Semester 1, 2009 Course List

Applications for Semester 1 2009 are open now. While the first round of applications have closed, late applications are being accepted for all courses.

Limited places may be available in some courses and units of courses that commenced in Semester 1 2008 or Semester 2, 2008. For details of vacancies contact the Head Teacher of the course at the campus you wish to attend.

We offer a range of TAFE PLUS short courses and other special courses starting most weeks throughout the year. Ring 131601 for more information

We are also able to arrange customised training for many industry areas. Contact your nearest Commercial and International Services Unit for more information.

Join the Student Association!

For a small fee you can join your campus Student Association and become more involved in campus activities including barbeques, and sporting and social activities while receiving benefits from a local business discount guide. Contact your campus for more information.

General Information

The range of possible study options at this campus is so broad we are not able to outline all the variations that may be available within this list. It may be possible to complete some individual modules in courses that do not appear on this course list, as some modules are common to more than one course and can be done separately. You should inquire at your nearest campus for advice or ring 131601.

TAFE PLUS Short Courses
The North Coast Institute offers a range of short courses to meet legislative requirements and the skills or needs of individual customers in addition to the courses listed above. For more information ring 131601.

Entry Requirements, Selection processes and Information sessions
Most courses have entry requirements and some courses also have an additional selection process. Details are included on the individual course pages on the website. You can also attend the course Information Session, where advertised, or ring 131601 for more information.

Course Outcomes
Each TAFE NSW - North Coast Institute course provides a pathway to further study and/or career areas. Individual course information sheets show the articulation and career opportunities for each course and are available from our website or by ringing 131601.

Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfers
You may be entitled to recognition of your previous studies or in some cases, competencies you have acquired in your work. You may also be able to gain credit where you have completed the same or a similar module in another course, even if this is with another Registered Training Organisation. You are encouraged to read the general information about Recognition and Credit transfer under the 'Future Students' section of our website http://www.nci.tafensw.edu.au/futurestudents/Default.htm and if required contact the Head Teacher to discuss further.

Assessments and Exams
Most courses have assessment events such as class tests, projects or assignments which students need to complete for each module. Some modules also require students to sit TAFE NSW Exams. Detailed assessment sheets are provided to students at the start of each module indicating how each module is assessed. Further information is also available from the Head Teacher.

Flexible delivery
Flexible or mixed mode are terms used to indicate flexible attendance patterns and assessment processes. It could mean studying online, independently off-campus or a combination of off-campus and on-campus classes. You may need to attend compulsory workshops, or have the option to attend non-compulsory tutorial sessions. Access to teachers is maintained through face-to-face, phone, email and web contact. You may have the choice to complete all or some of your modules by flexible delivery.

Possible Changes to course offerings
The commencement of all classes is subject to sufficient resources and demand. This could mean that not all courses offered are necessarily going to run. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the course information contained on these pages, some changes in course offerings and details may occur between now and class commencement.

Centrelink payments while studying at the North Coast Institute
We can not advise whether Centrelink will consider a course as eligible for payment of Youth Allowance, Austudy or Abstudy. Centrelink will consider the length of the course and your personal circumstances when deciding if you are eligible for payments. Contact Centrelink to discuss your options. You should also remember that if the way the course is delivered changes (eg from full-time to part-time or flexible) you will need to notify Centrelink immediately as it may affect your eligibility for payments.

Joining a continuing course
Some courses that commenced in a previous Semester may have vacancies in some subjects and accept applications or enrolments from new students this Semester. This option is especially useful for students who only want to study a few modules. When joining a continuing course you need to be aware that you may not be able to finish the course in the normal timeframe, or at the same location, or in the same attendance pattern.


Classes
Unless otherwise advised Semester 1 classes commence the week beginning Monday 9 February 2009.

How much will it cost to study at the North Coast Institute?
When you enrol in a course you will need to pay the TAFE NSW fee.

The fee structure for 2009 has changed and the new structure is listed below:

* Fees for some courses including TAFE PLUS commercial courses, TAFE Delivered HSC Vocational Education and Training (TVET), international students and temporary visa holders are different to the TAFE NSW fee. Contact your local campus for more information.
Additional course and enrolment-related charges may apply.

** The TAFE Fee for the Selected Study Program is capped at $214 per semester

*** All Graduate Certificates and Graduate Diploma qualifications are offered on a commercial basis. Contact the campus offering the course for details.

~ Students successfully completing a Higher School Certificate or Tertiary Preparation course may be eligible for a fee refund. See below for more information.

You pay when you enrol. For courses commencing in Semester 1 2009 and lasting longer than one semester, you will have the option to pay the TAFE NSW fee in two equal instalments (except if you pay the Concession fee). You pay the first instalment when you enrol, the second is due by 31 May. You will not be regarded as being enrolled without payment of, or approved of an exemption from, the TAFE NSW fee. No cash is accepted – you may pay by EFTPOS, Visa card, Mastercard, cheque or money order.

For certain Special Access courses you pay no TAFE NSW fee. These courses teach skills in career opportunities, community training, employment skills, literacy, numeracy, reading and writing, school mentoring, signed language, volunteer tutoring and work readiness.

If you currently receive a Commonwealth benefit or allowance you may be eligible to pay a concession fee of $50 for each course rather than the full TAFE NSW fee. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students are exempt from paying the TAFE NSW fee. Disability Support Pension students and students with a disability receive a full fee exemption for one TAFE NSW course per year and are eligible for the $50 concession fee for subsequent enrolments.

You may also be asked to pay additional course related charges. Details are available from the Institute website or by ringing 131601.

For some courses you may also need to purchase textbooks, module notes, personal protective equipment, industry equipment and/or other materials which you will use during your course. Attend the advertised information session or contact the Head Teacher for approximate costs.

Refunds
Refunds are given in exceptional circumstances only. See our website or ring 131601 for more information.

Access and Equity and Client Services
The North Coast Institute offers an excellent range of support services to enrolled students. These include library services, literacy and numeracy support, study skills and tutorial support, counselling and career guidance, disability support, support for Indigenous students, and TAFE Student Association. Detailed information about these services is provided to all students in the Student Information booklet handed out in your first class or available for download on our website. You can also ring 131601 for a copy of the information.

All TAFE staff are covered by a Code of Conduct which, among other things, requires them to treat students fairly, equitably and in accordance with current special needs students and equity programs, guidelines and relevant legislation and policies.

Student Rights and Responsibilities and Discipline
The North Coast Institute provides students with the opportunity to study, learn and develop skills in a safe and healthy educational and social environment. Students are expected to adhere to the Student Rights and Responsibilites policy listed on the Internet and students who breach discipline or who exhibit inappropriate behaviour will be dealt with in accordance with the TAFE NSW Policy.

Suggestions, Complaints and Appeals
We value your suggestions and complaints as they help us to address your concerns and improve the quality of our service. We'll try to remedy problems promptly and deal with each matter fairly. Information on how to appeal a decision is available on our website.