IB Diploma Programme: A Comprehensive Guide to Subject Choices and Curriculum

The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme (DP) is a rigorous and internationally recognized pre-university course of study for students in their final two years of secondary education (typically ages 16-19). Designed to provide access to the world's leading universities and equip students with essential skills for research and employment, the IBDP is offered in over 140 countries. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the IBDP subject list, helping students understand the structure, requirements, and available options within the program.

The IB Diploma Programme: An Overview

The IB Diploma Programme is a comprehensive two-year curriculum designed to align with high international academic standards. To earn the IB Diploma, students must complete required courses in six subject areas. The program is designed to give students in either the IB Diploma or Career-related programs access to the world's leading universities and skills needed for successful research and/or employment in demanding and specialized industries.

Core Components of the IBDP

Alongside the six subjects, every IB student completes the Core:

Theory of Knowledge (TOK): This course introduces students to theories about the nature and limitations of knowledge (basic epistemology) and provides practice in determining the meaning and validity of knowledge (critical thinking). It is claimed to be a "flagship element" of the Diploma Programme.
Extended Essay (EE): Students undertake independent research on a topic of interest, culminating in a 4,000-word paper.
Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS): CAS aims to provide students with opportunities for personal growth, self-reflection, intellectual, physical and creative challenges, and awareness of themselves as responsible members of their communities.

These elements help students develop research, reflection, and critical thinking skills that support their main subjects.

How IB Subject Choices Work

The IB Diploma Programme is organized into six subject groups, plus the Core. Each student chooses six subjects, and these choices must follow IB rules about subject groups and levels. This structure is designed to give you both breadth and depth across your two years of study.

The Six Subject Groups

Every IB student studies subjects from the following groups:

Group 1: Studies in Language and Literature: Focuses on reading, writing, and literary analysis. Most students take their strongest or native language here.
Group 2: Language Acquisition: Helps students learn a new language or deepen their skills in a language they already know.
Group 3: Individuals and Societies: Covers humanities and social sciences.
Group 4: Sciences: Develops scientific thinking through a combination of practical work and theoretical study.
Group 5: Mathematics: All students must take one maths course.
Group 6: The Arts (or an extra subject from Groups 1 to 4): Students may choose one of these subjects, or replace Group 6 with an extra subject from Groups 1 to 4.

You must take one subject from each group, except Group 6, which is optional. If you prefer, you can replace your Arts subject with a second language, a second science, or another humanities subject.

Standard Level (SL) and Higher Level (HL)

Most IB Diploma subjects are available at Standard Level or Higher Level. You must take:

Three HL subjects
Three SL subjects

Although SL and HL cover the same core syllabus, HL includes more depth and more teaching hours. HL includes about 240 hours of teaching. SL includes about 150 hours. HL covers additional topics or more complex material within the same subject. HL exams are often longer or include an extra paper. The Internal Assessment may also require more detail. Some university courses, such as Medicine and Engineering, require specific subjects at HL.

Full IB Subjects List by Group

Here is the complete list of subjects currently available in the IB Diploma Programme for the 2025-26 academic year. SL and HL availability may vary by school.

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Group 1: Studies in Language and Literature

These subjects focus on reading, writing, and literary analysis. Most students take their strongest or native language here.

Language A: Literature (SL/HL)
Language A: Language and Literature (SL/HL)
Literature and Performance (SL only)
School Supported Self-Taught (SSST) Literature (SL only)
Classical Languages (Latin, Classical Greek), sometimes listed under Group 2 depending on school structure

Introduces students to the analysis of literary texts. Introduces the critical study and interpretation of written and spoken texts from a wide range of literary forms and non literary text-types. Aims to explore the relationship between literature and theatre.

Group 2: Language Acquisition

These subjects help you learn a new language or deepen your skills in a language you already know.

Language B (SL/HL) - offered in languages such as Arabic, Chinese, English, French, German, Spanish and others. For students with some previous experience of learning the language. Students develop the ability to communicate in the target language through the study of language, themes, and texts.
Language ab initio (SL only) - beginner level, offered in languages such as Spanish, French and Mandarin
Classical Languages (Latin, Classical Greek) - may appear in Group 1 or 2, depending on the school.

Group 3: Individuals and Societies

These subjects cover humanities and social sciences.

