Bachelor of Primary Education

School of Education

If you are passionate about teaching children and fostering an enthusiasm for lifelong learning, The University of Notre Dame Australia’s Bachelor of Primary Education degree is the ideal choice for you. The four-year degree has flexible full-time or part-time study options available. Our degree will prepare you to teach primary-aged children in Catholic, independent and government Schools in Australia. Contact us today to be the future of education.

• Why study this degree?

  When you study for a Bachelor of Primary Education degree at Notre Dame you will be inspired by our innovative approach to teaching, learning and pastoral care. Our degree will provide the academic skills you need to support, engage, and extend primary-aged children by integrating theory and practice. While studying this degree, you will complete 30 weeks of school-based professional teaching experience.

  The Bachelor of Primary Education program focuses on the characteristics, development and needs of primary school children and the knowledge, skills and experience you will need to teach them at an excellent standard. Courses focus on the Key Learning Areas (school subjects) in the primary curriculum – English and literacy, Mathematics and numeracy, Science and Technology, the Arts, Health and Physical Education and the social sciences. You will complete 30 weeks (150 days) of professional experience placements in schools, building your skills and confidence to enter the profession than changes the lives of the next generation. You can select a Specialisation in Religious Education, which will make 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

  Year One

  • EDUC1037 Academic Skills and Digital Literacy in the Age of Artificial Intelligence
  • CORE 1000 Foundations of Wisdom
  • EDUC1038 English 1: Language Learning and Literacy
  • EDUC1039 Foundations of Education
  • EDUC1040 Development and Learning (includes 10-day observation)
  • CORE Elective
  • EDUC1041 Mathematics 1: Personal Numeracy
  • EDUC1042 Integral Human Development in Education

  Year Two

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

  Year Three

  • EDUC3066 Enriching Inclusive Education
  • EDUC3067 Mathematics 3: Teaching Measurement & Statistics
  • Specialisation 2
  • EDUC3068 Health and Physical Education
  • EDUC3069 Wonders of the World Humanities in the Primary curriculum
  • Specialisation 3
  • EDUC3070 English 3: Writing Pedagogy
  • EDUC3071 (Fremantle) EDUC3072 (Sydney) Professional Experience 3

  Year Four

  • 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
  • Specialisation 4
  • EDUC4048 Exploring Technology in Primary Education: Integrating Science
  • EDUC4049 (Fremantle) EDUC4050 (Sydney) Professional Engagement and Internship

  Specialisations

  • English
  • Mathematics
  • Science and Technology
  • Service Learning and Social Justice
  • Special and Inclusive Education
  • Religious Education

  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.

• 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).

  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). See here for details.

  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.

• 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, practises 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; and
  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

  During the course of your degree, you will be required to complete 27 - 32 weeks of practical professional experience.

  • EDUC1040 Development and Learning
  • EDUC2072 (Fremantle) EDUC2073 (Sydney) Professional Experience 2
  • EDUC3071 (Fremantle) EDUC3072 (Sydney) Professional Experience 3
  • EDUC4049 (Fremantle) EDUC4050 (Sydney) Professional Engagement and Internship

  To be able to undertake Professional Experience students will require documentation and checks depending on their state.

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

  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.

  Both WA and 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. We offer various opportunities for students to study abroad and become active global citizens. These opportunities include exchange programs, professional placements, study tours, and volunteer opportunities. 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 advisors 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

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

  Sydney and Melbourne

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