Comparing IBDP Courses: Which Pathway is Right for You?

One of the most challenging and defining aspects of pursuing the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) is its course selection. The right subjects, the right interests and the right future goals should all align together; making it an overwhelming task for students and parents alike. Hence, it becomes extremely important to understand the course, the subjects offered and the requirements of universities in order to make an informed decision.

We will help make this journey of IBDP a bit easier for you by discussing some of the basic and often overlooked aspects of the programme, in the process of the course selection.

Some IBDP Basics

Every IBDP student takes the DP core, which includes: Theory of Knowledge, Extended Essay and Creativity Activity Service or CAS.

a) Theory of Knowledge is an essay of 1,200-1,600 words written on a given title (from a choice of ten), followed by a ten-minute presentation of the essay by the student in class.

b). The Extended Essay is an original independent research leading a DP student to produce a comprehensible written piece of 3,500-4,000 words in any chosen subject and title.

c). Under Creative, Activity and Service (CAS), each DP student must complete at least 150 hours of work spread over 1.5 years, engaging in some form of creativity, participating in sport or other physical action, and doing social service.

The Core helps you gain organisational, critical thinking, and research skills.

Every student is also required to take six subjects based on their interests and goals. The IB has six subject groups:

1. Studies in Language and Literature 
2. Language Acquisition 
3. Individuals and Societies 
4. Sciences 
5. Mathematics
6. The Arts

How to choose your subjects?

When choosing your unique combination of subjects, there are some questions to keep in mind:

• Should you take a subject at Higher level (HL) or Standard level (SL)? 

HL subjects involve more learning hours and delve deeper into certain topics, which provide more stretch and challenge. It is encouraged that you pick subjects you enjoy and that fit your strengths. Nearly all students take three HL and three SL subjects.

• Which subject will you choose from each group?

Your subject choices would depend on what your school offers. Typically, you'll take one per group, but you may opt for two in a group rather than a subject from the Arts group.

Some Combination Examples

What if you want to be an engineer?

You will need to apply Scientific and Mathematical principles to design solutions and meet specific needs. A combination of subjects like the one given below will likely prepare you for engineering-focused university courses. 

1. Studies in language and literature - English A: language and literature SL
2. Language acquisition - German B SL
3. Individuals and societies - Economics HL
4. Sciences - Physics HL
5. Mathematics - Mathematics: analysis and approaches HL
6. Arts - Music SL
7. Extended essay - Physics

For example, someone looking to gain entry to an engineering program may need to take Physics HL and Mathematics Analysis and Approaches HL to build analytical expertise.

What about becoming a screenwriter?

You will create and build narratives and bring stories to life, so you would take subjects that refine your creative skills, such as Performance and Theatre-focused subjects.

For example:

1. Studies in language and literature - Literature and performance SL
2. Language acquisition - Hindi B HL
3. Individuals and societies - Digital society SL
4. Sciences - Design technology HL
5. Mathematics - Mathematics: applications and interpretations SL
6. Arts - Theatre HL
7. Extended essay - Theatre

How about becoming a translator? 

You'll ensure accurate communication of meaning in various languages. So you may take additional language focus subjects to strengthen your linguistic foundation. You may even be eligible for the IB bilingual diploma.

For example: 

1. Studies in language and literature - English A: language and literature HL
2. Studies in language and literature - Mandarin A: language and literature HL
3. Language acquisition - Arabic ab initio SL
4. Individuals and societies - Philosophy SL
5. Sciences - Computer science SL
6. Mathematics - Mathematics: applications and interpretations HL
7. Extended essay - English

Aspiring to be a doctor?

Your subject combinations can look like the following:

1. Studies in language and literature - Spanish A: language and literature SL
2. Language acquisition - English B HL
3. Individuals and societies - History SL
4. Sciences - Chemistry HL
5. Sciences - Biology HL
6. Mathematics - Mathematics: analysis and approaches SL
7. Extended essay - Biology

In this case, you would often replace the Arts subject group with an additional science subject.

Specific Requirements to Keep in Mind

✔️It’s important to know that to study at a university in some countries, there are required subjects for entry and some other subjects that are not permitted. If you are planning to study in Europe, particularly in Germany or Switzerland, keep in mind that subject choices are extremely important.

✔️University degrees in Medicine and Science in certain countries may require a specific combination, such as a particular combination of mathematics and all three science subjects. It is advised to talk to your school about how you can achieve this, as you may be able to add a seventh subject or complete the non-standard diploma. 

✔️Social Science degrees allow more flexibility, but they may also require a certain mathematics subject. Liberal Arts and Humanities degrees normally allow for the most flexibility. 

✔️Sometimes there are language proficiency requirements for entry to a University that may be met through the right IB language subject. IB language courses have been aligned with International best practice to reduce the need for you to take additional language tests.

It is always recommended to research this through the IB’s recognition statements database and government websites. Also, work closely with your University and career counsellor and your DP coordinator. With all this information in mind, you're ready to start planning to win your IBDP Journey!