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 1,000 hours, satisfying the requirements for accreditation from the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW).

Find out more

Reasons for studying Social Work in Port Macquarie

  1. Complete TAFE and University study at the same time
  2. Gain practical experience and accreditation with AASW
  3. 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 abstracts 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 1,000 hours of supervised field education. This is undertaken in two practicums 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

HCS200 Social Work Theory and Practice 1 – Foundations of Practice
TAFE Studies (2 CSU subjects equivalent)

Session 4

HCS202 Social Work Theory and Practice 2 – Micro Practice
PSY113 Child and Adolescent Psychology
IKC101 Indigenous Culture, Histories and Realities
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

HCS300 Social Work Theory and Practice 3 –Mezzo level Practice
HCS303 Professional Field Education 1 (16) (Commence)
PSY216 Psychology of Ageing
WEL218 Cross Cultural Competencies

Session 6

SWK423 Ethics and Social Work Practice
HCS303 Professional Field Education 1 (16) (Complete)
HCS 310 Mental Health Practice
SPE211 Foundation sof Social Policy

Year 4

Session 7

LAW221 Law for the Human Services 2
WEL321 Child Welfare Practice
SPE401 Social Work and Social Policy Practice
HCS402 Professional Field Education 2 (16) (Commence)

Session 8

HCS400 Social Work Theory and Practice 4 – Macro Practice and Professional Identity
HCS402 Professional Field Education 2 (16) (Complete)
HCS406 Social Work and Human Rights
SOC308 Community Analysis

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:

  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

The University has minimum requirements for English language proficiency prior to entry to our courses. Some courses also have a requirement for a higher entry or exit level of English proficiency. More information on English language requirements.

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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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:

  1. Complete the TAFE enrolment form online, and then
  2. 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.

More information:

Consider also:

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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