IB Global Politics: A Complete Guide

The International Baccalaureate (IB) Global Politics course provides a broad, real-world understanding of political processes, power dynamics, and international relations. This complete guide offers insights into why this subject is worth studying, its level of difficulty, detailed breakdown of the syllabus, comparison with A-Level Politics, and helps you choose the right level for your IB journey. We'll also dive into the grading system, exam format, tips on achieving a top score, an overview of the internal assessment, and the best resources for preparation. By the end, you'll be well-equipped to maximise your potential in IB Global Politics and understand the exciting career opportunities it can unlock.

Why study IB Global Politics?

The complexities of our interconnected world necessitate an understanding of global politics. The Global Politics course within the IB Diploma Programme empowers students with a broad comprehension of global political issues, helping them develop skills that are increasingly important in today's interconnected, globalised world.

Political literacy and complex problem-solving are among the top 10 skills needed to thrive in the 21st century. They highlight that as our world becomes more interconnected, the ability to understand, engage, and navigate the global political landscape is more crucial than ever.

Studying Global Politics in the IB curriculum allows students to engage in such critical thinking and analysis. It also encourages active citizenship. The course promotes the development of transferable skills. In the University of Chicago, students who took politics courses developed stronger skills in research, debate, and negotiation, all of which are valuable in diverse career paths.

Therefore, studying IB Global Politics can not only enrich your understanding of the world around you but also equip you with essential skills and a broader perspective that future employers highly value. Whether you're looking at a career in politics, international relations, law, journalism, or even business, the knowledge and skills gained from this course can serve as a strong foundation.

Is IB Global Politics hard?

The difficulty of any course is subjective and largely depends on a student's interests, skills, and commitment. However, several aspects make IB Global Politics challenging yet rewarding. In 2022, the average grades for Global Politics HL and Economics SL were 5.30 and 5.09, respectively.

The breadth and depth of the content in IB Global Politics can be overwhelming. The course covers a range of issues from human rights to environmental policies and global security. Balancing the understanding of these diverse topics demands consistent study and commitment.

There's a strong emphasis on critical thinking and evaluation. The course requires students to critically analyse global events, ideologies, and political theories, which can be demanding. However, students who actively engage in this critical analysis often develop excellent skills in this area.

The IB Global Politics course also places a significant emphasis on coursework. The Internal Assessment and the Engagement Activity require independent research, analysis, and presentation of findings, which can be challenging but also helps develop essential skills. Despite these challenges, many students find the course extremely rewarding. Over 75% of students said they were satisfied with the course and would recommend it to others, stating that the challenge helped them grow academically and personally.

In conclusion, while the course can be hard, students who engage with the content, commit to consistent study, and are willing to develop their critical thinking skills often find IB Global Politics a fulfilling and enriching course. For more information on the most difficult subjects, read our article on which are the hardest IB subjects?

Number of IB Global Politics SL & HL candidates and mean grades in 2021

The IB Global Politics Syllabus

The IB Global Politics syllabus is split into core units and optional themes, fostering a comprehensive understanding of global political issues.

The core units cover four key areas: 'Power, Sovereignty, and International Relations', 'Human Rights', 'Development', and 'Peace and Conflict'. Each unit provides a foundation in political theory, alongside a thorough examination of real-world case studies.

The optional themes allow students to delve deeper into specific areas of interest. Themes range from 'Security' and 'Poverty' to 'Technology and Global Politics', offering a chance to focus on topical, significant issues. The official IB syllabus provides a detailed overview of these core units and optional themes.

A unique feature of the Global Politics syllabus is the emphasis on active learning and real-world application. Students are expected to conduct independent research, engage with current global events, and examine political concepts through a variety of lenses.

An expert in Global Politics from the University of Pittsburgh has highlighted the importance of a syllabus like that of IB Global Politics. He argues that it is crucial for students to understand different political perspectives, engage with ethical issues, and appreciate the complexity of global affairs, which the IB Global Politics course successfully accomplishes.

The breadth and depth of the IB Global Politics syllabus make it a compelling and informative course, equipping students with a broad, nuanced understanding of the global political landscape.

What level of Global Politics should you choose in the IB?

In the IB Diploma Programme, students have the choice to study Global Politics at either Standard Level (SL) or Higher Level (HL). Both levels cover the same core topics but vary in depth and complexity.

SL students are required to study two global political challenges for their engagement activity, while HL students need to additionally complete an HL extension, where they examine two key political concepts in depth. This extension requires further research, analytical thinking, and a higher level of critical understanding. The IB's guide offers more specifics on these differences.

