The Student Room Group

IB choices

Dear IB students,
As someone that’s interested in Engineering, what do you think of these subject choices

Set 1
HL Physics
HL Maths AA
HL Design Technology
SL Economics
SL English and Literature
SL Geography

Set 2
HL Physics
HL Maths AA
HL Design Technology
SL Chemistry
SL Biology
SL Economics

Do ensure to give the pros and cons of set 1 and set 2.
Correct me if im wrong but I though for IB you needed to take English, an MFL, a humanity, a science, maths and an extra subject?
Disregarding that though:
You higher choices across both (the same obviously) are good for engineering, especially maths and physics.
For SL economics is a solid choice, not really relevant to engineering directly but if you’re interested and will do well then it’s a great option i would say. Then geography and English vs biology and chemistry I would say for engineering chemistry is a good idea as some engineering routes will want chemistry so if you think you’ll enjoy it, can get a good grade and are interested in chemical engineering then I would say definitely go with it. Other than that for SL pretty much take what you want and what you think you’ll enjoy and excel at! So in conclusion: HL maths, physics and dt is excellent for engineering, chem for SL is a solid choice, other than that take what you think you’ll enjoy and do well at. Maybe check the diploma for your school because your programmes looking quite irregular for the IB.
Hope this helps, have a great day!
Reply 2
Original post by DerDracologe
Correct me if im wrong but I though for IB you needed to take English, an MFL, a humanity, a science, maths and an extra subject?
Disregarding that though:
You higher choices across both (the same obviously) are good for engineering, especially maths and physics.
For SL economics is a solid choice, not really relevant to engineering directly but if you’re interested and will do well then it’s a great option i would say. Then geography and English vs biology and chemistry I would say for engineering chemistry is a good idea as some engineering routes will want chemistry so if you think you’ll enjoy it, can get a good grade and are interested in chemical engineering then I would say definitely go with it. Other than that for SL pretty much take what you want and what you think you’ll enjoy and excel at! So in conclusion: HL maths, physics and dt is excellent for engineering, chem for SL is a solid choice, other than that take what you think you’ll enjoy and do well at. Maybe check the diploma for your school because your programmes looking quite irregular for the IB.
Hope this helps, have a great day!

you need english, humanity, science, maths, unless you're taking ESS (which counts for both science and humanity) i think?
Reply 3
Original post by Eli Naturinda
Dear IB students,
As someone that’s interested in Engineering, what do you think of these subject choices
Set 1
HL Physics
HL Maths AA
HL Design Technology
SL Economics
SL English and Literature
SL Geography
Set 2
HL Physics
HL Maths AA
HL Design Technology
SL Chemistry
SL Biology
SL Economics
Do ensure to give the pros and cons of set 1 and set 2.

I think engineering is decently competitive so you'll want good grades.

For set 1, I don't know why you would be taking 2 humanity subjects instead of science when engineering is a STEM-focused major. I would recommend taking out econ because it's easier to get good grades in geo, but do what you enjoy.

For set 2, it's good that you have chem but there's no reason for you to take bio. Take that out and replace with english.


Ultimately for good grades id recommend
HL maths aa, chemistry, and physics
SL geography, english lang and lit, +another subject of ur choice


really, though, do what you enjoy! You won't be able to get good grades unless you enjoy :smile:
Reply 4
Original post by DerDracologe
Correct me if im wrong but I though for IB you needed to take English, an MFL, a humanity, a science, maths and an extra subject?
Disregarding that though:
You higher choices across both (the same obviously) are good for engineering, especially maths and physics.
For SL economics is a solid choice, not really relevant to engineering directly but if you’re interested and will do well then it’s a great option i would say. Then geography and English vs biology and chemistry I would say for engineering chemistry is a good idea as some engineering routes will want chemistry so if you think you’ll enjoy it, can get a good grade and are interested in chemical engineering then I would say definitely go with it. Other than that for SL pretty much take what you want and what you think you’ll enjoy and excel at! So in conclusion: HL maths, physics and dt is excellent for engineering, chem for SL is a solid choice, other than that take what you think you’ll enjoy and do well at. Maybe check the diploma for your school because your programmes looking quite irregular for the IB.
Hope this helps, have a great day!


