Have you always had a special interest in early years education? Can you imagine the joy that comes with fostering a child’s learning and development? Our Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood & Care 0-8 years) program provides you with a qualification to work with young children in early learning centres nationally and within primary school settings in Western Australia. This program integrates theory and practice throughout the four years and allows you to experience early years settings in the program's first semester.

Why study this degree?

This highly-structured and intensive program qualifies you to work with children in early learning centres nationally and within primary school settings in Western Australia (WA). Designed to offer maximum flexibility in delivery modes and completion pathways, this program strikes an important balance of theory and practice. With the support of your lecturers and tutors you will be equipped to begin your first practicum in the first semester of the program.

In addition to core developmental and learning areas, students must engage in practicum across early learning centres and schools, depending on the selected pathway. The Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood & Care 0-8 years) also offers students the unique opportunity to complete either a Religious Education pathway to teach in the Catholic sector or to complete a Major in Inclusivity and Disability.

The program is innovative in design, providing exciting entry pathways if you are already working in the early learning context. Ask us about the early years pathway most suited to your circumstances. There is also the option to exit the degree in WA after completing three years of study, with a Bachelor of Early Childhood & Care 0-8 years for the pre-compulsory school setting.

Please note: Education students who select the WA birth-eight program pathway must pass the National Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education Students (LANTITE). The Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) administer the test externally. Students must register, pay for the test and pass this to graduate from the program.

The four year Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood & Care 0-8 years) contains a range of pedagogically based courses and curriculum courses. The program is structured to develop the theoretical and philosophical base of early years education and care on which pedagogical decisions are made. A strong play-based pedagogical approach is integrated within all courses, and students are provided with 80 - 95 days of professional practice to enact their learnings.

In addition, you will complete two core courses, unique to The University of Notre Dame Australia. The core courses engage students in critical thinking skills and contribute to the development of the whole person.

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.

Teachers graduating with a Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood & Care 0-8 years) degree will be able to work in Australia as early childhood primary school teachers in Catholic, Independent and Government schools; or in community and government organisations as a carer, including long day care, family day care, pre-schools, after-hours care.

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.