If your ambition is to teach in a primary school, this five-year double degree from The University of Notre Dame Australia is the ideal qualification. Recognized by the Teacher Registration Board of Western Australia, our Bachelor of Education (Primary)/Bachelor of Arts combines educational theory and classroom learning, with plenty of hands-on teaching opportunities.

The degree offers contemporary coursework, exposure to the latest learning technologies, and the integration of theory and practice. In addition to acquiring the academic skills needed to teach primary school age children, you will also be required to choose one specialist subject area such as Mathematics, Science, English, Humanities, Special Needs, Service Learning and Social Justice or Theatre Studies.

The Bachelor of Arts component of this double degree will give you a depth of knowledge. You will study a Major in an area such as English Literature, Social Justice, Politics and International Relations, History, Archaeology or Theatre Studies which will give you in-depth, specialist knowledge and skills that will allow you to inspire and guide your young students in the classroom and contribute to the cultural and intellectual life of society.

The Arts component will also develop your ability to analyze, interpret, deliberate, draw conclusions, communicate, work as a team member and problem-solve. You will be able to consider multiple perspectives and handle ambiguity and uncertainty. These are the skills needed in the creative industries of the 21st century workplace.

The practical component of your degree involves 32 weeks of teaching practice spread across five years. This extensive teaching apprenticeship provides a total immersion in the classroom environment, exposing you to the lived experience of a teacher.

Program summary

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.

Teachers graduating with a Bachelor of Education (Primary)/Bachelor of Arts will be able to work in Australia as primary school teachers in Catholic, Independent and Government schools. The Bachelor of Arts component will prepare you for a range of careers including education leadership roles.

Applicants must meet High school qualifications (or equivalent) to apply for undergraduate program. Academic minimum entry requirements for international applicants vary from country to count

A minimum overall score of 7.5 in IELTS Academic, with no score lower than 8.0 in speaking and listening, and no score lower than 7.0 in reading and writing.