Well the truth is that I was actually contemplating taking The IB curriculum after O-levels. This was my first attempt at selecting subjects. I’m just trying to get a rough idea of what I’m getting into so any help offered would be highly appreciated. I’m trying to avoid a scenario with an impossible workload that will isolate me from friends and family. Since I’m not particularly interested in Chemical or Biomedical Engineering, I’m happy to drop Chem and Biology.
Original post by Eli Naturinda
Well the truth is that I was actually contemplating taking The IB curriculum after O-levels. This was my first attempt at selecting subjects. I’m just trying to get a rough idea of what I’m getting into so any help offered would be highly appreciated. I’m trying to avoid a scenario with an impossible workload that will isolate me from friends and family. Since I’m not particularly interested in Chemical or Biomedical Engineering, I’m happy to drop Chem and Biology.

Okay, so from my knowledge you need to pick English, a language, a humanity, a science, maths and an extra subject.
Maths, physics and dt count as maths, a science and your extra subject.
You need to do English SL. Do you speak any languages already? They need to be non-native, if not it’s fine because most schools offer intro courses at SL where no experience is assumed. Are you in the uk for reference?
For a humanity you seem set on economics which is good

So basically:
HL maths
HL physics
HL DT
SL English
SL [language]
SL Economics

Hope this helps, happy to answer more questions but im not an expert by any means!
(edited 8 months ago)
Reply 6
Original post by DerDracologe
Okay, so from my knowledge you need to pick English, a language, a humanity, a science, maths and an extra subject.
Maths, physics and dt count as maths, a science and your extra subject.
You need to do English SL. Do you speak any languages already? They need to be non-native, if not it’s fine because most schools offer intro courses at SL where no experience is assumed. Are you in the uk for reference?
For a humanity you seem set on economics which is good
So basically:
HL maths
HL physics
HL DT
SL English
SL [language]
SL Economics
Hope this helps, happy to answer more questions but im not an expert by any means!


Thanks for the advice. I’ll substitute SL Geography for French since I took it at O-levels. I’m hoping to go to one of the UWCs and I’m not in the UK. After reviewing a few of the schools that offer IB in my country, I’ve come to realise that the choices are limiting since most of them do not offer DT. I just hope that I get enough time to pursue some of my other interests outside class, like Science Olympiads.
Original post by Eli Naturinda
Thanks for the advice. I’ll substitute SL Geography for French since I took it at O-levels. I’m hoping to go to one of the UWCs and I’m not in the UK. After reviewing a few of the schools that offer IB in my country, I’ve come to realise that the choices are limiting since most of them do not offer DT. I just hope that I get enough time to pursue some of my other interests outside class, like Science Olympiads.

Good luck! What are you thinking of taking in place of DT?
Also is the IB your only option? Like no a levels? I dont know what it’s like in your country, curious to learn about the education there if you wouldn’t mind sharing 🙂. Fine if not though.
Reply 8
Original post by DerDracologe
Good luck! What are you thinking of taking in place of DT?
Also is the IB your only option? Like no a levels? I dont know what it’s like in your country, curious to learn about the education there if you wouldn’t mind sharing 🙂. Fine if not though.


In case there is no DT, I might take Computer Science or Visual Arts or any subject that’s actually available at the school. But DT is the first choice for sure.
In my country you have four options if you’re wealthy.
Most people take the National Curriculum which is considered to be equivalent to Cambridge A levels but is actually harder. At the national level, you have three choices of subject in pre-organised combinations depending on future goals. You have a fourth subject which is either Information technology or Sub-maths, and a fifth compulsory subject that tests general knowledge.

So the subjects would look like this for anyone hoping to do engineering:
1. Physics
2. Chemistry/Economics/Geometric Building and Mechanical Drawing/Fine Art
3. Maths
4. Information Technology
5. General Paper(GP)

The Grades run from A to F. A is the maximum and there is no A* or A+. The maximum you can score is AAA and 2 Distinctions which will give you 20 points. The top 0.5 percent scores 18-20 points.