Business Management (SL/HL). Designed to develop students' knowledge and understanding of business management theories, as well as their ability to apply a range of tools and techniques.
Economics (SL/HL)
Geography (SL/HL). Integrates both physical and human geography, and ensures that students acquire elements of both scientific and socioeconomic methodologies.
Global Politics (SL/HL). Explores fundamental political concepts such as power, equality, sustainability, and peace.
History (SL/HL). A world history course based on a comparative, multi-perspective approach to history and focused around key historical concepts such as change, causation, and significance.
Philosophy (SL/HL). A systematic critical inquiry into profound, fascinating, and challenging questions such as: What is it to be human? Do we have free will?
Psychology (SL/HL). Systematic study of behavior and mental processes.
Social and Cultural Anthropology (SL/HL). Offers an opportunity for students to explore and understand humankind in all its diversity through the comparative study of culture and human societies.
World Religions (SL only). A systematic, analytical, yet empathetic study of the variety of beliefs and practices encountered in nine main religions of the world.
Digital Society (SL/HL), one of the newest DP subjects. Framework uses an integrated approach, encouraging students to make informed judgments and decisions about the role of information and communication technologies in contemporary society.

Group 4: Sciences

These subjects develop scientific thinking through a combination of practical work and theoretical study.

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Biology (SL/HL). Biologists investigate the living world at all levels using many different approaches and techniques. At one end of the scale is the cell, its molecular construction, and complex metabolic reactions.
Chemistry (SL/HL)
Physics (SL/HL)
Computer Science (SL/HL). A rigorous and practical problem-solving discipline. Computational thinking lies at the heart of the course and is integrated with other topics.
Design Technology (SL/HL). Aims to develop internationally minded people whose enhanced understanding of design and the technological world can facilitate our shared guardianship of the planet and create a better world.
Sports, Exercise and Health Science (SL/HL)
Environmental Systems and Societies (SL only). Interdisciplinary, can count as Group 3 or Group 4

Group 5: Mathematics

All students must take one maths course.

Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches (SL/HL). With an emphasis on algebraic methods, calculus, and mathematical thinking
Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation (SL/HL). With an emphasis on modelling and statistics, and with a focus on using technology to solve problems with real-world applications.

Both courses meet university maths requirements, although AA HL is preferred for mathematically intensive degrees.

Group 6: The Arts

Students may choose one of these subjects, or replace Group 6 with an extra subject from Groups 1 to 4.

Dance (SL/HL). Focuses on the composition, performance, and analysis of dance, or "expressive movement," which is practiced among peoples of various backgrounds, and for a variety of purposes, throughout the world.
Film (SL/HL). Aims to develop students as proficient interpreters and makers of film texts.
Music (SL/HL). Students develop their knowledge and potential as musicians, both personally and collaboratively.
Theatre (SL/HL). Encourages discovery through experimentation, the taking of risks, and the presentation of ideas to others. Gives students the opportunity to make theatre as creators, designers, directors, and performers.
Visual Arts (SL/HL). Encourages students to challenge their own creative and cultural expectations and boundaries.

Other IB Subjects (Limited Availability)

The IB Diploma also includes a small number of subjects offered only at a few schools worldwide. These appear on the official IB list but are rarely available. Many relate to national or regional contexts.

These subjects include:

Additional Group 3 subjects
- Information Technology in a Global Society (ITGS)
Additional Group 4 / Science and technology subjects
- Marine Science (older course still present in a small number of schools)
Additional Group 1 / 2 Language subjects

These are full Language A or Language B courses, but they are offered only in a very small number of schools. Examples include:

Amharic A Literature
Armenian A Literature
Bemba A Literature
Burmese A Literature
Filipino A Literature
Khmer A Literature
Mongolian A Literature
Nepali A Literature
Sinhala A Literature
Swahili A Literature
Tigrinya A Literature
Urdu A Literature
School-based syllabuses (SBS)

Some schools offer school-based subjects that appear in the official IB directory but are only available to students at that institution. One example is Food Science and Technology. Your IB coordinator can confirm the exact options in your school.

Choosing Between SL and HL

In the IB Diploma, every student takes three subjects at Higher Level (HL) and three at Standard Level (SL). Both levels follow the same syllabus, but HL delves deeper into the content.

