Bachelor of Social Work [Port Macquarie]

Become a Social Worker

CSU has developed an articulated program with TAFE NSW North Coast Institute for students who wish to complete the Bachelor of Social Work.

Articulated programs, which enable students to study and complete qualifications at TAFE first and then go on to complete their CSU study, are suited to current and graduate TAFE students, school leavers, those interested in changing careers, or those who work in the industry but have limited formal qualifications.

Course structure

If you hold a completed Diploma of Community Services Work, you will receive credit for your prior study towards the Bachelor of Social Work.

You will then complete a further twelve 8 point subjects and six 16 point subjects to graduate with the Bachelor of Social Work. The course can be completed in six years of part-time study, or you may be able to study full-time in years three and four to fast-track degree completion.

Cost of study

Commonwealth supported places are available for this course, so you can defer paying fees until you start earning an income above the specified threshold.

TAFE-specific scholarships are available for students in this course.

If you have not completed any TAFE study yet, consider the Bachelor of Social Work integrated program, which combines TAFE and CSU study from the first year of the course.

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Workplace learning

This course includes a practical component of 980 hours, satisfying the requirements for accreditation from the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW).

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Graduation requirements

Students receive credit for eight 8-point subjects for successful completion of the Diploma of Community Services Work. They must then complete a further 192 points through CSU to graduate with the Bachelor of Social Work.

Career opportunities

Career opportunities for graduates of this course are diverse. Social workers work at the interface between people and their environments, so they are found in a wide range of settings from hospitals to local councils, and social welfare agencies to setting up their own businesses.

Graduates work professionally as social workers in government and non-government departments, with individuals, groups and communities, in emergency situations and long-term care.

You can work in areas such as:

• individual and group social counselling
• case management
• social administration and policy formation
• social action and program planning
• family work and rehabilitation
• health, community services and corrections

A growing number of social work graduates offer clinical services, education and consultation on a fee-for-service basis.

Workplace learning

Field education is a core element and a major part of the student's development of a professional identity. It provides an opportunity for students to observe, question and model social work behaviour. Each practicum is integrated with a subject covering social work theory and practice.

In order to meet the requirements of the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW), students must complete 980 hours of supervised field education. This is undertaken in two practicums (each 490 hours) in approved agencies. Every attempt is made to accommodate students in placements close to their place of residence and to tailor the practicum to suit the schedules of individual students, but such placements cannot be guaranteed.

Facilities and campus locations

This course is offered on campus at CSU in Port Macquarie.

Students have access to all the facilities at CSU's Port Macquarie Campus, including a Learning Commons open from 8am to 6.30pm Monday to Friday with a large networked computer laboratory, Student Central and Academic Support services. 

Admission requirements

Students applying for this course should have completed the TAFE Diploma of Community Services Work. Students without a relevant TAFE qualification should consider the Bachelor of Social Work TAFE integrated program.

Applications for this course are made direct to CSU.

To be admitted into the course, prospective students need to indicate their likelihood of success through:

1. previous studies, and
2. other attainments and experience.

Previous studies

Previous studies include:

• the NSW Higher School Certificate or interstate /overseas equivalent;
• the International Baccalaureate Diploma;
• a completed or part completed course of a university, college of advanced education or other accredited tertiary institution;
• a completed or part completed course of a TAFE college or other accredited post-secondary institution (including TAFE Tertiary Preparation Certificate);
• an approved Foundation Studies program certificate;
• completion of undergraduate subjects as an Associate Student with the University or through another University, or Open Universities Australia.

NSW and interstate school leavers are normally selected on the basis of their Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) or interstate equivalent. You may also be admitted on the basis of a strong performance in subjects relevant to your course preferences.

Currently no secondary school subjects are prerequisites for admission to particular CSU courses however some courses assume a certain level of knowledge. This will be specified in the course information if applicable.

English language proficiency

Applicants will be deemed to have sufficient English proficiency if they:

• have completed all their formal studies in one or more of the following countries; or
• were born in one of the following countries and have completed at least one qualification in one of those countries; or
• have completed senior secondary study or at least one year of full-time University study in one of the following countries: American Samoa, Australia, Canada, Fiji, Ireland, Kenya, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Africa, United Kingdom, USA, Zambia
  or
• have successfully completed one year of full-time (or part-time equivalent) post-secondary study at an affiliate institution of the University, with English as the medium of instruction and assessment.

All other applicants must explicitly demonstrate proficiency.

Acceptable tests for English proficiency

Any of the following results, attained within the last two years, can be used to demonstrate English proficiency:

• an Academic IELTS (International English Language Testing System) overall score of at least 6.0, and with no score below 5.5;
• a TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) paper-based score of 550 and TWE of 5.0;
• a TOEFL computer-based score of 213 and Essay Rating of 5;
• a TOEFL internet-based score of 80 for undergraduate and postgraduate coursework programs, and 90 for postgraduate research candidates with a minimum score of 25 in the writing section.
• a Combined Universities Admission Test (CULT) overall score of at least 65;
• a C pass in English at the GCE 'A' level examinations in either Singapore or the United Kingdom;
• completion of the International Baccalaureate diploma with English A2 at higher or sub. Level;
• a C pass in 'Use of English' in the Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination (HKALE);
• completion of the UNSW Foundation Studies Certificate with a C pass in 'Use of English';
• completion of an AQF Certificate IV (including English for Academic Purposes);
• successful completion of at least one year of study in a course at Associate Diploma or Diploma level on the Register of Australian Tertiary Education;
• a score of 155 in the verbal component of the STAT test;
• a Pass grade in the Uniworld English College English for Tertiary Entrance course; or
• IRI Diploma of English.

An applicant who does not otherwise meet the University's requirements may be admitted on the recommendation of the Dean of the appropriate faculty.

Attainment and experience

You may also be admitted to a course based on other attainments and experience. These may include:

• voluntary or paid work experience;
• performance in tests and examinations conducted by professional recognised bodies;
• participation in continuing education programs and/or staff development programs conducted by adult education agencies, consultancies, professional bodies or employers;
• completion of the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT).

Internet access

CSU places great emphasis on services to its students. It is a leader in the provision of online services and, in particular, the use of the internet in the support of teaching, administration and communications with students.

The online environment is so integrated into all aspects of student life and the learning experience at CSU that the University now assumes that all on campus and distance education students at CSU will have ongoing access to an internet connected computer capable of communicating with CSU online systems.

Students enrolled in Information Technology subjects (i.e. with an ITC subject code) may be required to have additional hardware and/or software that is deemed essential for the completion of the learning activities in that subject.

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This course is available to commence study in

Session 1; Session 2