To stay at the forefront of global education, the International Baccalaureate (IB) continuously reviews and refreshes its programmes. Each subject and core component is thoughtfully evaluated to integrate the latest research and reflect real classroom experiences.
These reviews are designed to enhance the quality and relevance of IB programs, empowering students to develop the full range of learner profile attributes while staying true to the IB mission. They promote a more adaptable, coherent, and student-centered learning journey.
Besides the PYP updates that we described recently, this curriculum refresh also includes changes to the Diploma Programme (DP) and Career-related Programme (CP). These updates will take effect with the first assessments in May 2027. These updates will take effect with the first assessments in May 2027. Importantly, ManageBac+ is already aligned with these changes, equipping schools with the tools they need to transition smoothly and effectively.
DP Updates
The IB DP is continually evolving to make learning more meaningful, relevant, and impactful. The latest updates are designed to expand students’ educational horizons while challenging them to apply their knowledge and skills in deeper ways. For students, this update means more choice and clarity, as well as better framework for success. For schools and educators, the streamlined processes and updated tools enhance efficiency, freeing up more time to focus on guiding students through their research journey.
The new and revised syllabus content is now also available in ManageBac+. Whether you’re updating your existing Unit Plans or building new ones from scratch, you can easily incorporate the latest syllabus. With a one-year transition period in place, both the final 2026 assessments and the first 2027 assessments are accessible in the Unit Planner, giving you the flexibility and confidence to plan ahead.
Psychology
The updated IB DP Psychology guide offers students the chance to engage with cutting-edge psychological research in today’s world. While subject content changes are minimal, the structure of the course has been redesigned. A greater emphasis is now placed on application and connections across topics, with the introduction of class practicals to bring learning to life. These shifts encourage students to develop a deeper, more integrated understanding of psychology.
For a full breakdown of the new psychology framework, explore our detailed Article and view the on-demand Webinar.
Visual Arts
The new IB DP Visual Arts guide invites teachers and students to revisit their practices, balancing tradition with innovation. This version encourages authentic artistic engagement, pushing students to merge practice, context, and reflection in meaningful ways. Assessment adjustments and teaching approaches will prompt schools to rethink how creativity is fostered within the DP.
Discover the implications of the new Visual Arts syllabus by reading our Article and watching the recorded Webinar session.
Design Technology
The redesigned IB DP Design Technology curriculum marks the most substantial shift since 2020. This isn’t a small revision, it’s a revolutionary change. The syllabus now aligns with real-world industry practices, integrating themes such as sustainability, inclusive design, automation, and the circular economy. Paper 3 has been removed, while new thematic strands provide clarity and coherence. The roadmap is ambitious and forward-thinking, equipping students to navigate a rapidly evolving technological landscape.
Gain deeper insight into this reimagined curriculum by reviewing our in-depth Article and Webinar recording.
Computer Science
The IB DP Computer Science syllabus introduces significant updates. This streamlined yet comprehensive approach ensures all students develop critical skills for analysing trends and emerging technologies. Key changes enhancements include:
- Support for both Java and Python, allowing flexibility in language choice.
- No more options, as all students now cover databases, object-oriented programming, and the case study.
- A single HL-only unit (Abstract Data Types) remains.
- The Internal Assessment features a new structure, with an additional five hours allocated.
To dive into the new Computer Science direction, check out the Article and watch the on-demand Webinar.
Extended Essay
The Extended Essay has always been the heart of the IB experience, fostering independent research skills, academic writing, and perseverance. Now, the IB is enhancing the framework to better align with today’s world. While the changes are not broad, they signal a shift that encourages deeper critical thinking, greater flexibility, and more authentic student expression. The changes will help students think across boundaries, sharpen their arguments, and reflect with impact.
From May 2027, students can select between two pathways:
- Subject-Focused EE, diving deeply into one subject.
- Interdisciplinary EE, exploring two subjects with guidance from one of five frameworks.
This new approach replaces the old World Studies EE, offering a more structured and modern interdisciplinary option. The updates also place greater emphasis on developing a strong line of argument, helping students craft well-supported, critical analyses. Reflection has been simplified in a few different ways:
- Instead of three separate statements, students now complete a single final reflective statement, while still engaging in three supervisory meetings.
- The new RPF (Reflections on Planning & Progress Form) captures reflection data more efficiently and can be generated per student, for a whole year group, or integrated into portfolios.
For schools, the transition is smooth: new DP1 groups automatically use the updated EE template, while DP2 groups continue with the existing format. Schools can rename projects, access updated assessment criteria in the Assessment Tab, and easily manage reflection data. Archiving the old template after a year keeps planning streamlined and avoids confusion.
For a closer look at the new EE pathways, read our Article and view the on-demand Webinar.
CP Updates
The IB has also released updates to the CP Core Guidance and Procedures, and ManageBac+ is ready to support schools in implementing these changes. These updates apply to CP1 (first-year) students starting now, with the first assessments under the revised guidance taking place in May 2027.
Key terminology changes include:
- Service Learning is now Community Engagement (CE).
- Language Development is now Language and Cultural Studies (LCS).
- Reflective Project (RP) and Personal and Professional Skills (PPS) keep their names but include updated details.
On ManageBac+, vocabulary, requirements, and learning outcomes have been updated. We are providing:
- Updated PBL templates for LCS and Reflective Project (unless previously edited by schools)
- A new PBL template for PPS
- An updated Service Learning worksheet reflecting Community Engagement requirements, plus an alternate CE PBL template
- Updated Unit Planners for LCS, PPS, and the CP core, as well as new Unit Planners and connected PBL templates for Community Engagement and Reflective Project
Because of the changes, schools will need to run both programmes for one year. CP1 students follow the new guidance, while CP2 students remain on the old framework for their final year. We recommend archiving old templates in one year’s time to avoid confusion when creating new year groups. New schools will automatically receive the updated settings.
To learn more about IB CP updates, join one of our October sessions. Register using links below.