Of the students who opted for Global Politics in 2022, approximately 62% chose the HL, and 38% went for the SL. This suggests that many students are keen on delving deeper into the subject.

Choosing between SL and HL depends on your interest in the subject, the amount of time you can dedicate to it, your university and career aspirations, and your confidence in handling an in-depth study. Understanding the difference and seeking advice from teachers and career counsellors can help you make an informed decision.

Number of IB Global Politics SL & HL candidates and mean grades in 2021

Understanding the IB Global Politics Grading System

The IB Global Politics grading system is comprehensive and aims to evaluate a student's understanding of the course content and their ability to apply this knowledge to real-world issues.

The final grade, on a scale from 1 (lowest) to 7 (highest), is determined by a combination of external and internal assessments. The external assessment, which includes written exams, counts for 80% of the final grade at Standard Level (SL) and 75% at Higher Level (HL).

The written exams test your understanding of the key themes of the course and your ability to apply political theories to case studies. The exam for HL students also includes a section to test the understanding of the HL extension topics.

The remaining 20% (SL) or 25% (HL) of the grade comes from the internal assessment. This is an Engagement Activity, which involves researching a global political activity and reflecting on its significance. For HL students, an additional extension oral presentation on two political concepts is required.

Overall, the IB Global Politics grading system is designed to assess not just rote learning but also critical thinking, analysis, and engagement with global political issues.

Have a look at our comprehensive set of IB Global Politics Resources that includes IB Global Politics Study Notes and IB Practice Questions, developed by expert IB teachers and examiners!

IB Global Politics Exam Format

The exam for IB Global Politics has a specific format designed to assess a student's understanding and application of the course content.

For Standard Level (SL) students, the exam is divided into two papers. Paper 1 is a stimulus-based paper that requires short answers and an essay. Paper 2 consists of extended-response questions where students must select and answer two questions, each from a different theme.

Higher Level (HL) students also have to take an additional exam paper, Paper 3, which tests their understanding of two key political concepts in depth.

The exam papers primarily aim to evaluate students' understanding of the course's key themes and their ability to analyse and evaluate different political perspectives. However, the exams also assess the skills developed throughout the course, including critical thinking, the ability to construct arguments, and the capacity to link political theories to real-world case studies.The ability to analyse political scenarios and build arguments based on political theories, as tested in these exams, is a critical skill for any politics student.

It's worth noting that these exams are not the only assessment for IB Global Politics - the internal assessment also contributes significantly to the final grade. Hence, success in IB Global Politics requires not just performing well in the exams but also conducting insightful research for the internal assessment.

What is a Good IB Global Politics Score?

The IB scoring system ranks students on a scale of 1 to 7, with 7 being the highest possible score. For Global Politics, a score of 4 is often considered good as it demonstrates adequate knowledge and understanding of the course content. However, aiming for a higher score can open more opportunities, especially for those looking to study Politics or related subjects at university.

According to the IB Statistical Bulletin 2022, the average score for IB Global Politics was around 5.1. Interestingly, about 45% of the students achieved a 6 or 7, the highest grades, which suggests that with proper preparation, achieving top grades is indeed feasible.

Top universities often look for scores of 6 or 7 in the relevant subjects for admission into competitive courses. For example, the University of Oxford's Politics, Philosophy, and Economics (PPE) course recommends a score of 6 or 7 in a social science subject at Higher Level. A high score in Global Politics demonstrates a student's ability to understand and critically analyse international affairs, which are valuable skills in today's interconnected world.

In conclusion, a good IB Global Politics score can be seen as 4 or above, but aiming for a 6 or 7 can provide a significant advantage for your future academic and career prospects.

How to Revise and Get a 7 in IB Global Politics?

Getting a 7 in IB Global Politics requires strategic preparation, consistent effort, and an understanding of the examination and grading criteria. Here are some steps recommended by professional online tutors to help you revise effectively and maximise your score.

1. Understand the syllabus and grading criteria: Before you start your revision, it's crucial to understand the syllabus and grading criteria. The IB's guide is an excellent resource for this.

2. Plan your study: Set up a timetable and allocate specific time for each topic. Include time for revisiting challenging topics and for practising past papers.

3. Engage with a variety of resources: While your textbooks and class notes are essential, expand your learning by using online resources, podcasts, and news articles to understand real-world applications of the theories you're studying.

4. Practice past papers: Regular practice helps familiarise you with the exam format, improves your time management, and helps you understand what examiners are looking for.

5. Reflection and improvement: After each practice paper, review your responses with the marking scheme. Identify areas where you can improve, and focus your revision on these areas.

