The International Baccalaureate® (IB) Diploma Programme (DP) is a two year educational program for students aged 16-19. To find out more about the Diploma Programme (DP), including information on pathways to university and employment, follow the link.

What is the DP?

The DP is an academically challenging and balanced programme of education which addresses the intellectual, social, emotional and physical well-being of students. Moreover, it is respected by universities across the globe.

DP students are prepared for participation in a rapidly evolving and increasingly global society as they develop intellectually, emotionally, physically and ethically, while acquiring the skills that will prepare them for further education and life in the 21st century. Different researches suggests that there are many benefits to choosing the Diploma Programme (DP).

The DP Curriculum

Diploma Programme (DP) curriculum is made up of six subject groups and the DP core, comprising theory of knowledge (TOK), creativity, activity, service (CAS) and the extended essay (EE). Students are able to choose to study their subjects at both Higher and Standard level depending on their interests and course requirements.

DP subjects offered at SEK Budapest International School:

Group 1: Studies in Language and Literature

(Language A: Literature – Hungarian, English, Chinese, Self-taught)

In this group, DP students are encouraged to develop their lasting enthusiasm for literature, language, and overall appreciation of human creativity and expression. Self taught literature is available for students whose mother tongue is not offered by the school and is only offered at standard level.

Group 2  Language Acquisition

(Language B – English, Spanish, Spanish ab initio)

In this group, DP students study a language apart from their mother tongue in order to bolster their understanding of another culture by way of language learning. Ab initio courses are for students with little or no exposure to subject language and are only offered in standard level.

Group 3 Individuals and Societies

(Business Management, Economics, History, Psychology)

In this group, DP students choose a subject(s) of interest which promote recognition of human behavior and experiences, as well as critically observing theories, concepts and arguments related to humanity on both a large and small scale.

 Group 4 Sciences

(Environmental Systems and Society, Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Computer Science)

In this group, DP students pursue a subject(s) which further expands their understanding of the variety of methods, theories and implications of natural sciences.

Group 5 Mathematics

(Mathematics-applications and interpretations, Mathematics-analysis and approaches)

In this group, DP students select an appropriate mathematics course which supports their interests and requirements for future university of career related aims. Please see brochure for further details about the difference between the two offered courses.

Group 6 The Arts

(Visual arts)

The final DP group is not mandatory (students may “double up” in another group) and is geared towards DP students who are passionate about the practical production and exploration of artistic forms via creative, critical and reflective practice. Alternative options may be discussed with the DP coordinator.

IB DP Core: TOK, CAS, EE

(Theory of knowledge, Extended Essay, CAS)

Theory of Knowledge (TOK) is an interdisciplinary requirement intended to stimulate critical reflection on the knowledge and experiences gained both inside and outside of the classroom.

Extended Essay (EE) engages students in independent research on a topic of their choice, providing them the opportunity to explore and investigate a topic in-depth. The essay is an extended assignment on which the students should spend about 40 hours, and guided by a supervisor.

Creativity, Action, Service (CAS) balances academics with hands-on learning outside of class. One of the goals of the DP is to educate the whole person and to foster responsible, compassionate citizens. The CAS component encourages students to share their energy and talents with others through projects within the community.

Read more about the DP curriculum.

Assessment and exams
Both Internal and External Assessment strive to assess student work as direct evidence of achievement against the stated criteria of the Diploma Programme (DP) courses.
Read about assessment and exams.

Learn more about:
Students in the DP
More Information from IBO.org
IB Diploma Program Brochure [PDF]
General Regulations: Diploma Programme [PDF]
IBO Recognition of IB Diploma

Download IB Diploma Program Application Form

May 2022 SEK DP candidates went on to study at / were accepted at universities such as…

• HAN University
• Rotterdam University
• AFA Amsterdam
• University of Chester
• Radboud University
• Modul University Vienna
• IBS Budapest
• Tilburg University
• Leiden University
• Jinan University
• KU Leuven
• University of Groningen
• Utrecht University
• American University of Paris
• Central European University
• University of Maastricht
• University of Amsterdam
• McDaniel College
• University of Arts London
• Marangoni University

Went on to study programs such as…

• International Law
• European Law
• International Studies
• Marketing
• Software Engineering
• Fashion Design Management
• Economics and Business
• Business and Management
• Media and Culture
• Liberal Arts
• Culture, Politics and Society