A values-based curriculum to support aesthetic ‘ways of knowing’ in an undergraduate midwifery programme

In higher education, the term ‘values-based learning’ is used to emphasise aesthetic, values-based knowing; that is, the art, rather than the science, of caring. In midwifery, aesthetic learning is premised on the creation of meaningful relationships and the use of knowledge and skills that recognise individuality and support humanity. Therefore, it was deemed important to develop a midwifery curriculum that recognised the aesthetic values of care and compassion and those of midwifery educators. The new midwifery curriculum was developed over a 2-year period of iterative discussion with the midwifery academic team and wide consultation with stakeholders. This article presents a pragmatic approach to designing and developing values-based learning opportunities in a midwifery undergraduate programme in one English university, and how a values-based midwifery curriculum model was conceptualised and made central to the learning and teaching strategy for a new curriculum.