IB Subjects | Clastify
Clastify logo

Exemplars

Review

Click here to explore thousands of marked IA, EE and TOK exemplars!

IB Subjects

By Wojtek

July 16, 2024

IB Subjects cover image

Having trouble with choosing your IB subjects? Feeling overwhelmed by the number of possible choices? Here goes our complete IB subject guide, designed to help you make an informed decision and embark on your academic journey with confidence. 

 

 

IB Subjects

 

 

IB Subject Groups 

 

Students are required to choose one subject from each of the 6 subject groups: 

 

  • Studies in Language and Literature 
  • Language Acquisition 
  • Individuals and Societies
  • Sciences
  • Mathematics
  • Arts 

 

An additional subject may be chosen from Language Acquisition, Individuals and Societies, or Sciences, instead of a subject in the Arts.

 

 

IB Subjects

 

Students must take at least 3 and up to 4 subjects at higher level (HL), with the remaining subjects taken at standard level (SL). 

 

 

Studies in Language and Literature 

 

SubjectDescription Difficulty Level (1-3)Level (SL/HL)
Language A: Language and Literature
  • focus on literary and non-literary texts 
  • exploration and analysis of different forms of text (literary, media, photography)
  • emphasis on the examination of the texts' target audience, purpose and context 

2 

SL and HL

Language A: Literature
  • literary texts
  • strong emphasis on comparative study (understanding common themes, motifs and stylistic devices)
  • exploration of various literary theories 

2 

SL and HL

Literature and Performance 
  • focus on the interplay of literary texts and performance 
  • students engage in exploring, analyzing and bringing literary texts to life through performance 

2

SL

 

 

Language Acquisition 

 

Subject Description Difficulty Level (1-3)Level (SL/HL)
Language B
  • a progression for students continuing their studies in a previously learned language 
  • focus on the development of reading, writing, listening and oral skills 

2

SL and HL

Language ab initio
  • for students who have had little to no contact with the language 
  • focus on the development of reading, writing, listening and oral skills 

1

SL

Latin or Classical Greek
  • exploration of the language, literature and culture of Ancient Rome and Greece 

2

SL and HL

 

 

 

Individuals and Societies 

 

SubjectDescription Difficulty Level (1-3)Level (HL/SL)
History 
  • emphasis on a multi-perspective approach 
  • regarded as the most challenging Group 3 Subject 
  • requires students to absorb a vast amount of historical knowledge 
  • requires deep historical understanding, an analytical mindset, and the ability to identify patterns and recognize processes 
  • requires strong essay-writing skills 

3

SL and HL

Geography 
  • a well-liked course by many IB students
  • offers a comprehensive study of the interactions between individuals, societies and the environment
  • the course integrates concepts and knowledge from various other disciplines including Economics, History and Business

2

SL and HL

Business Management 
  • considered to be one of the easiest Group 3 subjects
  • furnishes students with a thorough understanding of key concepts and principles of the business environment 

1 

SL and HL

Economics 
  • provides students with a comprehensive understanding of economic theories and models 
  • requires strong analytical skills and the ability to apply economic models to real-world scenarios 

2

SL and HL

Psychology 
  • one of the most popular Group 3 subjects
  • emphasis on the study of behavioral processes 
  • a content heavy subject

2 

SL and HL

Philosophy 
  • recommended for students curious about fundamental questions concerning ethics, existence, and the nature of reality 
  • the course requires proficient essay-writing skills 

2

SL and HL

 

 

Sciences 

 

Subject Description Difficulty Level (1-3)Level (SL/HL)
Biology 
  • a very content heavy subject 
  • requires students to absorb large amounts of knowledge
  • requires the ability to spot, analyse and memorise biological patterns and processes

2 

SL and HL

Chemistry 
  • strong emphasis on analytical skills 
  • develops critical thinking skills for further studies in sciences and related fields

2

SL and HL

Physics
  • regarded as the most challenging Science course 
  • requires a very thorough understanding of the taught concepts and the ability to apply them  
  • requires proficient mathematics and problem solving skills 

3

SL and HL

Computer Science
  • includes both theoretical and practical aspects of computing
  • can be quite challenging for people with no prior programming experience  

2

SL and HL

 

 

Check out our free IA exemplars
View all exemplars on Clastify

 

 

Mathematics 

 

SubjectDescription Difficulty Level (1-3)Level (SL/HL)
Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation 
  • stronger emphasis on practical mathematics applications such as statistics, data analysis, and modelling 
  • regarded as the easier mathematics course

2 

SL and HL

Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches 
  • stronger emphasis on theoretical concepts such as calculus and algebra
  • more suitable for students aiming to pursue math-intensive courses at university 
  • generally regarded as the more challenging mathematics course

SL and HL

 

Click here for a detailed comparison of the available IB math courses.

 

Arts

 

SubjectDescription Difficulty Level (1-3)Level (SL/HL)
Music 
  • focuses on the exploration of various musical genres
  • the course encompasses elements of musical theory, performance, critical analysis and composition 
  • the course is recommended for students with prior musical knowledge and experience 

2 

SL and HL

Dance 
  • a course focusing on practical dance training, choreography, dance history and critical analysis 
  • recommended for those interested in performing arts 

2 

SL and HL

Visual Arts 
  • throughout the course, students learn about key artistic concepts, learn analytical skills and create their own pieces 
  • recommended for students prior art experience

2 

SL and HL

Theater 
  • the course allows students to create, perform and analyse theatrical works
  • the course is recommended for students who are passionate about the theater and enjoy engaging in collaborative creative processes 

2 

SL and HL

 

 

We hope this post has been helpful in guiding your IB subject selection. When choosing your subjects, be sure to also consider the specific requirements of your target universities. For help with writing top-scoring coursework, visit Clastify

Clastify logo

Copyright © 2025 Clastify

All content on this website has been developed independently from and is not endorsed by the International Baccalaureate Organization. International Baccalaureate and IB are registered trademarks owned by the International Baccalaureate Organization.