Here’s how the two levels compare:

Teaching hours over 2 years: HL includes about 240 hours of teaching. SL includes about 150 hours.
Depth of content: HL covers additional topics or more complex material within the same subject.
Assessment: HL exams are often longer or include an extra paper. The Internal Assessment may also require more detail.
University expectations: Some university courses, such as Medicine and Engineering, require specific subjects at HL.

Practical Tips for Choosing IB Subjects

Choosing your subjects is one of the most important decisions you will make in the IB Diploma Programme. Here are some practical tips to guide your decisions:

Think about your strengths: Your strongest subjects at GCSE or equivalent are often good candidates for HL. You will spend more time on your HLs, so choosing areas where you already feel confident can make your workload more manageable.
Check university entry requirements early: If you have a future course in mind, look at typical entry requirements. For example:
- Medicine usually prefers HL Chemistry, plus another science.
- Engineering often requires HL Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches, and HL Physics is helpful.
- Law does not require specific subjects, although HL English, HL History or HL Global Politics are common choices.
Choose subjects you genuinely enjoy: You will study each subject for two years, including projects and internal assessments, which will mean regular deadlines. Enjoying the subject makes it much easier to stay motivated.
Balance your workload: Some subjects have heavier content or more coursework than others. Try to avoid choosing all high-content subjects at HL. A balanced mix helps you manage your time across the two years.
Consider how each subject is assessed: Different subjects suit different working styles. For example:
- Sciences include practical work and data analysis.
- Humanities involve essays and source evaluation.
- Languages include speaking assessments and written tasks.
- Picking subjects that match your strengths can make a big difference.
Check your school’s availability: Not all schools offer every IB subject or every language level. Some subjects, such as Design Technology or Dance, may be available only in certain schools. Always confirm what your school can provide.
Talk to teachers and current IB students: They can explain what each subject is really like on a day-to-day basis and what the workload feels like throughout the year.

Assessment in the IB Diploma Programme

All subjects (with the exception of CAS) are evaluated using both internal and external assessors. The externally assessed examinations are given worldwide in May (usually for Northern Hemisphere schools) and in November (usually for Southern Hemisphere schools). Each exam usually consists of two or three papers, generally written on the same or successive weekdays.

The different papers may have different forms of questions, or they may focus on different areas of the subject syllabus. For example, in Chemistry SL, paper 1 has multiple choice questions, paper 2 has extended response questions. Paper 3 focuses on the "Option(s)" selected by the teacher and data analysis questions.

The nature of the internal assessment (IA) varies by subject. There may be oral presentations (used in languages), practical work (in experimental sciences and performing arts), or written work. Internal assessment accounts for 20 to 50 percent of the mark awarded for each subject and is marked by a teacher in the school. A sample of at least five per subject at each level from a school will also be graded by a moderator appointed by the IB, in a process called external moderation of internal assessment.

Points are awarded from 1 to 7, with 7 being equivalent to an A-level grade of A*, 6 equal to A, and so on. Up to three additional points are awarded depending on the grades achieved in the extended essay and theory of knowledge, so the maximum possible point total in the IBDP is 45. The global pass rate for the IB diploma is approximately 80%.

In order to receive an IB diploma, candidates must receive a minimum of 24 points or an average of four (or C) out of a possible seven points for six subjects. Candidates must also receive a minimum of 12 points from their Higher Level subjects and a minimum of 9 points from their Standard Level subjects. Additionally, candidates must complete all of the requirements for the EE, CAS and TOK.

Flexibility and School Availability

The IB publishes an official list of approved subjects. However, schools have different timetables and staffing, so you should be aware that not every subject can be offered in every institution. Some languages or arts subjects may only be available in certain schools.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take two subjects from the same IB group? Yes. Most students do this by replacing Group 6 (The Arts) with an extra subject from Groups 1 to 4. Some schools may allow other exceptions, but you will need approval from your IB coordinator.
What if my school doesn’t offer a subject I want? Subject availability varies between schools. You may be able to take the subject through an approved online IB provider or, for some languages, as a School Supported Self-Taught (SSST) option. Speak with your IB coordinator early to explore alternatives.
How many subjects must I take at HL? Every IB student takes three HL subjects. Some schools allow four, but universities do not expect or require this.
Can I change IB subjects after starting the course? Most schools allow changes during the first few weeks of Year 1. Once coursework begins, switching becomes difficult, so speak to your IB coordinator as early as possible if you are unsure.

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