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

School of Education

Do you desire to care for and educate young children? The University of Notre Dame Australia’s job-ready Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood & Care: 0-8 years)/Bachelor of Science is your degree. This five-year double degree has flexible full-time or part-time study options available and will give you the qualifications you need to work in childcare and school settings. If you love science and want to share your passion with young children, this double degree could be an ideal combination. You will complete 32 weeks of essential practical experience in various educational and care settings. So get in contact with us today to start making a difference.

• Why study this degree?

  If you are interested in the care and education of young children, this double degree is perfect. The Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood & Care: 0-8 years)/Bachelor of Science degree will equip you with the knowledge and skills to be the best childhood educator and carer. In addition, the Bachelor of Science component will provide opportunities to share your love of science in the classroom.

  Our nationally recognised double degree is a highly structured and intensive program that qualifies you to work in childcare or an early childhood school setting with children from birth to 8 years old. As a result, Notre Dame University Australia graduates are in high demand in the workplace.

  The Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood & Care: 0-8 years) degree combines educational theory and classroom learning with an essential practical component. At the same time, the Bachelor of Science degree will develop your specialised science knowledge and academic standing.

  When you study at Notre Dame, you will be inspired by our innovative approach to teaching and learning with the latest in learning technologies. In addition, 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 of the double degree will cover traditional subjects such as English, Mathematics and Humanities and early childhood-specific courses in Play and Pedagogy. In addition, you will carry out an integral practical component of 32 weeks in various childcare and classroom settings. A unique feature is that this practicum experience directly counts towards your degree.

  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 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.

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

  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	75
  Education compulsory courses	725
  Science compulsory courses	300
  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 Science Program Requirements for details about Sciences 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, organisations, 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 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 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 Science will be able to work in Australia as Early Childhood teachers in Catholic, Independent and Government schools as a generalist or specialist science teacher. You will also be qualified to work in childcare facilities. 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 (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.

• 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.