What is IB History?: Overview for Students

Choosing your IB subjects can be a daunting task, and if you're wondering about what IB History is, you’re not alone. This fascinating course offers students the chance to explore global history from the perspective of multiple countries. 

But with its emphasis on critical thinking, detailed historical knowledge, and source analysis, you might be wondering if you can cope with the challenges of IB History.

In this article, we'll break down IB History and give you a clear overview of the course content, how it’s assessed, and the valuable skills you'll develop along the way. By the end, you’ll feel more confident about whether this course is the right fit for you and how it can benefit your future.

What is IB History?: Quick Summary

IB History is a subject offered as part of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme (opens in a new tab) and is typically taken by students aged 16 to 19. It is a globally recognised qualification that explores key historical events, figures, and movements from multiple regions around the world. 

The course encourages students to think critically about the past, develop historical skills, and engage with diverse perspectives on important global issues.

Throughout the course, students will study topics such as the Cold War, military leaders, and democratic states, all while developing key skills such as source analysis, historical arguments, and evaluating interpretations.

The course is offered at both Standard Level (opens in a new tab) (opens in a new tab)(SL) (opens in a new tab) and Higher Level (HL) (opens in a new tab). HL students explore additional depth studies, such as the History of Asia and Oceania.

Why Study History at IB?

If you have a curiosity about the world and how it has evolved, IB History is a fascinating subject that can unlock answers to complex questions about politics, war, society, and human behaviour. The course provides more than just historical facts. It encourages you to think critically, analyse various historical sources, and engage with multiple perspectives.

IB History is ideal if you enjoy exploring the causes and consequences of events and understanding the impact of decisions made in the past. The subject’s focus on critical thinking and historical inquiry will allow you to develop crucial skills for higher education. It will also help you in various careers, including law, journalism, politics, and education.

What Does IB History Cover?

IB History covers both prescribed and world history topics. This content allows students to engage with key historical events from a range of regions and perspectives.

Prescribed subjects 

Students study one of the options below, with two case studies:

• Military leaders

• Conquest and its impact

• The move to global war

• Rights and protest

• Conflict and intervention

World history topics

Students study two of the options below, using examples from multiple regions:

• Society and economy (750-1400)

• Causes and effects of wars (750-1500)

• Dynasties and rulers (750-1500)

• Societies in transition (1400-1700)

• Early Modern states (1450-1789)

• Causes and effects of Early Modern wars (1500-1750)

• Origins, development and impact of industrialization (1750-2005)

• Independence movements (1800-2000)

• Emergence and development of democratic states (1848-2000)

• Authoritarian states (20th century)

• Causes and effects of 20th-century wars

• The Cold War: superpower tensions and rivalries (20th century)

Internal assessment

Both SL and HL students have to complete a 2,200-word historical investigation (opens in a new tab) of the student’s choice.

Depth studies

The depth study is only for HL students. HL students have to study one of the options below:

• History of Africa and the Middle East

• History of the Americas

• History of Asia and Oceania

• History of Europe

How is IB History Assessed?

Assessment for IB History includes both external and internal examinations.

External assessments

• Paper 1: Source-based questions based on the prescribed subjects (30% of the final grade for SL students, 20% for HL students).
  

• Paper 2: Essay questions based on world history topics (45% for SL students, 25% for HL students).
  

• Paper 3 (HL only): Essay questions based on one of the regional options (35% of the final grade for HL students).

Internal assessment

• A historical investigation where students research a historical topic of their choice, applying historical inquiry methods and critical analysis.

• Worth 25% for SL students and 20% for HL students.

What Are the Different Assessment Objectives?

There are four assessment objectives which you are examined on, regardless of it you take SL and HL:

AO1: Knowledge and understanding

You need to show that you know and understand the key facts, events, and ideas in history. This means being able to explain what happened, why it happened, and what it means in the bigger picture, including historical sources.

AO2: Application and analysis

You’ll need to make strong arguments about a range of historical events and sources. This means using the knowledge you’ve learned to explain and discuss how things fit together and how they help us understand what happened in history.

AO3: Synthesis and evaluation

You’ll have to bring together all the evidence and ideas you’ve studied to form a clear, well-supported response. You also need to think critically about different views on historical events and evaluate whether sources are useful or not.

AO4: Use and application of appropriate skills

You’ll need to show that you can do research, choose good sources, and support your answers with facts and references. You also need to reflect on the challenges to historians and apply their methods to your own inquiries.

What Skills Will Students Learn?

Critical thinking

You will develop the ability to analyse different historical perspectives, assess the value of sources, and construct well-supported arguments.

Research and investigation

You will gain experience in conducting independent research, evaluating sources, and presenting findings coherently.

Writing and making arguments

Perfect your essay-writing skills by structuring clear, evidence-backed arguments and presenting them in a well-organised format.

Source evaluation

Learn to assess the reliability, value, and limitations of primary and secondary sources, an essential skill for Paper 1 and Paper 2.

Global awareness

You will study history from multiple regions, gaining a deeper understanding of international issues and how different events connect globally.

Top Tips for Success

Practice source analysis

Spend time familiarising yourself with different types of historical sources. Learn to evaluate them critically, which will help with Paper 1 and Paper 2. 

Engage with historiography

IB History requires you to understand the debates between historians. Make sure to note down key historians and their views on important topics, and refer to these interpretations where appropriate to show a deeper understanding. This not only strengthens your arguments but also shows AO4 skills.

Nail the Internal Assessment

The Internal Assessment is a major component of IB History, and it’s a chance to show your ability to conduct independent research. Start early so you have plenty of time to plan, research, and write. Remember, the IA is worth 20%-25% of your final grade, so investing time in it will pay off.

Frequently Asked Questions about IB History

Is IB History Hard?

Yes, IB History can be challenging due to the depth of knowledge required and the critical thinking skills needed for source analysis and essay writing. However, with consistent effort and practice, it is manageable and rewarding.

In May 2024 (opens in a new tab), to achieve an excellent pass (Grade 7), SL students needed a minimum of 73% of the marks. For HL students, this was 75%. This was similar to the percentage required for a Grade 7 in IB Geography.

Is IB History Easy to Pass?

While it’s not easy to pass, IB History is achievable with good organisation, regular practice, and a clear understanding of the key concepts and historical skills.

In 2024 (opens in a new tab), both SL and HL History students had to gain a minimum of 49% of the marks to achieve a Good pass (Grade 5). In comparison, a Grade 5 in IB Geography was 51% (SL) or 53% (HL).

What Careers Can IB History Lead To?

IB History can lead to careers in law, journalism, education, public policy, and research, as well as providing a solid foundation for further study in history, politics, and international relations.

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References

7.-Internal-Assessment.pdf (opens in a new tab)

History in the DP - International Baccalaureate® (opens in a new tab)

History-sl-2020-eng.pdf (opens in a new tab)

History-hl-2020-eng.pdf (opens in a new tab)

May 2024 Grade Boundaries.pdf (opens in a new tab)