IB History: A Complete Guide

IB History is an engaging and thought-provoking course that is part of the International Baccalaureate Diploma programme. It covers a diverse range of topics, focused on modern events, and is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of human history, especially in the 20th century. In this course, students will learn not only about significant events and individuals, but also develop critical thinking skills and the ability to analyse and interpret historical sources.

Why study IB History?

Studying IB History can provide students with a deep understanding of past events and their impact on society. This knowledge can be useful for a wide range of careers, such as journalism, law, politics, and international relations. History teaches critical thinking skills, research skills, and the ability to analyse complex information, which can be valuable in many fields. Additionally, studying history can help students develop empathy and understanding for different perspectives and cultures. By studying IB History, students can gain a deeper appreciation for the complexity of human history and the factors that shape our world today.

Have a look at our comprehensive set of IB History Resources such as the IB History Study Notes and IB History Questions, developed by expert IB teachers and examiners!

Is IB History hard?

IB History is an academically challenging subject that requires a hard work and dedication. The average score for IB History HL exams taken in May 2021 was 4.69 out of 7, which is slightly lower than the average score for other humanities subjects. However, over 87% of IB History HL scored a 4 or above, what is generally considered to be a 'pass' by many universities, indicating that the majority of students who take the course are able to succeed with hard work and dedication.

We spoke with an experienced IB History tutor who said:

"History IBDP is an excellent course for students who are interested in understanding the world around them and how it has developed over time. It requires students to think deeply about complex historical events and develop the skills needed to analyse information from a variety of sources. The course also emphasises the importance of critical thinking, which is essential for success in any field. As a teacher, I have seen many students develop a passion for history and go on to study similar subjects at university."

For more information on challenging IB subjects, read our article on the hardest IB subjects.

IB History SL & HL grade distributions in 2021

The IB History syllabus

The IB History Diploma Programme syllabus is a comprehensive program designed to provide students with a deep understanding of historical events and their impact on the world today. The syllabus is divided into two levels: Standard Level and Higher Level.

The topics covered in the syllabus are grouped into six main themes, each of which covers a specific period in history and a range of case studies from different regions of the world. These themes are:

1. The Move to Global War (1850-1941): This theme explores the causes, nature, and impact of the major wars and conflicts that took place in the period leading up to World War II, including the Russo-Japanese War, World War I, and the Spanish Civil War.

2. Rights and Protest (1945-2000): This theme examines the social, political, and economic changes that took place in the world after World War II, including the civil rights movement, women's rights, and the protests against the Vietnam War.

3. Authoritarian States (20th century): This theme explores the rise of authoritarian states in the 20th century, including fascist regimes in Italy and Germany, communist states in the Soviet Union and China, and military dictatorships in Latin America.

4. The Cold War (1945-1989): This theme examines the global conflict between the United States and the Soviet Union during the Cold War, including the arms race, proxy wars, and the impact of the Cold War on international relations.

5. Independence Movements (20th century): This theme explores the struggle for independence in the colonies of Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, including the Indian independence movement, the Algerian War, and the decolonisation of Africa.

6. The Cold War and the Americas (1945-1981): This theme focuses on the impact of the Cold War on the Americas, including the Cuban Revolution, the Bay of Pigs invasion, and the Chilean coup d'état.

For each theme, students study a range of case studies from different regions of the world. In addition to the six main themes, students choose one of the following regional options to study in depth:

• The Arab-Israeli conflict (1945-1979): This regional option explores the conflict between Israel and its Arab neighbours, including the 1948 Arab-Israeli War, the Six-Day War, and the Yom Kippur War.
• The Chinese Cultural Revolution (1966-1976): This regional option examines the cultural and political revolution that took place in China under the leadership of Mao Zedong.
• The Spanish Civil War (1936-1939): This regional option explores the Spanish Civil War, including the political and social factors that led to the conflict and the international involvement in the war.
• The Vietnam War (1945-1975): This regional option examines the causes, course, and consequences of the Vietnam War, including the role of the United States and the impact of the war on Vietnam and the world.
• Civil rights and social movements in the Americas: This regional option focuses on the civil rights movement in the United States and the social movements in Latin America, including the struggles for indigenous rights, women's rights, and labor rights.
• The Soviet Union and Stalin (1924-1953): This regional option explores the rise of Joseph Stalin and the impact of his policies on the Soviet Union and the world.

Both SL and HL students study the six main themes of the syllabus, which cover a specific period in history and a range of case studies from different regions of the world. However, HL students study three topics from a choice of six, while SL students study two topics from a choice of five.

