The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme History course is a challenging and engaging world history program that helps students think deeply about the past and how it shapes the world today. It encourages students to ask questions, think critically and consider different points of view.
Students explore key historical thinking concepts such as change, continuity, causes, consequences, significance and perspective.
History in the IB is both evidence-based and open to interpretation, helping students develop strong research and thinking skills. It also builds international understanding by comparing historical events and developments from different parts of the world. IB History helps students become informed, thoughtful and open-minded global citizens.
IB History Course
The course gives teachers flexibility to choose case studies that suit their students’ interests and backgrounds.
Students complete the following:
- One prescribed subject (five options, including ‘The move to global war’ and ‘Rights and protest’)
- Two world history topics (12 options, including ‘Dynasties and rulers’, ‘Authoritarian states’ and ‘The Cold War’)
- One Higher Level depth study (focus one of four regions such Europe or the Americas) – for Higher Level students only
- An internal assessment (a historical investigation on a topic of the student’s choice)
The course is available at both Standard Level and Higher Level, giving students options for how deeply they want to study the subject.
IB History resources
Active History
contains resources specifically designed for the IB syllabus.
CFR Education (Council on Foreign Relations)
offers a range of free IB History supplementary resources.