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World Religions
- IB Diploma Programme · Group 3 — Individuals and Societies
- Standard Level only · 150 hours
- Year 11 2027 – Year 12 2028
- Group
- Group 3 — Individuals and Societies
- Level offered
- Standard Level (SL)
- Teaching hours
- 150 hours (SL only)
- IB syllabus
- Current DP syllabus, first examined 2013
Course description
World religions is a systematic, analytical yet empathetic study of the beliefs and practices encountered in the main religions of the world. The course promotes an awareness of religious issues in the contemporary world, developing students’ understanding of how religion shapes the way believers understand the world and relate and respond to others.
Course structure
- Part 1: Introduction to World Religions — five religions studied from a choice of nine (Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism; Judaism, Christianity, Islam; Taoism, Jainism, Baha’i Faith)
- Part 2: In-Depth Studies — two religions studied in depth, one from each of two categories, explored through rituals, sacred texts, doctrines/beliefs, religious experience, and ethics and moral conduct
- Part 3: Internal Assessment — an investigative study
Students who should consider this course
This course suits students with an interest in religion, culture, history, anthropology, philosophy or psychology, and is useful preparation for further study in theology, humanities, international relations or social sciences.
Assessment at a glance
| Component | Weighting % |
|---|---|
| Paper 1 — Stimulus-response questions (external) | 30 |
| Paper 2 — Essay questions (external) | 45 |
| Written analysis — investigative study (internal) | 25 |
External examinations
External assessment consists of two written papers sat in the May session: a stimulus-response paper covering at least three religions, and an essay paper based on the guiding themes.
Subject presentation
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What is World Religions?
- A systematic, analytical yet empathetic study of the beliefs and practices found in the main religions of the world.
- You develop an awareness of religious issues in the contemporary world and an understanding of how religion shapes the way believers understand the world and respond to others.
- The approach is academic and comparative — you study religions from the inside (how believers see them) and the outside (how scholars analyse them).
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Part 1 — Introduction to World Religions
- Five religions studied from a choice of nine, drawn from three categories:
- Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism
- Judaism, Christianity, Islam
- Taoism, Jainism, Baha’i Faith
- For each religion you learn its origins, central beliefs, practices and key texts, and the questions it seeks to answer.
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Part 2 — In-depth studies
- Two religions studied in depth, one from each of two categories.
- Each is explored through five guiding themes: rituals; sacred texts; doctrines and beliefs; religious experience; ethics and moral conduct.
- You compare how the two traditions answer the same fundamental questions.
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Part 3 — Internal assessment: the investigative study
- An individual investigation into an aspect of religious practice or belief, based on your own research and, where possible, first-hand experience such as a visit or interview.
- Reported as a written analysis, marked by your teacher and moderated by the IB.
- Worth 25% of the final grade.
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How you are assessed
- Paper 1 (30%) — stimulus-response questions on at least three of the religions studied in Part 1.
- Paper 2 (45%) — essay questions on the in-depth studies, based on the guiding themes.
- Written analysis — investigative study (25%) — internal assessment.
- External papers are sat in the May session.
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Links to the DP core
- Theory of Knowledge — religious knowledge systems are one of TOK’s optional themes; the course constantly asks how believers and scholars know what they claim to know.
- Extended Essay — a strong basis for a 4,000-word research essay on a religious question.
- CAS — service and cultural experiences with faith communities.
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Where it can lead
- Theology and religious studies
- History, philosophy, anthropology and sociology
- International relations, diplomacy and community work
- Law, journalism and education
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Is World Religions for you?
- You are curious about what people believe and why.
- You can discuss beliefs different from your own with respect and academic rigour.
- You enjoy reading, writing essays and building comparative arguments.
- Speak to the Religion Department with any questions before you make your selection.
Prepared from the IB Diploma Programme World Religions subject brief and the Academy’s IBDP handbook.