A guide to the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme for universities and colleges

The Diploma Programme is a two-year, full-time programme.  Students must choose one subject from each of groups 1 to 5, thus ensuring breadth of experience in languages, social studies, the experimental sciences and mathematics.  The sixth subject may be an arts subject chosen from group 6, or the student may choose another subject from groups 2 to 5.  At least three and not more than four are taken at higher level (HL), the others at standard level (SL). HL courses represent a recommended 240 teaching hours; SL courses cover 150 teaching hours (for more detail on each subject, click on a group number in the hexagon above).

In each examination, the student is graded on a scale of 1 (minimum) to 7 (maximum).  The award of the diploma requires students to meet defined standards and conditions.  These include a minimum total of 24 points and the satisfactory completion of three compulsory core components: 1) theory of knowledge (TOK); 2) extended essay; and 3) creativity, action, service (CAS).  Thus, the programme has the strengths of a traditional and broad curriculum, augmented by the three requirements shown at the centre of the programme model above.

Approximately 80% of students are awarded the diploma. A student who does not satisfy the requirements of the full Diploma Programme, or who has elected to take fewer than six subjects, is awarded a certificate for the examinations completed. Students who complete more than six subjects receive an extra certificate for the additional subject(s).

 

 

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