IB History (2028) — Study Hub
Your complete study hub for the redesigned IB History syllabus (first exams 2028). Free notes, flashcards, and exam-style practice for the Paper 1 focused studies, the Paper 2 thematic studies, and the HL Paper 3 regional depth studies — all framed by the four historical concepts.
What is the new IB History (2028) course?
From first assessment in 2028, IB History is a redesigned Group 3 (Individuals and Societies) course built around four concepts — cause and consequence, continuity and change, perspectives, and significance — and four inquiry contexts: a focused study, a thematic study, a regional study, and a historical investigation. It rewards students who “do history”: argue with precise evidence, weigh competing interpretations, and reach a clear, substantiated judgement.
The course is examined through source work and essays. Paper 1 is a source-based focused study answered with three questions: the content of two sources [6], the context of one source [6], and the perspectives across all the sources [12]. Paper 2 is a thematic study with a concept mini-essay [6], a short “explain” question [4], and a cross-regional “to what extent” essay using examples from at least two regions [15].
HL students add Paper 3, a regional depth study. They choose one region — Africa & the Middle East, the Americas, Asia & Oceania, or Europe — and answer two “to what extent do you agree” essays [15 each] that evaluate a historical claim and reach a judgement. Aimnova covers all five Paper 1 focused studies, all four Paper 2 thematic studies, and every Paper 3 regional depth study.
Subject Group
Group 3
Available Levels
SL & HL
First assessment
2028
Exam Papers
Paper 1 · Paper 2 · Paper 3 (HL) · IA
IB History (2028) Assessment
Paper 1 — Focused study (sources)
30% (SL) · 20% (HL)1h 15mA source-based paper on a focused study, answered with three questions: the content of two sources [6], the context of one source by its origin and purpose [6], and the perspectives across all the sources [12].
Paper 2 — Thematic study (essays)
40% (SL) · 25% (HL)1h 45mA thematic study assessed in three parts: a concept mini-essay [6], a short “explain” question [4], and a “to what extent” essay that argues across at least two regions and reaches a judgement [15].
Paper 3 — Regional depth study (HL only)
35% (HL)2hHL only. Two “to what extent do you agree with the claim…” essays [15 each] on a chosen region (Africa & the Middle East, the Americas, Asia & Oceania, or Europe), evaluating an argument and reaching a substantiated judgement.
Internal Assessment — Historical investigation
30% (SL) · 20% (HL)A historical investigation on a question of your choice, structured as an identification and evaluation of sources, an investigation, and a reflection on the methods and limitations of the historian. The same task at SL and HL.
IB History (2028) Syllabus — Paper 1, Paper 2 & Paper 3
Unit 1: Paper 1 · Climate and innovation
Unit 2: Paper 1 · Independence and identity
Unit 3: Paper 1 · Political and economic transitions
Unit 4: Paper 1 · Conflict and displacement
Unit 5: Paper 1 · Protest and change
Unit 6: Paper 2 · Conflict (from 750 CE)
Unit 7: Paper 2 · Innovation and transformation (from 750 CE)
Unit 8: Paper 2 · Authoritarian rule (from 1750 CE)
Unit 9: Paper 2 · Popular movements (from 1750 CE)
Free IB History (2028) Study Resources
Study Notes
Topic-by-topic notes for Papers 1, 2 and 3
Flashcards
Spaced-repetition dates, terms and case studies
Question Bank
Source questions and essay practice by topic
Exam Skills
Source questions, concept essays and “to what extent” mark schemes
Revision Guide
Topic breakdown and a revision timeline
Command Terms
IB command term definitions
Frequently Asked Questions about IB History (2028)
How is the new IB History (2028) course assessed?
The redesigned course (first assessment 2028) has source and essay papers plus coursework. Paper 1 is a source-based focused study with three questions — content [6], context [6], perspectives [12] (30% at SL, 20% at HL). Paper 2 is a thematic study — a concept mini-essay [6], an explain question [4], and a cross-regional “to what extent” essay [15] (40% at SL, 25% at HL). HL adds Paper 3, two regional-depth essays [15 each] (35%). The internal assessment is a historical investigation (30% at SL, 20% at HL).
How is the 2028 course different from the current IB History?
The 2028 redesign is a concept-and-skills course built on four concepts (cause and consequence, continuity and change, perspectives, significance). The exam formats change: Paper 1 becomes three static source questions (content, context, perspectives) instead of the old four-question OPVL paper, and Paper 2 becomes a thematic study with a concept mini-essay and a cross-regional “to what extent” essay. The current (2020) course, with final exams in 2027, is on our separate IB History hub.
What is the difference between IB History (2028) SL and HL?
SL and HL sit the same Paper 1 focused studies and Paper 2 thematic studies and complete the same historical investigation. HL adds Paper 3, a regional depth study in which HL students choose one region and write two “to what extent do you agree” essays, and studies more content across the year (240 teaching hours versus 150).
Which exam session is this course for?
This hub is for students whose first History exams are in May 2028 or later. If your final exams are in 2026 or 2027, use our current IB History course instead — the syllabus and exam formats are different.
How do I get a 7 in the new IB History?
Learn to evaluate, not narrate: every Paper 2 §B and Paper 3 essay wants a claim weighed for and against and a substantiated judgement. Master the three-question Paper 1 source routine (content, context, perspectives), hold precise dates and names for each focused, thematic and regional study, and use the four concepts to structure your arguments across at least two regions where the question asks for it.
Start studying the new IB History for free
Notes, flashcards, and AI-powered practice for the redesigned IB History syllabus (first exams 2028) — Paper 1 focused studies, Paper 2 thematic studies and HL Paper 3 regional depth.
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