6. Seek support: Collaborate with classmates, form study groups, or seek guidance from your teacher or IB Global Politics tutor. Exploring different perspectives and discussing challenging topics can enhance your learning experience.

This is what Victoria Baines, a 7 grade Global Politics student had to say about how she approached mastery of the subject:

Securing top marks in IB Global Politics was a challenge, but the key was to engage actively with current events. I spent time each day reading international news and trying to apply course concepts. The real world often provides the most valuable classroom!

Remember, achieving a 7 requires dedication and smart work, but with proper planning and consistent effort, it is a very achievable goal.

Overview of IB Global Politics Internal Assessment

The Internal Assessment (IA) in IB Global Politics is a significant component of the course, contributing 20% to the final grade for Standard Level (SL) students and 25% for Higher Level (HL) students.

For both SL and HL students, the IA consists of an Engagement Activity and Written Report. The Engagement Activity involves participation in a real-world political event or activity, followed by reflection and analysis of the experience. The Written Report, based on the Engagement Activity, requires students to critically analyse the global political dynamics of the chosen activity.

HL students have an additional requirement, a Presentation on Extension. This is an oral presentation analysing a global political challenge through two lenses: a key political concept and a specified HL extension topic. Practical engagement with real-world politics, as in the IA, significantly enhances a student's ability to understand abstract political theories.

It is recommended that that students start thinking about their IA early in the course, allowing time to choose an engaging activity, conduct thorough research, and produce a high-quality report. Students can also benefit from the assistance of IB English tutoring in writing their report, ensuring that it is well-structured, clearly articulated, and effectively communicates their research findings.

The IA is not just an assessment task; it's an opportunity for students to delve into global politics, engage with real-world political activities, and develop their analytical skills. With careful planning and execution, it can be a highlight of the IB Global Politics course.

Top Resources for IB Global Politics Preparation

Apart from the prescribed textbooks and class notes, several other resources can be helpful for IB Global Politics students. Here's a list of some top IB Study Material recommended by experts and successful students:

1. IB's Official Global Politics Guide: Published by the IB, this guide gives a detailed overview of the syllabus, assessment criteria, and recommended study approaches.

2. BBC World News: This website provides a wealth of information about current global political affairs, offering real-life context to your studies.

3. Online Learning Platforms: Websites like Khan Academy and Coursera offer numerous courses and video lectures on various political science topics.

4. Podcasts: Podcasts such as The Daily and Global Dispatches offer insightful discussions on current international politics and global affairs.

Keeping abreast of global events and suggests that exploring diverse sources allows students to gain a broad perspective. IB tutors also help students gain access to expert insights and resources that are not always available in the classroom, boosting their understanding and grades.

Remember, the best resources are the ones that complement your learning style and help you engage with the course content in a meaningful way. Mix and match these resources to create a study plan that suits your needs.

Exploring Career Opportunities with IB Global Politics

Studying IB Global Politics provides a robust foundation for various careers. A strong understanding of international relations and global politics is valuable in many fields, including diplomacy, international development, journalism, law, and academia.

Here are some potential career paths:

1. Diplomacy and International Organisations: Working in diplomatic services or international organisations such as the United Nations or the World Bank requires a deep understanding of global politics.

2. International Development and Humanitarian Aid: Organisations such as Oxfam and Save the Children offer opportunities for graduates with a strong grounding in global politics to work in policy development, project management, and advocacy roles.

3. Journalism and Media: As a global politics journalist or analyst, you could contribute to outlets such as BBC World News or The Guardian.

4. Law: If you're interested in international law, studying global politics offers a useful backdrop for understanding the political context of legal issues.

5. Academia and Research: If you're passionate about the subject, you might consider further study and a career in academia or research to become a Politics tutor or teacher.

A background in politics can provide the skills and understanding necessary for careers in public administration, local government, and management consultancy. Remember, the skills you acquire in IB Global Politics – critical thinking, analysis, research, and communication – are highly transferable and valuable in many different sectors. This subject can open many doors, depending on your interests and aspirations.

Conclusion

IB Global Politics is a multifaceted and engaging subject that not only equips students with knowledge of global political systems and international relations but also instils valuable skills like critical thinking and analysis. Whether you're aiming for a top score or pondering over which level to choose, understanding the course structure, assessments, and grading system can be a great starting point. With the right resources and revision strategies, any student can excel in this subject. Lastly, remember that the skills and knowledge you acquire in this course can open a plethora of career opportunities in diplomacy, international organisations, media, law, and more.