IB History

IB History is structured around three major components at Standard Level and four at Higher Level. Both SL and HL students study a Prescribed Subject (assessed on Paper 1), two World History Topics (assessed on Paper 2), and complete an internally assessed Historical Investigation (IA). HL students additionally complete an in-depth Regional Study assessed on Paper 3.

For Paper 1, students choose one Prescribed Subject from five options: Military Leaders; Conquest and its Impact; the Move to Global War; Rights and Protest; and Conflict and Intervention. Each subject is explored through two distinct historical case studies.

For Paper 2, students choose two World History Topics from twelve options spanning 750 CE to the present day, covering periods and themes from medieval societies through to the Cold War.

The Regional Study, examined only at HL, covers one of four regions: Africa and the Middle East, the Americas, Asia and Oceania, and Europe. Students choose three sections within their region for in-depth study.

The IA is a historical investigation completed by all students, comprising three sections: identification and evaluation of resources, investigation, and reflection.

Paper 1 is the first external assessment for both standard- and higher-level students in IB History. For each Prescribed Subject, four historical sources are provided on the exam (three text-based and one image), and four structured questions are given which require students to use the sources to develop their responses.

One significant change is that students will study less content overall, but with greater depth. The course components are also restructured: Prescribed Subjects become Focused Studies (Paper 1) and World History Topics become Thematic Studies (Paper 2). HL students continue to complete a Regional Study for Paper 3. All students will also complete an internally assessed Historical Investigation (IA).

For Paper 1, the five new Focused Studies are: Climate & Innovation; Independence & Identity; Political & Economic Transitions; Conflict & Displacement; and Protest & Change. Each is guided by an overarching Inquiry Question, and three historical sources are provided in the exam.

For Paper 2, students now choose one Thematic Study from four options: Conflict (from 750 CE); Innovation and Transformation (from 750 CE); Authoritarian Rule (from 1750 CE); and Popular Movements (from 1750 CE).

The Regional Study, examined only at HL, still covers one of four regions: Africa and the Middle East, the Americas, Asia and Oceania, and Europe. However, students now choose two sections within their region for in-depth study.

The IA is a historical investigation completed by all students, comprising three sections: a historical inquiry question, sources and perspectives, and synthesis and evaluation.

The new courses are examined in a similar way to the current courses. However, some new question types require a different approach to sources or place greater emphasis on the historical concepts at the core of the course.

1. Go deep, not just broad. The new History course covers less content than the previous course but expects greater depth. Focus on truly understanding your chosen examples — be able to explain them in detail, not just identify them.
2. Think in concepts. Whether you're following the current or new course, the key concepts — change, continuity, causation, consequence, significance, and perspectives — are your analytical toolkit. Build the habit of framing your responses around these concepts rather than treating them as an afterthought.
3. Don't underestimate Paper 1. Source-based questions can seem more manageable than essay papers, but time passes quickly. In the new course, the question types are more demanding than those in the previous Paper 1, so practise working with sources under timed conditions.
4. Connect your content across the course. Knowledge from one component often applies to others. If you studied a particular conflict or era for Paper 2, that same content may be relevant to your Regional Study for Paper 3. Use those connections to your advantage.
5. Choose your IA topic strategically. Consider selecting an IA topic that overlaps with your Paper 2 or Paper 3 content. The deep research you do for your IA can reinforce your understanding for the external assessments, and vice versa.

Revision Village History supports both the current and new courses, providing tools, question practice, sample answers, and mark schemes to help you build the content knowledge and skills needed to succeed in your IB History exams.