International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (16-19 year-olds)
IBDP students take a total of six subjects, one chosen from each of the following groups:
Most students attending UWC between the ages of 16 and 19 study the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP), which is offered at all UWC schools and colleges. It is a challenging curriculum that allows students to explore a range of subjects and ideas, while developing their creativity and learning about the importance of activity and service in the community.
In fact, UWC played a key role in crafting the IBDP back in the 1960s, and the ties between the IB and UWC remain close decades later.
The IBDP aims to “encourage students across the world to become active, compassionate and lifelong learners who understand that other people, with their differences, can also be right.” It is respected in the best universities worldwide for the balance it strikes between breadth and depth of subjects and its focus on service, communication, teamwork, leadership and critical thinking.
Which subjects can students take for the IBDP?
IBDP students take a total of six subjects, one chosen from each of the following groups:
| Group 1: Studies in Language and Literature | This is usually the student’s best language. Students at UWC are encouraged to continue studies in their home language, many of which are available as self-taught courses supported by the school. |
| Group 2: Language Acquisition | Students are required to study a second language at an appropriate level. This could mean starting a new language from scratch, continuing with a language at an intermediate level, or taking an additional language at the same level as Group 1, if a student is already fluent in multiple languages. |
| Group 3: Individuals and Societies | All students are required to pick a subject in the humanities. Options vary from school to school and range from History, Economics and Geography to Anthropology, Global Politics, Philosophy and Business and Management. |
| Group 4: Sciences | Students must choose a science course from a list of options, including Biology, Chemistry and Physics as well as other options such as Computer Science, depending on the UWC. Students may also opt for Environmental Systems and Societies, an interdisciplinary course which can be taken to satisfy Group 3 or Group 4 requirements. |
| Group 5: Mathematics | Two different options for Mathematics are available in the IBDP: Analysis and Approaches with a focus on pure maths, or Applications and Interpretation with a focus on applied maths, statistics and modeling. Students have to take a mathematics course. |
| Group 6: The Arts | Options in the Arts include Visual Arts, Theatre, Music and Dance, with the exact offering varying by school. To allow for more flexibility, students can opt to replace their Group 6 subject with an additional subject from Groups 1 to 4. Depending on their passion, talent and interests, students can thus pursue an IB Diploma with three languages, two subjects from the Individuals and Societies group, or two sciences. |
Ibdp subjects at UWC
As well as the six subject groups, students complete three core components of the IBDP, which are central to the philosophy of the programme. These are:
Extended Essay (EE): Students choose and investigate a topic of special interest, and develop the independent research and writing skills required at university level. The essay is typically written in one of the student’s six subjects and must be no more than 4,000 words in length. Students are supported in the research and writing process by an academic supervisor.
Theory of Knowledge (TOK): The course encourages students to reflect on the nature of knowledge and strengthen connections between their different subject areas. It is assessed through an exhibition and a written essay.
Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS): Taking responsibility, developing social, creative and outdoor skills, as well as learning to approach others with empathy are at the heart of the programme. Students engage in a variety of projects that aim to develop these skills, while at the same time actively engaging with their local community.
Schools offering the IBCP
Pearson College UWC – Climate Action Leadership Diploma (CALD): Within the IBCP programme framework, Pearson College UWC developed its unique two-year Climate Action Leadership Diploma (CALD), tailored to students with a passion for addressing climate change and environmental stewardship. Alongside taking two to three IBDP courses, CALD students embark on climate action leadership studies developed in conjunction with regional universities. The programme incorporates place-based and Indigenous knowledge and environmental stewardship as well as bespoke programming, microcredentials and field school.
UWC Maastricht – Business and Sustainability, and Music Performance: Within the IBCP programme framework, UWC Maastricht has designed two different pathways in partnership with reputable institutions:
- Business and Sustainability – the curriculum includes a range of topics such as hospitality, the fashion industry and sustainable leadership, which students take alongside two to four IBDP subjects of choice. Leadership for Sustainable Futures Diploma – A programme developing the knowledge, skills and experience for leadership in tackling some of the world’s most pressing challenges in Peace, Sustainability and Social Justice – launching August 2025
- Music – talented musicians aspiring to a career or further studies in Music will be able to audition for a place on the Junior Classical or Jazz programmes with UWC Maastricht’s educational partner, the Conservatorium Maastricht. Students will take weekly lessons with the Conservatorium and be involved with workshops, masterclasses, rehearsals and performances to improve their musicianship. These will happen mainly on Saturdays, leaving most of the rest of the week free to study a choice of IB Diploma subjects and complete the IBCP core components. Music Arts & Innovation Diploma – A programme developing practical skills in all aspects of music including performance, production and composition and exploring the role of the musician as a catalyst for community growth. Available for musicians talented in any genre.
IBCP students are full members of their UWC community, participating in all areas of UWC experience alongside their IBDP peers, while following a parallel academic path that includes studying up to four Diploma subjects at Higher or Standard Level. IBCP students are also encouraged to further develop their talents through student-led initiatives, conferences, social entrepreneurship programmes, community services, outdoor learning, project weeks and music lessons.
How to apply to the IBCP at UWC
UWC-IB Pilot Programme: Systems Transformation Pathway (16-19 year-olds)
The Systems Transformation Pathway (STP) is a collaborative pilot programme launched by the International Baccalaureate and UWC in 2023. It now serves around 200 students who are taking part in this exciting initiative.
Students pursuing the STP are working towards a full IB Diploma, but are studying a combination of four regular IB subjects alongside a bespoke interdisciplinary programme designed to develop the skills, attitudes and abilities they need to tackle complex and interdependent systemic challenges. This bespoke course counts for two standard level IB subjects and is assessed not through exams, but through authentic impact analyses, reflections and project portfolios. The STP initiative is part of a fundamental structural review process the IB is undergoing and exemplifies both organisations’ strong commitments to co-leading educational innovation at a global scale.
Schools offering the IBCP
UWC Atlantic: The Systems Transformation Pathway: Leadership For Just Futures at UWC Atlantic here focuses on action-oriented and transdisciplinary learning for changemaking, focusing on human-centred design and systems thinking. Students choose to focus on either Biodiversity, Energy, Food or Migration in the application of their learning, resulting in deeply personal learning journeys and real-world initiatives.
UWC South East Asia: The Systems Transformation Pathway: Leadership for Change is built upon the five pillars of Changemaker Mindset, Design Thinking, Leadership, Project and Change Management and Systems Thinking to empower students with hands-on experiences to turn their ideas into scaleable initiatives with real-world impact.
Applicants keen to study the STP should apply to UWC Atlantic or UWCSEA through their chosen regular IBDP application pathway linked above. Once accepted by the college, they are able to apply for the Systems Transformation Pathway internally.