Did you know that the subjects you choose for your IB Diploma can determine whether you get into your dream degree programme? It’s not just an educational decision, but an investment in your future. Find out how to choose the right subjects and avoid the pitfalls that students often fall into.
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How does the subject system work in the IB DP programme?
The International Baccalaureate programme is not a standard school leaving examination, but a completely different system of assessing knowledge and skills. Every student pursuing a full IB diploma must choose exactly six subjects that will form the basis of their learning for the next two years. This may sound exactly like the Polish system, but this is where the difference begins – subjects are divided into two categories in terms of advancement: three must be at Higher Level (HL) and three at Standard Level (SL).
Sounds complicated? Not at all. The point is that some subjects will require you to spend significantly more hours studying and delving deeper into the material, while others will be more general. Some very ambitious students even decide to take four HL subjects and two SL subjects, but to be honest, this is a choice for people with really strong willpower and time. It is not an obligation, but an additional option for those who really want to stand out.
What do subject groups look like in the IB?
The IB system was created in such a way that students develop comprehensively. That is why subjects are divided into six categories, from which you should choose at least one subject. Each group has its own specific educational goal and prepares you for a different way of thinking.
The first group is Studies in Language and Literature – in other words, your native language. You can choose Polish A: Literature or Polish A: Language and Literature. This subject allows you to explore culture and meaning in texts in depth. The second group is Language Acquisition, i.e. foreign languages. Here you can choose English B, French B, German B or Spanish B. There is also an ab initio option for those who are just starting to learn a given language.
The third group, Individuals and Societies, covers social sciences – history, geography, economics, business management, psychology and global politics. This is the most flexible category, as there are many options to choose from. The fourth group is Sciences, i.e. natural sciences: biology, chemistry, physics, environmental systems and computer science. The fifth is, of course, Mathematics – two different fields of mathematics, depending on whether you prefer analysis or practical applications.
And finally, the sixth group – The Arts. Here you can choose visual arts, theatre, music or film. But note – you do not have to choose a subject from this group. Instead, you can take an additional subject from groups 1–5. Students pursuing science degrees in particular do exactly that – they choose, for example, two natural sciences instead of arts.
When should you decide on your subjects?
Here, the matter seems simple, but it is not. You usually choose your subjects in the second year of secondary school, even before you formally enter the IB programme. That’s quite early, isn’t it? Exactly, and that’s where the problem arises – at this point, you may still be unsure of your preferences. That’s why it’s so important to think carefully and not make this decision hastily
Many schools do allow students to change subjects during the first few weeks of term, but this carries considerable risk. If you change subjects too late, you may fall behind in the material or miss out on required projects, which will haunt you for two whole years. So it’s better to take some time to think it through at the beginning than to spend your nights catching up.
What are the key factors when choosing IB subjects?
When faced with this choice, there are three main aspects to consider. The first is simply what your school offers. Each institution has its own set of available subjects, which depends on the teaching staff, resources and programme organisation. It is worth checking whether the teachers actually have experience in preparing students for IB examinations and what the school’s matriculation results are. This may sound disgustingly practical, but honestly, the teacher has a huge impact on whether you will understand something or not.
The second factor is your interests and strengths. There are no complicated formulas here – just choose subjects that really interest you. Passion and motivation are the foundations on which you will build your learning over the next two years. If you choose a subject just because you think you have to, or because it seems easy, it is unlikely to end well. Paradoxically, a lack of interest can reduce your learning efficiency and ultimately your final exam results.
The third aspect is, of course, your plans for your studies. This is where things get more interesting, as requirements vary greatly depending on the country and university. Some European universities have specific requirements regarding subjects and levels, while universities in the United States are much more flexible. In the US, you can apply to interdisciplinary programmes without prior “profiling”, but in Europe, specific extensions are sometimes required.
What do international universities require?
This question is addressed to every student who is considering studying abroad. The reality is that many prestigious universities have very specific expectations regarding subjects and levels of proficiency.
Take medicine, for example – if you dream of studying medicine at a university such as Oxford, you will need to have HL chemistry, plus one of the following subjects: biology, mathematics or physics, also at advanced level. This is not a whim – it is a substantive requirement, because the university wants to be sure that you can master the content of the course.
Economics at prestigious universities such as LSE requires HL Maths. Period. If you have SL Maths, you can of course apply, but you will be at a competitive disadvantage. Engineering, especially at places like Imperial College, requires both HL Maths and HL Physics. This is logical – you cannot study advanced engineering if you do not have a solid foundation in mathematics and physics.
But there is another side to the coin. Universities such as Bocconi in Italy do not specify specific subject requirements. What matters more is the overall IB score and the quality of the entire programme. American universities – Harvard, UPenn and other elite universities – do not insist on specific subjects either. What counts in their applications is primarily a high overall score, exams such as the SAT or ACT, and the quality of the entire application, including essays and recommendations
IB subjects and specific fields of study
If you already have an idea of what you would like to study, it is worth seeking recommendations from teachers and educational advisors. Of course, you can always change your mind, and that is perfectly normal – many people go to university and then realise that they want something completely different
For medicine, the classics are: HL chemistry is compulsory, then biology or mathematics or physics at HL, and a third HL subject of your choice. For economics: HL mathematics (preferably Analysis & Approaches), economics, and something else – a foreign language, history or geography. Business is usually: mathematics, business management or economics, plus geography or a foreign language. Engineering requires HL mathematics, HL physics and a third HL subject of your choice
Computer science? Mathematics HL plus computer science, and either physics or another science subject as the third subject. For law, the recommendations are: history, native language, plus, for example, economics, geography or philosophy. Political science or PPE (Philosophy, Politics and Economics)? History, economics, and global politics or philosophy. And if you are thinking about psychology, then HL psychology, HL biology or another social science, plus a foreign language, for example.
Is an easier subject at HL a wise choice?
This is where we fall into a trap that many students fall into. The logic seems simple – if I choose an advanced level subject that comes easily to me, I will get a higher score, right? Well, it doesn’t always work that way. Sometimes, choosing HL just because it seems easier can have the opposite effect. Why? Because a lack of interest and motivation can reduce your learning efficiency and, ultimately, your score
It is better to choose HL subjects that really interest you and that may be relevant to your university application. Universities can see this in your CV – which subjects you have chosen. If you are applying for economics and you have SL mathematics instead of HL, it will be a clear signal to them that either you did not try hard enough or that mathematics is not your strong point.
What about a bilingual diploma?
A cool option that many people don’t know about – you can choose two A languages, for example Polish A and English A. This is called a bilingual diploma, or a bilingual IB matriculation examination. This combination is valued by universities because it demonstrates a high level of language proficiency. It is particularly useful if you are considering fields such as philology, international relations or anything where languages are important.
Final thought
Choosing subjects for the IB is a decision that will stay with you for the next two years. It is not something you should take lightly or leave to chance. It is worth thinking about it, discussing the details, and talking to teachers and counsellors. Remember that each field of study has different requirements, but also that your interests and strengths are equally important. Choosing subjects that interest you at levels that make sense for your plans is the key to success in the IB programme.
