What Is IB World Religions?

Religion has shaped cultures, societies and global history for thousands of years. It continues to influence the world today, affecting ethical debates, cultural traditions, political movements and the everyday lives of people around the globe.

IB World Religions (opens in a new tab) is a subject in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme that explores how religious traditions shape the way individuals and communities understand the world. Students study a range of religions and examine how beliefs, practices and teachings influence human behaviour, identity and society.

This guide explains what IB World Religions involves, how the course is structured and what you will study. It focuses on the current IB Diploma Programme course, which is still offered today, but will be replaced by a new course called Religion and Society, first assessed in 2029.

Key Takeaways

• IB World Religions explores the beliefs, practices and teachings of major world religions.

• Students study five religions from a list of nine, then explore two religions in greater depth.

• The course examines themes such as rituals, sacred texts, beliefs, religious experience and ethics.

• Assessment includes two written exam papers and an investigative study internal assessment.

What Is IB World Religions All About?

IB World Religions is part of the Individuals and Societies (opens in a new tab) subject group within the IB Diploma Programme.

The course does not aim to promote any particular belief. Instead, it takes an academic approach to studying religion, focusing on understanding religious traditions and their influence on individuals and societies. 

As a Religious Studies teacher, I’ve seen how studying religion academically can help students understand both cultural diversity and the ideas that shape societies around the world. In IB World Religions, you will be encouraged to explore religions both analytically and empathetically.

Throughout the course, you will investigate questions such as:

• How do religious traditions explain human existence?

• How do religious beliefs influence ethical decisions?

• How do rituals and sacred texts shape religious communities?

• How do different religions understand the purpose of life?

The IB has announced that the course will eventually be replaced by a new subject called Religion and Society, first assessed in 2029. However, IB World Religions remains part of the current Diploma Programme.

What Will You Study in IB World Religions?

The IB World Religions course is organised into three main parts. This structure is designed to help students first explore a wide range of religious traditions before studying selected religions in greater depth.

Part 1: Introduction to World Religions

In this section, students study five religions from a list of nine major traditions.

The possible religions include:

• Hinduism

• Buddhism

• Sikhism

• Judaism

• Christianity

• Islam

• Taoism

• Jainism

• Baha’i Faith.

Students explore the selected religions through three guiding questions:

• What is the human condition?

• Where are we going in life?

• How do we get there?

This section helps students compare different religious worldviews and understand how religions address fundamental questions about life and existence. 

Part 2: In-Depth Studies

Students then study two religions in greater detail.

These religions are selected from two groups:

Group 1:

• Hinduism

• Buddhism

• Sikhism

Group 2:

• Judaism

• Christianity

• Islam

Each religion is explored through several key themes:

• Rituals

• Sacred texts

• Doctrines and beliefs

• Religious experience

• Ethics and moral conduct

Students examine how these elements shape religious identity and influence the lives of believers. 

Part 3: Investigative Study

Students also complete an investigative study, which forms the internal assessment.

This involves researching a specific topic related to one of the religions studied and analysing relevant sources. The investigation helps students develop research and analytical skills.

How Is IB World Religions Assessed?

IB World Religions is assessed through two written exam papers and an internal assessment.

Assessment Overview

Paper 1 focuses on the religions studied in the introductory section of the course. You will analyse sources and demonstrate your understanding of key beliefs, practices and ideas.

Paper 2 requires longer essay responses. These questions ask you to explore religious themes in more depth and compare ideas across different traditions.

The internal assessment takes the form of an investigative study, where you research a topic related to one of the religions you have studied. This gives you the opportunity to explore a subject that interests you and develop your independent research skills.

What Skills Will You Gain?

Studying IB World Religions helps you develop a wide range of academic and transferable skills that are valuable for university study and many careers.

During the course, you will practise skills such as:

• analysing religious beliefs and practices

• comparing different cultural perspectives

• interpreting religious texts and ideas

• evaluating ethical and philosophical arguments

• researching religious traditions and presenting clear explanations.

The investigative study also helps you develop independent research and analytical skills. By exploring a religious topic in depth, you learn how to analyse sources, interpret evidence and build well-supported arguments.

These skills are useful for further study in subjects such as Religious Studies, Philosophy, Anthropology, History and Sociology.

You’ll also develop cultural awareness and empathy, valuable qualities that will benefit you in many academic and professional contexts.

Who Should Take IB World Religions?

IB World Religions may be a good choice if you are interested in understanding how religious beliefs influence cultures and societies around the world.

You may enjoy the subject if you:

• are interested in learning about different cultures and belief systems

• enjoy exploring philosophical or ethical questions

• like analysing ideas and comparing different perspectives

• are curious about how religion shapes communities and traditions

You do not usually need prior knowledge of religious studies to take the course. IB World Religions introduces the key concepts you need and builds your understanding throughout the programme.

Many students who choose IB World Religions also study subjects such as History, Global Politics, Philosophy or Languages, though it can be combined with a wide range of IB subjects.

You can find further advice on the best IB options for you in our article on the best IB subject combinations.

What Can IB World Religions Lead To?

Studying IB World Religions can open pathways into a wide range of university courses and careers. The subject develops strong analytical, research and communication skills that are valued in many fields.

Further Study Options

Students who enjoy the subject may go on to study subjects that explore culture, belief systems and social ideas in greater depth. It can lead to degrees in:

• Religious Studies

• Theology

• Philosophy

• Anthropology

• Sociology

• History

Career Pathways

Understanding religion and culture can be valuable in many careers, particularly those that involve cross-cultural communication and international work. 

Examples include:

• education and academic research

• journalism and media

• international relations

• cultural heritage organisations

• community and social services

Many professionals working in these fields begin with degrees in religious studies, philosophy, anthropology or related humanities subjects. 

If you’re exploring the best pathways for your own future, you’ll find lots of relevant careers advice in our Learning Hub.

Is IB World Religions Hard?

IB World Religions can be challenging because it requires you to analyse ideas, beliefs and cultural traditions in depth.

You will need to:

• understand several religious traditions

• interpret religious texts and concepts

• write structured essays that compare ideas across religions

However, many students find the subject engaging because it explores important questions about belief, identity and culture.

If you enjoy discussion, reading and analysing different perspectives, you may find IB World Religions both manageable and rewarding.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there coursework or practical work in IB World Religions?

Yes. Students complete an investigative study, which is internally assessed. This project involves researching a specific religious topic and analysing relevant sources.

Is IB World Religions useful for my future?

Yes. The course develops critical thinking, cultural understanding and research skills that are valuable for many university subjects and careers.

Is IB World Religions respected by universities?

Yes. IB World Religions is part of the IB Diploma Programme, which is widely recognised by universities around the world.

Final Thoughts

IB World Religions offers a fascinating opportunity to explore how different traditions understand life, ethics and the human experience.

By studying several religions and analysing their beliefs and practices, you gain a deeper understanding of the ideas and values that shape cultures and societies around the world.

If you are curious about global cultures, philosophical questions and the role religion plays in shaping communities, IB World Religions could be a rewarding subject to study. To support your IB studies, you can explore Save My Exams’ IB revision notes, practice questions and study resources.

References:

• Studying world religions - International Baccalaureate® (opens in a new tab)

• International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme: World Religions | Subject Brief (opens in a new tab)