.

  Fremantle and Broome International Office
  Phone: +61 8 9433 0873
  Address: 19 Mouat St, Fremantle, WA 6160
  Postal address: PO Box 1225, Fremantle WA 6959

  Sydney and Melbourne International Office
  Phone: +61 2 8204 4229
  Address: 140 Broadway, Chippendale, NSW 2008
  Postal address: PO Box 944, Broadway NSW 2007