University students on the Mid-North Coast of NSW will soon have more opportunity to study locally through Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Port Macquarie.
CSU will offer four additional undergraduate degrees in Port Macquarie in 2013.
From the beginning of next year, students will be able to undertake a Bachelor of Business Studies, Bachelor of Clinical Practice (Paramedic), Bachelor of Justice Studies (Policing) and Bachelor of Medical Radiation Science (Medical Imaging).
That’s in addition to the pathway programs in accounting, creative industries, health and rehabilitation science and social work already offered in conjunction with North Coast TAFE.
The new Head of CSU in Port Macquarie, Professor Ross Chambers, said the University is pleased to offer Mid-North Coast students the option of studying a Bachelor degree in their own community.
The 2013 offerings will include courses linked to the Ambulance Services and NSW Police Force, as well as health services and the business community.
The four new courses are evidence of a strong, local, higher education campaign that has been underway for the past four years, Independent Lyne MP Rob Oakeshott said.
Mr Oakeshott said $35 million in federal government funding to develop three universities and the TAFE campus in the local community was now starting to produce dividends.
“This is a very exciting announcement today from CSU — not only for Port Macquarie but for the entire Mid-North Coast,” he said.
“All four new courses relate to areas of growth in our economy, and provide a lot of opportunities for local students as well as for students from outside our region.
“I thank CSU for its strong commitment to our region and for now offering students eight courses in 2013.
“This announcement is further evidence of the success of our local campaign which is now delivering more than 1000 extra higher education places locally over the next five years.”
