Early Childhood and Care 0-8 years / BA of Science

Why study this degree?

• If you are interested in the care and education of young children, this double degree is perfect. The Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood & Care: 0-8 years)/Bachelor of Science degree will equip you with the knowledge and skills to be the best childhood educator and carer. In addition, the Bachelor of Science component will provide opportunities to share your love of science in the classroom.
• Our nationally recognised double degree is a highly structured and intensive program that qualifies you to work in childcare or an early childhood school setting with children from birth to 8 years old. As a result, Notre Dame University Australia graduates are in high demand in the workplace.
• The Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood & Care: 0-8 years) degree combines educational theory and classroom learning with an essential practical component. At the same time, the Bachelor of Science degree will develop your specialised science knowledge and academic standing.
• When you study at Notre Dame, you will be inspired by our innovative approach to teaching and learning with the latest in learning technologies. In addition, our double degree will provide you with the academic skills you need to support, engage, and extend primary-aged children by integrating theory and practice.
• The Education component of the double degree will cover traditional subjects such as English, Mathematics and Humanities and early childhood-specific courses in Play and Pedagogy. In addition, you will carry out an integral practical component of 32 weeks in various childcare and classroom settings. A unique feature is that this practicum experience directly counts towards your degree.
• When you study The Bachelor of Science component, you study a combination of core interdisciplinary science courses, including Experimental design, Maths, Biology and Chemistry.
• These courses will 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 sought after by employers within and outside the field of science.
• Please note: Education students in Western Australia must pass the national Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education Students (LANTITE). The test is administered externally by the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER). You must register and pay for the test.

Professional accreditation

• The Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood & Care: 0-8 years) is accredited by the national body the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL) via the agency of the Teachers Registration Board of Western Australia (TRBWA).
• The Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood & Care: 0-8 years) is also accredited by the national Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority.

Real-world experience

• You will learn from academics who are industry leaders and, through our practicum placements and internship programs, you will gain real professional experience and make valuable contacts with potential employers.

Career opportunities

• Teachers graduating with a Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood & Care: 0-8 years)/Bachelor of Science will be able to work in Australia as Early Childhood teachers in Catholic, Independent and Government schools as a generalist or specialist science teacher. You will also be qualified to work in childcare facilities. 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.