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University of Newcastle Degrees in the Port Macquarie-Hastings Region

For more information go to University of Newcastle website.

As part of a joint effort between University of Newcastle, Southern Cross University, North Coast Institute of TAFE and Port Macquarie-Hastings Council the following degrees are now being offered and can be undertaken from the TAFE campus:

Blueprint for Enhancing Higher Education Delivery in the Extended Hastings Region

The Blueprint for Enhancing Higher Education Delivery in the Extended Hastings Region was prepared for the Hastings Higher Education Consultative Group on behalf of Hastings Council; University of Newcastle; Southern Cross University; TAFE NSW - North Coast Institute

Background to and Purpose of this Report

This Report has been prepared for the Hastings Council, the University of Newcastle, Southern Cross University and TAFE NSW - North Coast Institute at the instigation of the Hastings Higher Education Consultative Group.

Chapter 1 of the Report summarises the reasons for commissioning the research which underlies the Report. Many community activists and the Hastings Council have in the past worked towards achieving provision of a tangible university presence in Port Macquarie, to service the extended Hastings region. The dream is at last realised, albeit on a minor scale, with the first Federal Government allocation of university places to Port Macquarie allowing for the teaching of nursing, information technology and business.

Currently, the participation rate in higher education of Hastings residents is below national and state averages. Researchers argue that better access to a university campus would increase participation in the Hastings to around the same level as in Lismore and would surpass that in Coffs Harbour, both of which have a university campus. It has been estimated that 1500 Hastings residents a year are missing out on educational opportunities, and that there is a potential for more than 8000 university enrolments in Port Macquarie by 2021. This report takes a more cautious approach, suggesting a total of 990 university Equivalent Full Time Student Units (EFTSUs) alongside a projected 1993 TAFE EFTSUs at the Port Macquarie Tertiary Campus by 2021.

The approach for delivery of higher education in the Hastings outlined in this Report will build on the existing strengths and resources of the TAFE NSW - North Coast Institute's Port Macquarie Campus, with two Universities offering programs on that site and recompensing the North Coast Institute for use of facilities and services.

The Hastings Higher Education Consultative Group supports delivery of higher education in Port Macquarie so that residents do not have to leave the region to complete a university education and to provide a an on campus alternative to the currently available distance and online options. To maximise economic benefit to the region, the Report recommends that the educational programs to be delivered match local employers' needs for skilled workers, as well as providing opportunities for research and training to capitalise on and enhance local industries.

For a full copy of the Blueprint document, please contact Trevor Sargeant on (02) 6581 8660 or email to trevor.sargeant@pmhc.nsw.gov.au

 

 

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