Understanding the Irregular IB Diploma and Its Implications
Introduction to Irregular IB Diploma
The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme is a well-structured curriculum designed to prepare students for higher education. However, in certain cases, students may choose to pursue a path that doesn't align with the norm. This path is known as an Irregular IB Diploma. An irregular diploma occurs when a student selects three subjects from the same subject group and omits subjects from two other groups, typically including the arts.
When Will You Need an Irregular Diploma?
An irregular diploma is necessary when a student's university course prerequisites require three subjects from the same IB subject group. This is particularly common in specialized fields such as medicine, where certain countries like Sweden and India require students to take Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. This unique requirement can lead to students pursuing an irregular diploma to meet those demands.
Must I Automatically Get an Irregular Diploma?
No, you do not automatically get an irregular diploma by merely choosing three subjects. To obtain a valid irregular diploma, a student must demonstrate why their subject choices are essential for their further education. The International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) may then grant special permission for the student to continue with three subjects from the same subject group.
Can I Apply for an Irregular Diploma if I Have Strong Interest in a Subject Group?
Yes, a student can apply for an irregular diploma, but the IBO evaluates each request individually. The organization may deny special permission if they believe the pursuit of an irregular diploma is not necessary for the student's future academic or career goals. Profound understanding and evidence of the necessity for these choices are critical in this assessment.
Understanding the Difficulty of an Irregular Diploma
The difficulty of an irregular diploma is highly subjective and varies from student to student. It depends on factors such as the chosen subjects, the level (higher-level or standard-level), and the student's comfort and enjoyment in these subjects. An irregular diploma does not inherently make the course more or less difficult than a regular IB diploma.
Letter to Head of School/Coordinator Regarding NR Diploma Process
Dear Head of School/Coordinator,
It has come to our attention that the information provided in our previous communication regarding the Non-Regular (NR) diploma request process was not entirely accurate for all of the seven countries listed. We sincerely apologize for any confusion this may have caused.
Students who wish to pursue a degree in Medicine in these specific countries are usually required to take Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. These subjects can be taken at either Higher Level (HL) or Standard Level (SL) depending on the requirements of the country.
The streamlined process described below, however, is accurate and we hope it will alleviate the administrative burden on schools using the NR diploma process.
For the May/November 2023 registration process onwards, if one of your students has the intention to study Medicine in the same country as your school and therefore needs to take the three sciences, you will not need to submit any documentation or evidence to support this request.
During the May/November 2023 registration process on the IBIS screen for NR diploma, please insert the following text: "This is a request for a fast-track Medicine non-regular diploma approval. Please note that our student has an intention to study medicine in India." This will expedite the approval for the NR diploma request.
We appreciate your cooperation and support in this matter.