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Choosing IB subjects is a difficult art! In the UK and other countries in Europe in particular, you need make sure you have studied the correct subjects at school in order to be admitted to your course of choice.
Informed Choices is a website aimed at pupils aged 14 and upwards who are considering university and want information to help them choose the right subjects to study (usually at 6th form or college in UK schools).
The guidance is written by admissions directors from the 24 Russell Group universities and provides information on why subject choice matters. It is very UK focused, but can be relevant for other countries as well. We recommend that every student considering any other countries does lots of independent research to discover what that country or university's specific course requirements are.
Remember, this is general guidance only. For detailed and up-to-date information you will need to contact individual universities or (for the UK) look up courses on the UCAS website.
About the Russell Group (who compiled this list)
The Russell Group represents the 24 leading UK universities that are committed to maintaining the very best research, an outstanding teaching and learning experience for students of all backgrounds and unrivalled links with business and the public sector.
For more information visit the RGI website.See the relevant subpages for general information on different careers.
IB Subject Selection Guides
IB Subject Selection Guides
Key subjects: Stem-Based degrees
Key subjects: Stem-Based degrees
Based on what field within the sciences you wish to pursue, you would need to select the appropriate science (s) subject.
Engineering typically requires physics and/or chemistry with Mathematics as a required subject either at HL or SL.
Natural sciences typically require 2 sciences and some universities would accept Mathematics/Economics/Psychology/Geography as the second science.
Computer Science typically requires Mathematics and a Science
Architecture - typically requires Visual Arts at HL. A portfolio is required as the fundamental aspect of your application. Mathematics/ Physics at SL may be required for some universities. Most Canadian universities would require the maths/science at HL.
Key Subjects: Humanities/Bilingual diploma
Key Subjects: Humanities/Bilingual diploma
Students typically need at least 1 essay-based subject for humanities subjects.
Economics typically requires Mathematics HL/SL and in some cases Economics
Psychology typically requires 2 sciences at HL - either psychology, biology/chemistry/physics/mathematics
Law - no subject requirements, typically at least one essay-based subject in the IB
PPE - typically requires Mathematics at HL
Linguists - No specific subject required. English, Maths, Arts/Science mix is advisable.
Modern/Medieval Languages - HL in the language you want to study
Key Subjects: Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Veterinary Medicine, Health Science Degrees
Key Subjects: Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Veterinary Medicine, Health Science Degrees
Students typically choose Biology and Chemistry at HL with AA SL
Key subjects: Art-based degrees, architecture, music, theatre, film degrees. A portfolio/performance in most cases will be required
Key subjects: Art-based degrees, architecture, music, theatre, film degrees. A portfolio/performance in most cases will be required
Students interested in a creative subject choose that subject as a HL
Architecture - typically requires Visual Arts at HL. A portfolio is required as the fundamental aspect of your application. Mathematics/ Physics at SL may be required for some universities. Most Canadian universities would require the maths/science at HL.
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