The International Baccalaureate® (IB) Diploma Programme (DP) is an 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?

IB DP is a two-year academically challenging and balanced educational program that provides an internationally accepted qualification for entry into higher education and is recognized by many universities worldwide.  DP aims to address and develop the intellectual, social, emotional and physical well-being of students. Different researches suggest 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).

DP subjects offered at SEK Budapest International School:

Group 1 Studies in Language and Literature
(Language A Literature – Hungarian, English, Chinese, Spanish, Self-taught)
The IB has a policy of encouraging students to maintain links with their own cultures and it provides opportunities for students to study their mother tongue language, even when that language is not offered by the school (self-taught).

Group 2  Language Acquisition
(Language B – English, Spanish, Language ab Initio – Spanish)
All IB DP students are required study a second language of their choice.

Group 3 Individuals and Societies
(Business management, Economics, Geography, History, Psychology)
All IB DP students are required to complete one course of their choice.

 Group 4 Sciences
(Environmental Systems and Society, Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Computer Science)
All IB DP students are required to complete one Science course of their choice.

Group 5 Mathematics
(Mathematics-applications and interpretations, Mathematics-analysis and approaches)
All IB DP students are required to complete one mathematics course of their choice.

Group 6 The Arts
(Visual arts, Music)
Group 6 courses, with an emphasis on practical production by the students are not mandatory. Alternative options may be discussed with the DP coordinator.

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. TOK is considered a key element in encouraging students to appreciate other cultural perspectives. This course is unique to the DP and is taken during the two years of the program.

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.

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