The IB Diploma Programme psychology course is the systematic study of behaviour and mental processes.
This page summarizes the Diploma Programme (DP) psychology course for the last assessment in 2026.
Since the psychology course examines the interaction of biological, cognitive and sociocultural influences on human behaviour, it is well placed in group 3, individuals and societies. Students undertaking the course can expect to develop an understanding of how psychological knowledge is generated, developed and applied. This will allow them to have a greater understanding of themselves and appreciate the diversity of human behaviour.
The holistic approach reflected in the curriculum, which sees biological, cognitive and sociocultural analysis being taught in an integrated way ensures that students are able to develop an understanding of what all humans share, as well as the immense diversity of influences on human behaviour and mental processes. The ethical concerns raised by the methodology and application of psychological research are also key considerations of the IB psychology course.
Psychology subject brief
Subject briefs are short documents providing an outline of the course.
Read the subject brief for the last assessment in 2026.
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Read the subject brief for the first assessment in 2027.
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