Bachelor of Social Work [Port Macquarie]
Become a Social Worker
CSU's Bachelor of Social Work in Port Macquarie provides practical and theoretical education in Social Work concepts, preparing you for a rewarding career working with people and solving social issues.
CSU Port Macquarie offers an Integrated Program in Social Work, with a co-enrolment with TAFE NSW North Coast Institute, enabling you to graduate with a number of recognised qualifications.
The Bachelor of Social Work Integrated Program is designed to enable you to complete TAFE and University study at the same time. Graduates of this course will receive Certificate IV in Community Services Work and the Diploma of Community Services Work in addition to their degree.
Integrated Programs allow students to study at TAFE and CSU at the same time, and are typically suited to school leavers, those interested in changing careers, or those who work in the industry but have limited formal study.
Course structure and TAFE integration
During the first year of the course, you will complete Certificate IV in Community Services Work through North Coast TAFE, as well as beginning the CSU component of the course.
You will build on this to complete the Diploma of Community Services Work in your second year of study. In the third and fourth years, all study is completed through CSU.
Students will complete the CSU components of this course on campus at CSU's Port Macquarie Campus, and the TAFE components at North Coast TAFE in Port Macquarie.
TAFE-specific scholarships are available for students in this course.
If you already have a relevant TAFE qualification, consider the Bachelor of Social Work Articulated Program.
Find out more
Workplace learning
This course includes a practical component of 980 hours, satisfying the requirements for accreditation from the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW).
Reasons for studying Social Work in Port Macquarie
- Complete TAFE and University study at the same time
- Gain practical experience and accreditation with AASW
- Study on campus at North Coast TAFE and CSU in Port Macquarie
Graduation requirements
To graduate, students must satisfactorily complete 256 points.
Academic expectations
For each 8 point subject at CSU, students should normally expect to spend between 140-160 hours engaged in the specified learning and assessment activities (such as attending lectures or residential schools, assigned readings, tutorial assistance, individual or group research/study, forum activity, workplace learning, assignments or examinations). The student workload for some subjects may vary from these norms as a result of approved course design.
Students will be assessed on the basis of completed assignments, examinations, workplace learning, or other methods as outlined in specific subject outlines.
Where applicable, students are responsible for travel and accommodation costs involved in workplace learning experiences, or attending residential schools (distance education students).
Expectations relating to academic, workplace learning, time and cost requirements for specific subjects are provided in the subject outlines and in course materials.
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.
Year 1
Session 1
HCS102 Communication and Human Services
TAFE Studies (3 CSU subjects equivalent)
Session 2
SOC101 Introductory Sociology
PSY113 Child and Adolescent Psychology
TAFE Studies (2 CSU subjects equivalent)
Year 2
Session 3
HCS206 Social Work Theory and Practice 1 (16)
TAFE Studies (2 CSU subjects equivalent)
Session 4
HCS207 Social Work Theory and Practice 2 (16)
SPE211 Foundations in Social Policy
TAFE Studies (1 CSU subject equivalent)
Students may exit at the end of Year 2 with the TAFE awarded Diploma of Community Services Work
Year 3
Session 5
HCS204 Research Methods
HCS304 Social Work Theory and Practice 3 (16)
HCS303 Professional Field Education 1 (16) (Commence)
Session 6
PSY216 Psychology of Ageing
SOC308 Community Analysis
SWK423 Ethics and Social Work Practice
HCS303 Professional Field Education 1 (16) (Complete)
Year 4
Session 7
LAW221 Law for the Human Services 2
WEL218 Developing Cross Cultural Competencies
SPE401 Social Work and Social Policy Practice
HCS402 Professional Field Education 2 (16) (Commence)
Session 8
HCS405 Social Work Theory and Practice 4 (16)
HCS402 Professional Field Education 2 (16) (Complete)
HCS406 Social Work and Human Rights
Facilities and campus locations
This course is offered on campus at North Coast TAFE and CSU in Port Macquarie.
Students are enrolled at both TAFE and CSU, so have access to the services and facilities of both institutions, including library resources, computing facilities and study support.
Admission requirements
Students must first enrol in this course through TAFE NSW – North Coast Institute, and then apply to CSU.
Applications to this course are made through UAC.
Students need to be accepted by both institutions to undertake this integrated program.
To be admitted into the course, prospective students need to indicate their likelihood of success through:
- previous studies, and
- 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.
Apply now
This course is available for Australian and New Zealand students only, commencing study in Session 1.
To apply for this course, you will need to apply at BOTH CSU and North Coast TAFE.
Steps to apply:
- Complete the TAFE enrolment form online, and then
- Apply through UAC using the admission code '211900' for the CSU component.
For more information, contact info.csu on 1800 334 733 or North Coast TAFE on 1300 62 82 33.
Prospective Student Inquiries
Australian campus business hours are Monday to Friday 9.00am to 5.00pm, Australian Eastern Time (GMT +10).
info.csu can provide support and guidance to prospective students on everything you need to know on the University, courses, fees, accommodation, etc.
within Australia 1800 334 733
International + 61 2 6338 6077 Fax (02) 6338 6001
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