IB History vs A-Level History

One major difference between IB and A-Level History is the syllabus. IB History covers a broad range of historical topics and emphasises critical thinking and analysis, while A-Level History is more focused on specific historical periods and events. As mentioned, IB syllabus includes six main themes, each covering a specific period in history and a range of case studies from different regions of the world. In contrast, the A-Level syllabus is divided into four main periods of study: Tudors, Stuart Britain and the crisis of monarchy, 1851-1964, and the Cold War.

Another important factor to consider is the level of difficulty. Both qualifications require students to have a deep understanding of historical events and their significance. However, the IB syllabus is generally considered to be more demanding than the A-Level syllabus, with a greater emphasis on critical thinking, analysis, and independent research.

IB History is generally perceived to cover a wider range of topics and requires a greater depth of knowledge than A-Level History. This can make the course more challenging in terms of the amount of information that needs to be retained. In both cases though, achieving the top grade is is difficult; only 5.8% of History HL students achieved a 7 in 2021, compared to 3.5% of students who achieved an A* at A-Level History.

Our experienced IB and A-Level History tutors can help you navigate the complexities of both curriculums, enhancing your understanding and preparation for exams. Our IB English tutors and A-Level English tutors can also help you with writing essays which are an important component of the History exams.

For a further in-depth comparison for all subjects, read IB Vs A-Levels - A Comprehensive Guide.

What level of History should you choose in the IB?

Students must decide whether to take the Standard Level or Higher Level course. Here are some factors to consider when making this decision:

• Interest: Students should consider their level of interest in history and how much time they are willing to dedicate to studying the subject. HL requires significantly more reading and writing than SL, so students who are passionate about history and willing to put in the work may prefer HL.
• Future plans: Students should consider their future academic and career goals. HL is generally recommended for students who plan to pursue a degree in history or a related field, while SL may be sufficient for those who plan to pursue other fields.
• Difficulty: HL is generally considered to be more difficult than SL, with more challenging coursework and assessments. However, this does not mean that SL is an easy option - it still requires a lot of hard work and dedication.

History SL covers a reduced version of the full syllabus and is intended for students who may not want to pursue history as a career or who may not have a strong background in the subject. History HL covers the full syllabus and is intended for students who plan to study history or a related field at university. HL History is designed to provide a deeper understanding of historical concepts and critical thinking skills that are necessary for university-level study. Students who choose HL History will be required to cover additional topics and have a greater depth of understanding compared to SL History.

It is worth noting that some universities may have specific requirements for History courses, so if applying to UK universities as an IB student or applying to US universities as an IB student, you should check with their chosen universities before making a decision on which level of History to take. For example, the majority of successful students who applied to study History at Cambridge University took History HL.

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

IB History grading system and exam format

The History course is graded on a scale of 1-7 as with all DP subjects, with a score of 7 being the highest. The final grade is determined by combining the scores from the internal assessment (IA) and the external assessments.

Here's a breakdown of the assessments for both Standard Level and Higher Level courses, including the percentage of the total grade for each paper:

Standard Level:

Paper 1: Source-based paper (30% of total grade, 1 hour)

Paper 2: Essay-based paper (45% of total grade, 1 hour, 30 minutes)

Internal Assessment: A historical investigation into a topic of the student’s choice. (25% of total grade, 1,500 words)

Higher Level:

Paper 1: Source-based paper (20% of total grade, 1 hour)

Paper 2: Essay-based paper (25% of total grade, 1 hour, 30 minutes)

Paper 3: Essay-based paper (20% of total grade, 2 hour, 30 minutes)

Internal Assessment: A historical investigation into a topic of the student’s choice. (20% of total grade, 2,200 words)

In addition to the external assessments, the IA is a historical investigation that accounts for 20% of the final grade. It involves an independent research project in which students select and investigate a topic of their choice, based on one of the six main themes of the IB History syllabus.

IB History HL assessment breakdown

What is a good IB History score?

A good IB History score is one that reflects a strong understanding of historical concepts and a high level of achievement in the course. The average score for IB History is 4.69, so a score of 5 or above would be considered 'good' or over average. For students who plan to study history or a related field at university, a score of 6 or 7 is generally considered to be a strong achievement.

A good IB History score also involves demonstrating strong analytical and critical thinking skills, as well as the ability to effectively communicate historical arguments and ideas. Students who can effectively analyse and evaluate historical sources and perspectives are more likely to achieve a higher score. While a high score can be beneficial for university entry and career prospects, it is important for students to focus on developing a deep understanding of historical concepts and skills in order to succeed in their future endeavours.