The problem with the national curriculum is that foreign universities(apart from those in the UK) do not really understand how rigorous it can be, so the college admissions process becomes a real uphill battle. The other problem is that your free time is almost non-existent because students can in some cases be engaged from 5 a.m to 10 pm with breaks for meals of course. This includes personal revision though. You can see why I would want to opt for IB instead.

People with a decent amount of money can choose to do international curricula like Cambridge A levels, International Baccalaureate, and very rarely the American curriculum. Most international schools also offer AP classes and are often the venues for standardised tests. If you’re still wondering, I’m from Uganda.🙃
Original post by Eli Naturinda
In case there is no DT, I might take Computer Science or Visual Arts or any subject that’s actually available at the school. But DT is the first choice for sure.
In my country you have four options if you’re wealthy.
Most people take the National Curriculum which is considered to be equivalent to Cambridge A levels but is actually harder. At the national level, you have three choices of subject in pre-organised combinations depending on future goals. You have a fourth subject which is either Information technology or Sub-maths, and a fifth compulsory subject that tests general knowledge.
So the subjects would look like this for anyone hoping to do engineering:
1. Physics
2. Chemistry/Economics/Geometric Building and Mechanical Drawing/Fine Art
3. Maths
4. Information Technology
5. General Paper(GP)
The Grades run from A to F. A is the maximum and there is no A* or A+. The maximum you can score is AAA and 2 Distinctions which will give you 20 points. The top 0.5 percent scores 18-20 points.
The problem with the national curriculum is that foreign universities(apart from those in the UK) do not really understand how rigorous it can be, so the college admissions process becomes a real uphill battle. The other problem is that your free time is almost non-existent because students can in some cases be engaged from 5 a.m to 10 pm with breaks for meals of course. This includes personal revision though. You can see why I would want to opt for IB instead.
People with a decent amount of money can choose to do international curricula like Cambridge A levels, International Baccalaureate, and very rarely the American curriculum. Most international schools also offer AP classes and are often the venues for standardised tests. If you’re still wondering, I’m from Uganda.🙃

That’s really interesting to learn about, thanks for sharing. It sounds like IB is a good option if you dont want to be too overworked! Computer science sounds like a solid choice, not as good at DT because that’s obviously what you’re wanting to do so that’s the priority but still a good back-up option if you cant. Visual arts also sounds like a cool option but maybe is less relevant to engineering- not sure how much difference that makes tbh. Good luck with your studies!
Thanks for all the help!
What country are you from by the way?
I understand that both the national curriculum and IB are really demanding, but at least I’ll get the credit for taking rigorous classes with IB.
At least I now have an idea of the subject choices going forward.
Original post by erva_sd
I think engineering is decently competitive so you'll want good grades.
For set 1, I don't know why you would be taking 2 humanity subjects instead of science when engineering is a STEM-focused major. I would recommend taking out econ because it's easier to get good grades in geo, but do what you enjoy.
For set 2, it's good that you have chem but there's no reason for you to take bio. Take that out and replace with english.
Ultimately for good grades id recommend
HL maths aa, chemistry, and physics
SL geography, english lang and lit, +another subject of ur choice
really, though, do what you enjoy! You won't be able to get good grades unless you enjoy :smile:


Thanks for the advice. I like your subject combinations but it will definitely depend on if the UWC I go to will let me do two sciences. It’s always nice to have alternative plans.
Original post by Eli Naturinda
Thanks for all the help!
What country are you from by the way?
I understand that both the national curriculum and IB are really demanding, but at least I’ll get the credit for taking rigorous classes with IB.
At least I now have an idea of the subject choices going forward.

You’re welcome for the help, Im glad i got to learn about how schools work a bit better in Uganda! Im in England, the IB is offered here (in my city there are 2 IB schools, 2 ‘trade schools’ ig and like 7 sixth forms) but a levels are more common I think, Im starting my a levels next year in Maths, Physics and Biology- I might do an EPQ as well which is a research project you can do on pretty much anything you want and you have to do a presentation and a dissertation or make an artefact.

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