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What is the IB Diploma?

Founded in 1968, the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme is a challenging and internationally renowned two-year pre-university programme for students aged 16 to 19. It provides students with the tools to think independently and critically engage with their academics and the world around them, creating a better world through education. There are 1.4 million IB students in more than 150 countries worldwide.

To earn an IB Diploma, each student must complete six subjects (three at higher level (HL) and three at standard level (SL); an independent, self-directed research paper; a course on the Theory of Knowledge; and participate in activities that embody the UWC CAS Programme.

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Subjects Offered

Students must select one subject from each of the Groups 1 to 5. Group 6 subjects are optional, and an additional subject from Groups 1 to 5 can be taken in the place of a Group 6 Arts subject. We highly encourage students to take a Group 6 subject, as we believe that Arts allow students to develop an appreciation of aesthetics and that all disciplines — including future engineers or economists — can use the lessons learned in an academic approach to art to excel in their careers and their wider lives.

Group 1

A literature course in the student’s best or mother tongue language

  • English Literature (HL/SL)
  • English Literature & Language (HL/SL)
  • Hindi Literature (SL ONLY)
  • Spanish Literature (HL/SL)
  • Mother Language Self-Taught (SL)
Group 2

A second language, at beginner or intermediate level

  • English B (HL/SL)
  • Spanish B (HL/SL)
  • Spanish Ab Initio (SL)
  • French B (HL/SL)
  • French Ab Initio (HL)
  • Arabic Ab Initio
Group 3

  • Psychology (HL)
  • Philosophy (HL/SL)
  • Global Politics (HL)
  • History (HL/SL)
  • Economics (HL/SL)
  • Digitial Societies (HL ONLY)
Group 4

  • Physics (HL/SL)
  • Chemistry (HL/SL)
  • Biology (HL/SL)
  • Environmental Systems & Societies (SL)
  • Computer Science (HL/SL)
Group 5
  • Math A&I - Applications & Interpretations (HL/SL)
  • Math A&A - Analysis & Approaches (HL/SL)
Group 6
  • Visual Art (HL/SL)
  • Film Studies (HL/SL)
  • Theatre (HL/SL)
Theory of Knowledge

The IB requires all students to take a course on Theory of Knowledge (TOK). TOK aims to make students aware of the interpretative nature of knowledge, including personal ideological biases — whether these biases are retained, revised, or rejected.

Extended Essay

Every student must write an independent research essay (up to 4000 words) in one subject or interdisciplinary world studies or peace and conflict studies.

Triveni Programme

This programme fulfills the IB’s Creativity, Activity, Service requirement. Students must complete a certain number of projects and reflections for activities. At MUWCI, this is an important part of our Experiential Learning curriculum and is extremely rigorous.

Career Related Programme

Mahindra United World College is a Candidate School* for the IB Career Related Programme (CP). This school is pursuing authorization as an IB World School. These are schools that share a common philosophy—a commitment to high quality, challenging, international education that Mahindra United World College believes is important for our students.

Only schools authorized by the IB Organization can offer any of its four academic programmes: the Primary Years Programme (PYP), the Middle Years Programme (MYP), the Diploma Programme, or the Career-related Programme (CP). Candidate status gives no guarantee that authorization will be granted. For further information about the IB and its programmes, visit www.ibo.org