Bachelor of Primary Education

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Notre Dame Fremantle

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Primary Education at The University of Notre Dame Australia, Fremantle Campus, is designed for students who are passionate about inspiring young learners and creating positive educational experiences in primary school settings. This program combines educational theory, classroom practice, and professional development to prepare future teachers with the confidence, leadership skills, and practical experience needed to succeed in modern primary education.

Curriculum Structure:

First Year

In the first year, students build a strong foundation in education principles and child development through courses such as Introduction to Education and Child Development. Units like Literacy and Numeracy in the Primary Classroom introduce essential teaching strategies that help future educators support foundational reading, writing, and mathematical skills in young learners.

Second Year

During the second year, students deepen their understanding of curriculum planning and inclusive teaching practices through subjects such as Curriculum Design and Assessment and Inclusive Education. The curriculum also includes studies like Science and Technology in the Primary Classroom, helping students explore innovative and engaging approaches to teaching across different learning areas.

Third Year

In the third year, students further strengthen their professional teaching skills through practical placements, classroom management studies, and advanced pedagogical training. These experiences allow students to apply their developing knowledge in real educational settings while building confidence in lesson planning, student engagement, and assessment practices.

Fourth Year

The final year focuses on professional readiness, leadership, and reflective teaching practice through units such as Professional Practice, Leadership in Education, and Social Justice in Education. Extensive teaching placements give students valuable classroom experience while encouraging them to think critically about inclusive education, equity, and their future role as educational leaders.

Focus Areas:

Primary education, child development, curriculum development, inclusive education, classroom management, literacy and numeracy teaching, educational leadership, and professional teaching practice.

Learning Outcomes:

Develop effective teaching strategies, understand child development and learning processes, create inclusive learning environments, design engaging curriculum experiences, apply classroom management techniques, and engage in reflective professional practice.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):

The program is accredited in line with the standards established by the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL), ensuring graduates meet the professional requirements for teacher registration in Australia.

Reputation (Employability Rankings):

The University of Notre Dame Australia is recognised for strong graduate employability, practical learning opportunities, and community engagement, with education graduates highly regarded for their classroom readiness and professional capabilities within the education sector.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At the University of Notre Dame Fremantle, the Bachelor of Primary Education program is designed to provide students with a rich blend of theoretical knowledge and practical experience. This hands-on approach ensures that you not only learn about teaching methodologies but also apply them in real-world settings. The university boasts state-of-the-art facilities and resources that enhance your learning experience, preparing you to become an effective educator.

Through a variety of experiential learning opportunities, you will engage in:

- Practical Teaching Experience: Participate in professional placements in local schools, allowing you to apply your learning in real classroom environments.
- Collaborative Group Projects: Work alongside your peers on projects that simulate real teaching scenarios, fostering teamwork and communication skills.
- Access to Digital Tools: Utilize educational software and platforms that are essential for modern teaching, including learning management systems and interactive teaching tools.
- Field Trips: Engage in excursions to educational institutions and community organizations, providing insights into diverse teaching environments and practices.
- Research Laboratories: Access dedicated spaces for educational research, where you can explore innovative teaching methods and learning strategies.
- Library Resources: Benefit from extensive library facilities that offer a wealth of educational materials, journals, and digital resources to support your studies.
- Supportive Learning Environment: Take advantage of the university’s dedicated support services, including academic advising and mentoring, to help you succeed throughout your program.

These experiential learning opportunities are designed to equip you with the skills and confidence needed to thrive in your teaching career. By immersing yourself in practical experiences, you will graduate ready to make a positive impact in the classroom.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Primary Education at The University of Notre Dame Australia are equipped with the professional knowledge, practical teaching experience, and leadership skills required to support the academic, social, and emotional development of primary-aged children. The program combines evidence-based educational theory with extensive classroom practice, preparing graduates to become confident and effective educators in diverse school settings. Typical career paths include Primary School Teacher, Learning Support Teacher, Curriculum Coordinator, and Education Program Officer.

The program supports strong career outcomes through:

Dedicated employability support: Students have access to Notre Dame’s Career and Employability services, which provide career coaching, professional development workshops, networking opportunities, resume and interview preparation, and employment support to help graduates successfully transition into the teaching profession.
Extensive professional placement experience: The degree includes substantial supervised professional placements in primary school settings, enabling students to apply educational theory in real classrooms, develop practical teaching skills, and build valuable professional networks before graduation.
Strong industry and community partnerships: Notre Dame maintains close relationships with schools, Catholic education systems, independent schools, and community organisations, ensuring students gain authentic workplace experience and exposure to contemporary teaching practices.
Excellent employment outcomes and salaries: Primary school teachers continue to be in strong demand across Australia. Education graduates commonly achieve strong employment outcomes, with median full-time salaries of approximately AUD 80,000–90,000 within the first few years of professional employment, with opportunities for advancement into leadership, specialist teaching, and curriculum roles.
Long-term accreditation value: The program is accredited by the relevant teacher-registration authorities and recognised across Australia, enabling graduates to apply for teacher registration and pursue employment in primary schools nationwide.
Diverse graduate outcomes: In addition to classroom teaching, graduates may pursue careers in curriculum development, learning support, educational administration, student wellbeing services, community education programs, educational consultancy, and youth-focused organisations.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing this degree, graduates can continue their studies through postgraduate qualifications such as a Master of Education, Master of Educational Leadership, Master of Inclusive Education, Master of Special Education, or research degrees including a Master by Research and PhD. These advanced qualifications can lead to careers in school leadership, curriculum and policy development, academic research, university teaching, educational consultancy, and senior management roles within schools, government agencies, and educational organisations.