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 Science 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.

As part of the Bachelor of Science component of the double degree you will study a set of core interdisciplinary Science courses including experimental design, math’s, biology and chemistry. These courses 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 sort after by employers and applicable to many workplaces both within and outside of the field of Science.

Building on this core Science courses, you will deepen your study of Science by selecting a Science Stream that matches your interests: Biology & Environment, Environment & Heritage, Human & Medical Science, or Multidisciplinary Science. Each Stream ensures in-depth knowledge and skill development through practical hands-on experience in the classroom, the laboratory, and in the field. This will prepare you well to inspire your young students and teach Science within an educational setting.

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.

See Bachelor of Science Program Requirements for details of Science Streams and courses

Teachers graduating with a Bachelor of Education (Primary )/ Bachelor of Science degree will be able to work in Australia as primary school teachers in Catholic, Independent and Government schools as generalist or specialist Science Teachers. 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.

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.