International Baccalaureate Diploma (Level 3)

In York, the International Baccalaureate Diploma (IBD) is available at Huntington School.

The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme is an internationally recognised qualification for students aged 16–19. It is based around detailed academic study of a wide range of subjects, including languages, the arts, science, maths, history and geography. It's designed to encourage you to learn how to learn, ask challenging questions, develop a strong sense of your own identity and culture, and develop the ability to communicate with and understand people from other countries and cultures.

Structure of the course

There are three ‘core’ elements to the course:

• Extended essay
• Theory of knowledge
• Creativity, action and service

There are six subject areas, and students choose one subject in each area to study – three of these at Standard level and three at Higher level.

1. English Literature
2. French or Spanish*
3. Geography or History
4. Biology or Environmental Studies*
5. Mathematics
6. Music, Chemistry, German or Theatre Studies

* only available at Standard level

Qualification

Points are awarded for each unit – the 3 core elements (up to 3 points each) and 6 subject areas (up to 7 points each) – and if you achieve 24 points or more, you are awarded the Diploma. UCAS score an IBD with 24 points as equivalent to 2Bs and a C at A level; the maximum score is equivalent to 6 A grades at A level.

If you don't complete the full Diploma, you will be awarded a certificate for each unit that you successfully completed. These certificates are also recognised by UCAS.

See full table of UCAS points

What next?

The IBD is regarded as excellent preparation for university, and is accepted by the majority of universities, including York, Leeds, Oxford and Cambridge. Entry requirements vary, and some universities will require students to have studied relevant subjects at Higher level or achieved a particular level in relevant subjects.