How to Choose the Best IB Subject Combinations for You

What Is the IBDP?

The IBDP, or International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, is a two year diploma aimed at students between the ages of 16 to 19. It is designed to encourage academic rigour and critical thinking skills, with its graduates emerging with well-developed skills that will support them throughout the rest of their education and lives. The IBDP is popular in international schools due to its emphasis on cross-cultural and cross-subject projects.

Before starting the IB, students select 6 subjects in 5 subject areas. These will form the courses that candidates will be examined on at the end of the two years. Students are expected to take a language course (usually their first language), a maths course, and a science course. Then, they are able to select subjects that fall under Individuals & Societies (history, geography, global politics, etc.), Arts (visual arts, music, performing arts, etc)., and even another language or science. The student then selects which 3 subjects they wish to study at Higher Level and which 3 at Standard Level. This is often known as the IB subject combination.

Why Are Subject Combinations Important?

Subject combinations are essential for any curriculum. Often, universities ask for specific subjects for their most competitive or specialised courses, making it essential for students to think ahead. For example, most universities will ask for Higher Level chemistry and/or biology if a candidate is hoping to study medicine. Likewise, law undergraduate programmes often require Higher Level English or history, to demonstrate an applicant’s communication and analytical skills.

This means that IB subject combinations must be carefully considered by students so as not to prevent them from further study in a particular area.

Subject Combinations for Those Targeting a Specific Major/University Course

Of course, there are many factors to consider when selecting IB subject combinations, from timetable availability offered by the school, to balancing the demands of subjects. In some respects, the question of the best IB subject combinations is made easier for students with a firm idea of what they wish to pursue in the future. Whether this consists of university study, or even a future career, there are often requirements that have to be met.

A candidate hoping to enjoy a career in, for example, scientific research will likely prioritise science subjects in their subject combination. However, they may also wish to include a humanities subject in their Higher Level studies, as it will balance out their skillset in a way that is attractive to university admissions officers.

IB Subject Combinations for Those without a Post-secondary Plan

It’s important to note that there’s no obligation to have a firm idea of your ambitions post-secondary education. Quite often, students are unsure of their future path, and are concerned about making the best possible subject choices to avoid limiting their options.

This is actually a sensible approach, and IB subject combinations can be carefully selected to enable that. For example, students might ensure that, beyond their language, maths and science courses, they also choose an IB subject from Individuals & Societies and Arts, thereby allowing them to display a wide range of knowledge and skills no matter what their career path.

While this approach will inevitably preclude some options for university study, it will not be limiting for most students. The best approach when deciding on IB subject combinations is often one which allows the most possibilities.

What Should Be Avoided When Selecting the Best IB Subject Combinations?

There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to selecting the best IB subject combinations. Candidates have different strengths, and it’s generally advisable for them to play to those. For example, some students enjoy maths, making subjects where they can use those skills more appealing. Similarly, students who enjoy writing essays should consider a subject combination that will allow them to refine their abilities in this area.

On the other hand, candidates can de-emphasise their weaknesses through completing them as Standard Level IB courses. There are also less intensive options in both language and maths that allow students to play to their strengths when deciding the best subject combination for them.

Can I Change My IB Subject Combinations?

Again, this is often dependent on the individual’s school. However, most schools allow students to make alterations to their IB subject combinations into the first few weeks of the programme. In terms of making the best possible choice for pupils hoping to alter their IB subject combination, it is better to make the decision early. This allows the candidate to catch up much faster, and will lead to the pupil feeling more confident in their choices.

The choice of IB subjects will inevitably influence a student’s experience of the programme, so it’s crucial that they feel confident and happy with their choices. However, it’s also important for pupils to realise that the IB programme is designed to foster interdisciplinary thinking and open-mindedness, meaning that approaching the IBDP with this attitude will enable the best possible experience.

Not Sure Which IB Subjects to Pick? BartyED Has You Covered

Since 2016, BartyED has specialised in providing expert academic mentoring to students. While this often consists of subject-specific tutoring, it can also include discussions and advice on subject combinations for IGCSE, IBDP, A-Level and APs. We recognise that IB subject selections can feel intimidating and confusing, so we aim to provide advice based on student preference and informed decision-making.

If you or your child would like to discuss how BartyED can provide unparalleled academic mentoring sessions, including for selecting the best possible IB subject combinations for your goals, reach out today by phone (+852 28821017), WhatsApp (+852 57215837), email (enquiries@bartyed.com), or via the form below.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • There is no ‘easy’ IB subject combination, particularly as each student has their own strengths and weaknesses. However, choosing an IB subject combination that emphasises your strengths will make the process of studying more enjoyable.

  • The best IB subject combination for university entry is dependent on the programme that the candidate is pursuing. The webpage for the individual university course will list any subject requirements under ‘Entry Requirements’, so IB students should look at their target university’s website before firming up their subject selection.

  • There are two Language A (first language) courses offered at IB-level: Language & Literature, and Literature. Many who take the IB find Language & Literature to appeal to those who are less interested in literary analysis, whereas Literature suits those who enjoy reading. Ultimately, both subjects should be considered in conjunction with the rest of the prospective IB subject combination.

  • There are two mathematics courses offered as part of the IBDP: Applications & Interpretations, and Analysis & Approaches. Most consider Analysis & Approaches to be the option that is designed for those who consider maths to be a strength of theirs, whereas Applications & Interpretations emphasises data analysis skills. IB candidates should consider both options as part of their ultimate IB subject combination.

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IB DiplomaMark Malone