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Many wonder whether IB resembles university studies and whether the course will prepare them for future academia. In this post we will highlight the key similarities and differences between IB and university studies.
Is IB Like University?
The best way to answer this question is to compare the classes, nature of learning, assesments, coursework, contact hours, and class selection, between the two.
Classes
In university lectures, students typically sit and listen to a professor deliver content to a large audience. While there may be opportunities to ask questions, the primary focus is on absorbing information.
Tutorials, however, resemble IB classes more closely. These smaller classes often involve discussions, group work, and collaborative problem-solving, similar to the environment of IB classrooms.
Nature of learning
One key similarity between IB and university is the emphasis on analytical skills and applying knowledge to various contexts rather than mere memorisation. However, university takes this even further, placing greater focus on applying knowledge to unforeseen scenarios and thinking independently. Unlike the IB, which follows a structured syllabus, university learning is often more open-ended and unstructured. Students are expected to synthesize information from multiple sources, including lectures, tutorials, required readings, and their own independent research. There isn’t a single textbook or resource that contains everything needed for exams; instead, students must actively seek and integrate knowledge from various places.
Assessments
In IB, students frequently have in-class tests. In university on the other hand these are very rare and students generally sit exams only twice during the academic year (after the first semester and at the end of the year). However, at the same time, this is somewhat similar to IB where students sit mock exams mid-year and then at the end of the school year.
Coursework
One of the key similarities between IB and university is the role of coursework in assessment. In IB, components like Internal Assessments (IAs) and the Extended Essay (EE) contribute to your final grade, much like essays, projects, and reports in university courses.
Also, IB coursework is of academic nature, requiring students to conduct independent investigations, analyze data, and present arguments supported by credible sources. The EE as well IAs involve researching a topic, developing a thesis, and writing a well-structured investigation with proper citations – closely resembling a university research paper.
Contact hours
A key difference between IB and university is the number of contact hours – the time spent in classes. In IB, students have a structured ''high school'' timetable with multiple classes each day. University on the other hand often places greater emphasis on individual study. While of course this varies depending on your course and university, in general, it can be said that uni students have fewer scheduled classes. Some days might include only one lecture, or none at all. This means that university students are expected to take more responsibility for their learning. While IB encourages individual work through assignments like the Extended Essay and IAs, the balance in university leans even more heavily toward self-directed learning.
Class selection
One major difference between IB and university is the level of freedom in choosing what you study. In university, you select a single course (e.g., law, engineering, or biology) and focus entirely on that area. If you dislike certain subjects, like math, you can choose a course where it’s not required. In IB, however, while there is some room for choice, students must follow a broad curriculum that includes two languages, a humanities/social sciences subject, a science, math, and optionally, an arts subject.
That said, university courses also have required modules, particularly in the early years. However, later on, universities often allow more flexibility, letting you select modules that align with your interests within that field.
We hope you found this post helpful. For more useful materials associated with the IB check out the wide variety of IA, EE and TOK exemplars available at Clastify and other guides available on our blog.
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