Australian Social Work Education and Accreditation Standards
The Australian Social Work Education and Accreditation Standards (ASWEAS) set out the principles, standards and graduate attributes for social work education in Australia. The standards are used as the criteria for the accreditation of a professional social work course with the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW).
The March 2020 ASWEAS can be accessed below.
ASWEAS March 2020 V2.1 updated November 2021
ASWEAS March 2020 associated templates and guidelines.
AASW ASWEAS Guidelines for accreditation reviews - V1.0 February 2021
AASW ASWEAS Application for program accreditation - template - V1.1 November 2021
Annual Report on AASW Accredited programs - template - V1.0 February 2021
AASW ASWEAS Accreditation Panel Final Report - template - V1.0 February 2021
Review of the field education standards as part of the Australian Social Work Education and Accreditation Standards (ASWEAS)
Following the release of the ASWEAS March 2020, it was acknowledged that the Field Education Standards required further review. This review was being conducted with an expert advisory panel of key stakeholders throughout 2020 and facilitated by PhillipsKPA.
The final draft of the Field Education Standards was approved by the AASW Standards & Assessment Committee and the AASW Board of Directors in April 2021.
The main changes include:
- The standards have been reduced from 14 sections to 8 core standards with 39 supporting standards.
- The sequence of the 8 core standards prioritises the achievement of graduate learning outcomes for entry to the profession.
- The number of requirements focused on processes, staff roles and documentation has been significantly reduced to minimise unnecessary restrictions on providers and to eliminate duplication of HESF and TEQSA requirements.
- Some new standards have been introduced to reflect recent developments globally and current practice in other countries or in similar disciplines.
- A set of standards on assessment has been reintroduced from the ASWEAS 2012 to focus on learning outcomes.
- The wording of some standards has been edited to improve clarity.
- The introductory statement includes an additional opening sentence to provide context.
A copy of the updated Standards can be accessed here.
Please contact education@aasw.asn.au for more information.
The previous ASWEAS 2012 V1.4 (Revised January 2015) and associated guidelines can be accessed below.
Guidelines 1.1 to 1.6 of the standards provide information for universities about implementing the ASWEAS in their BSW and MSW (Q) programs.
Guideline 1.1: Guidance on essential core curriculum content
Guideline 1.2: Guidance on field education programs
Guideline 1.3: Guidance on RPL, articulation and credit transfer
Guideline 1.4: Guidance on organisational arrangements and governance of social work programs
Guideline 1.5: Guidance on reaccreditation reviews
Guideline 1.6: Guidance on new programs
Previous Higher Education Providers template for accreditation review and annual reporting purposes.
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ASWEAS Annual Reporting Template 2019
ASWEAS Annual Reporting Template 2018
Review submission template effective May 2015
AASW Accreditation Panel review report template
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Final report template of the HEP Accreditation Review Panel effective May 2015
Previous - AASW Australian Social Work Education and Accreditation Standards
Social work programs accredited under the previous ASWEAS 2008 (updated 2009, 2010, 2012) have until the date of their next review to meet the requirements of this policy if their next review is due after January 2014.
Click here for a copy of the previous ASWEAS 2008 (updated 2009, 2010, 2012).
In accordance with AASW policy, the principles, standards and policies presented in the ASWEAS will be reviewed every five years; that is, in 2025 or earlier, if contextual factors necessitate.