How to revise and get a 7 in IB History?

IB History is a challenging subject that requires a great deal of time and effort from students. Here are some tips for succeeding in the course:

Read the assigned texts: IB History requires students to read a great deal of material, including textbooks, primary sources, and scholarly articles. It is important to read all of the assigned texts in order to understand the course material and to prepare for assessments.

Develop strong writing skills: IB History involves a great deal of writing, including essays and research papers. Students should work on developing strong writing skills, including the ability to construct clear and effective arguments.

Understand the historical context: In order to fully understand the events and trends being studied in IB History, it is important to have a strong understanding of the historical context in which they occurred. This involves knowledge of the political, social, and economic conditions of the time period.

Practice critical thinking: IB History requires students to think critically about historical events and to analyse different perspectives on these events. Students should practice critical thinking skills in order to develop a nuanced and sophisticated understanding of the course material.

Stay organised: IB History involves a great deal of information and requires students to keep track of a variety of sources and details. Students should work on developing good organisational skills in order to stay on top of the course material.

By following these tips, students can improve their chances of success in IB History and achieve their academic goals.

Overview of IB History internal assessment

The IB History internal assessment (IA) is a significant part of the course, making up 20% of the final grade at HL and 25% at SL. The IA requires students to conduct independent research on a topic of their choice, based on one of the six main themes of the IB History syllabus. The IA is designed to develop research, analytical and critical thinking skills, as well as encourage students to demonstrate their historical understanding in a comprehensive report.

It involves formulating a research question, analysing primary sources, and evaluating the reliability of sources. The IA is marked by the student's teacher and moderated by the IB. Students who are successful in completing a well-researched, well-written IA can significantly boost their overall grade in IB History.

To learn more and get example topics, read our article: IB History IA: 60 Examples And Guidance.

Top resources for IB History preparation

Preparing for IB History exams can be challenging, but with the right resources, you can feel more confident and well-prepared. Here are some top resources to help you:

1. The IB History Study Guide by Oxford University Press is an excellent resource for students who want to excel in their exams. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the IB History syllabus, with detailed explanations and examples for each topic. The guide also includes practice questions and tips for exam preparation.

2. BBC History Magazine: This is a is a great resource for students who want to learn more about historical events and concepts. The magazine covers a wide range of topics and provides engaging articles, interviews, and reviews. The magazine also offers a range of online resources, including podcasts, videos, and quizzes.

3. Khan Academy: Khan Academy offers a range of educational resources for students, including videos, articles, and practice questions. Their History resources cover a wide range of topics and provide clear explanations and examples.

4. Mr. Allsop's History: A website created by a UK-based history teacher that offers a range of resources for IB History students, including revision guides, podcasts, and videos. The website covers all six themes of the IB History syllabus and provides clear explanations and examples.

By using these top resources for IB History preparation, you can feel more confident and well-prepared for your exams.

Exploring career opportunities with IB History

IB History is a valuable subject that can prepare students for a variety of career paths. Here are some of the career opportunities that IB History graduates can pursue:

Education: IB History provides students with skills in critical thinking, research, analysis, and communication, which are essential for a career in teaching. Graduates can pursue careers as history IB tutors, teachers, professors, or academic researchers.

Law: IB History equips students with an understanding of legal systems and political structures, making it an ideal background for those interested in pursuing a career in law. Graduates can pursue careers in areas such as human rights law, international law, or constitutional law.

Politics: IB History provides students with a deep understanding of political systems, global events, and international relations. Graduates can pursue careers in areas such as diplomacy, policy development, or public service.

Journalism: IB History graduates can pursue a career in journalism, where they can use their research and communication skills to investigate and report on historical events and current affairs. Graduates can work as reporters, correspondents, or editors for print, digital, or broadcast media outlets.

Business: IB History provides students with a broad understanding of social, cultural, and economic trends, making it a valuable background for those interested in pursuing a career in business. Graduates can pursue careers in areas such as marketing, consulting, or management.

Education:

Conclusion

In conclusion, IB History is an essential subject for anyone interested in the past and how it has shaped the world we live in today. Through the study of historical events and their impact on society, students can develop critical thinking skills, gain a deeper understanding of cultural differences, and appreciate the complexities of human behaviour. Despite its challenges, IB History is a subject that can be both engaging and enlightening for students who are passionate about learning and exploring different perspectives. By choosing to study IB History, students can develop a broad range of skills that are valuable in any career or academic pursuit. With the right approach and guidance, students can excel and make meaningful contributions to society.