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Time Alloted
Standard Level (SL) – 1 hour (60 minutes)
Higher Level (HL) – 1 hour (60 minutes)
History
Understand the syllabus, exam format and get free resources.
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68%
Of Ascend Now Students got 7+ in History
83%
Improved their History score by 1 point or more
12+
Certified IB DP History Examiners and Tutors
81%
See grade improvements within 2 months
What is IB DP History? Why Study it?
History is an exploratory subject that fosters a sense of inquiry. It is also an interpretive discipline, allowing opportunity for engagement with multiple perspectives and opinions. The IBDP History course is a world history course based on a comparative, multi-perspective approach to history and focused on key historical concepts such as change, causation and significance. It involves the study of a variety of types of history, including political, economic, social and cultural, encouraging students to think historically and to develop historical skills. It also requires students to study and compare examples from different regions of the world helping to foster international mindedness. Studying history develops an understanding of the past which leads to a deeper understanding of the nature of humans and of the world today. This knowledge can be beneficial for a number of careers, such as journalism, law, politics and international relations.
Your track record in the History course is one of the key factors that will determine your college acceptances. Work with certified History Examiners to get that 7/7.
Speak to an advisor todayIB DP History Syllabus: Topics + Overview
The IB History 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:
- The Move to Global War (1850-1941)
- Rights and Protest (1945-2000)
- Authoritarian States (20th Century)
- The Cold War (1945-1989)
- Independence Movements (20th Century)
- The Cold War and the Americas (1945-1981)
Topic
Standard Level
Higher Level
Prescribed Subjects
Recommended Learning:
40 Hours SL & HL
Sub-topics
One of the following sub-topics, using two case studies, each taken from a different region of the world: Military Leaders; Conquest and Its Impact; The Move to Global War; Rights and Protest; Conflict and Intervention
Same as SL
World History Topics
Recommended Learning:
90 Hours
Sub-topics
Two of the following, using topic examples from more than one region of the world: Society and Economy; Cases and Effects of Wars; Dynasties and Rulers; Societies and Transition
Early Modern Staters; Causes and Effects of Early Modern Wars; Origins, Development and Impact of Industrialization; Independence Movements
Emergence and Development of Democratic States; Authoritarian States; Causes and Effects of 20th-Centry Wars; The Cold War: Superpower Tensions and Rivalries (20th century)
Same as SL
Depth Studies
Recommended Learning:
90 Hours
Not for SL
Sub-topics
One of the following: History of Africa and the Middle East; History of the Americas; History of Asia and Oceania; History of Europe.
Prescribed Subjects
Topic
Recommended Learning:
40 Hours SL & HL
Included in both SL and HL
Sub-topics
One of the following sub-topics, using two case studies, each taken from a different region of the world: Military Leaders; Conquest and Its Impact; The Move to Global War; Rights and Protest; Conflict and Intervention
Only HL
Same as SL
World History Topics
Topic
Recommended Learning:
90 Hours
Included in both SL and HL
Sub-topics
Two of the following, using topic examples from more than one region of the world: Society and Economy; Cases and Effects of Wars; Dynasties and Rulers; Societies and Transition
Early Modern Staters; Causes and Effects of Early Modern Wars; Origins, Development and Impact of Industrialization; Independence Movements
Emergence and Development of Democratic States; Authoritarian States; Causes and Effects of 20th-Centry Wars; The Cold War: Superpower Tensions and Rivalries (20th century)
Only HL
Same as SL
Depth Studies
Topic
Recommended Learning:
90 Hours
Included in both SL and HL
Not for SL
Only HL
Sub-topics
One of the following: History of Africa and the Middle East; History of the Americas; History of Asia and Oceania; History of Europe.
Download full sub-topic list for the IB DP Math AI SL and HL
Download SyllabusIB DP History Exams and Past Papers: Overview
Paper 1
For both SL and HL
30% of SL Final Exam Grade
20% of HL Final Exam Grade
Example Question
Conflict and Intervention
Read sources Q to T in the source booklet. The sources and questions relate to case study 1: Rwanda (1990-1998) - Impact: social impact; refugee crisis. (a) How, according to Source T, did the Hutu power structure impose its authority in refugee camps? (b) What does Source R suggest about the living conditions of Rwandan refugees in camps?
Paper 2
For both SL and HL
45% of SL Final Exam Grade
25% of HL Final Exam Grade
Example Question
Society and economy (740-1400)
(1) Evaluate the importance of famines and disease as causes of social and economic change. (2) With reference to one religion, examine the reasons for disputes between rulers and religious leaders.
Paper 3
For HL Only
Not for SL
35% of HL Final Exam Grade
Example Question
The Ottomans (1281-1566)
(7) Evaluate the significance of the fall of Constantinople in 1453 (8) Examine the contribution of either Selim I (1512-1520) or Suleiman the Magnificent to the success of the Ottoman Empire during the 16th century.
Internal Assessment (IA)
For both SL and HL
25% of SL Final Exam Grade
20% of HL Final Exam Grade
Example Topic
Orwell’s Road to Wigan Pier: The Use of Literature to the Historian.
Download all the free past papers
Download Free Test PaperIs IB DP History Difficult?
Students must have attained at least a grade 7 in GCSE/IGCSE as IB History requires particular historical skills that will have developed over the previous two years. The course requires students to engage deeply with both primary and secondary sources, often involving intricate historiographical debates. Higher Level students face additional complexity with more extensive content and advanced analytical expectations compared to Standard Level. The need for well-structured essays and the ability to place historical events in broader contexts can be demanding. However, students with a strong interest in history and good analytical skills often find the course intellectually rewarding and manageable.
May 2023 Score Distribution
Standard Level
Higher Level
9,306
Number of SL Students
37,514
Number of HL Students
4.7
SL Mean Score
4.4
HL Mean Score
Ascend Now Examiner Tips
Focus on Precision and Clarity in Your Essays
“When writing your essays, be precise with your arguments and clear in your explanations. Avoid vague statements; instead, back up your claims with specific evidence from the sources.”
Sarah
IB DP History Tutor
14+ years of experience teaching History and TOK; MA in History
Master the Source Analysis Techniques
"For Paper 1, develop a strong technique for analyzing sources. Practice assessing their origin, purpose, and value, and be prepared to evaluate how these factors influence their reliability."
Scott
IB DP History Tutor
23+ years experience teaching AP History; IB DP Examiner for History
Engage with Many Perspectives
“In HL, it’s crucial to engage with different historical interpretations and perspectives. Don’t just present facts - analyze how different historians view the same events and integrate these.”
Gary
IB DP History Tutor
14+ years of experience teaching History, Global Politics & TOK
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