Planning to Study Politics at University?
If you're aiming for a university degree in Politics, selecting the right IB subjects can significantly enhance your application and prepare you for the rigors of a political science program. Let’s explore the most relevant IB subjects to help you build a strong foundation for your future studies.
The Importance of Strategic Subject Selection
Choosing subjects that align with your interest in politics not only strengthens your university application but also equips you with the knowledge and skills necessary for a successful academic career in political science.
Recommended IB Subjects for Aspiring Politics Students
1. Group 1: Studies in Language and Literature
- Language A: Literature or Language and Literature:
- Relevance: These courses develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and proficiency in communication—essential skills for political science.
- Why It Matters: Political studies often involve analyzing texts, constructing arguments, and presenting ideas clearly and persuasively.
2. Group 2: Language Acquisition
- Language B or Language Ab Initio:
- Relevance: Proficiency in a second language is highly valuable in politics, especially if you are interested in international relations.
- Why It Matters: Multilingual skills enable you to understand diverse perspectives and communicate with a broader audience.
3. Group 3: Individuals and Societies
- History:
- Relevance: Provides insights into historical contexts, significant events, and the evolution of political systems.
- Why It Matters: Understanding history is crucial for analyzing current political situations and developments.
- Global Politics:
- Relevance: Directly related to your intended field of study, covering political theories, international relations, and global issues.
- Why It Matters: Offers foundational knowledge and analytical skills specific to political science.
- Economics:
- Relevance: Understanding economic policies, systems, and theories is vital for comprehending political decisions and their impacts.
- Why It Matters: Economics and politics are closely intertwined, and knowledge in this area is highly beneficial for political analysis.
4. Group 4: Sciences
- Environmental Systems and Societies (ESS):
- Relevance: Addresses global environmental issues and policies, an important aspect of modern political discourse.
- Why It Matters: Understanding environmental challenges and policies is crucial for contemporary political debates and solutions.
5. Group 5: Mathematics
- Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches (AA) or Applications and Interpretation (AI):
- Relevance: Develops analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Why It Matters: Basic quantitative skills are necessary for political science research and data analysis.
6. Group 6: The Arts (Optional)
- Philosophy or an Additional Group 3 Subject:
- Relevance: Philosophy enhances critical thinking and ethical reasoning, while an additional Group 3 subject deepens your understanding of social sciences.
- Why It Matters: Both subjects complement your study of politics by fostering analytical and evaluative skills.
Crafting a Balanced and Strategic IB Subject Combination
Suggested IB Subject Combination for Politics
- Group 1: Language A
- English A: Language and Literature HL
- Group 2: Language Acquisition
- Spanish B SL or French B SL
- Group 3: Individuals and Societies
- History HL
- Global Politics HL
- Economics SL
- Group 4: Sciences
- Environmental Systems and Societies SL
- Group 5: Mathematics
- Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches SL or Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation SL
- Group 6: The Arts or Additional Subject
- Philosophy SL or an additional Group 3 subject
Preparing for a Future in Politics
By selecting IB subjects that align with your interest in politics, you can build a strong academic foundation, enhance your university application, and develop the critical skills necessary for success in political science. Choose subjects that not only meet university requirements but also inspire and challenge you.
