Academic Programme

UWCs have a common academic curriculum for students aged 16-19: the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP).

The IBDP is a challenging two-year programme of studies that aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect. This mission closely aligns with the UWC mission of making education a force to unite people, nations, and cultures for peace and a sustainable future.

Circular chart model of the IB Diploma Programme
Person uses a smartphone to photograph a sample through a Leica microscope in a laboratory.
Five students laughing and reading blue books together at a table by a large window overlooking a wooded landscape.
Person using a stylus on a tablet beside a child in a pink sweater at a desk
Practice exam of the second-year students
Students drawing and painting together at tables in a cluttered art studio.
Sharing circle in the Høegh centre
Physics class
Diverse group collaborating around a table with paper notes, pens, and a smartphone
Close-up of a hand writing mathematical equations on a chalkboard
Students collaborating on a laptop and handwritten notes in a classroom
Students work together at tables in a science classroom with laptops, lab equipment, and an aquarium.
Scientists in white lab coats and safety goggles conduct a chemistry experiment with glassware and a burette in a laboratory.
Person writing on a printed document with a black pen
Teacher leading a group discussion with students seated in a classroom around a flip chart
Teacher leads a classroom math lesson while students work at tables beside a lake.
Close-up of a graduated laboratory pipette surrounded by glass tubes and scientific equipment
Diverse group of people collaborating around a table in a classroom or workshop
Man in a colorful patterned cap writing a knowledge diagram on a large chalkboard.
Students gathered in a colorful classroom, talking around tables covered with books, laptops, and water bottles.
Students collaborating on art projects around a table in a creative classroom with laptops, sketchbooks, artwork, and a presentation screen.
People collaborating on laptops and sketchbooks in a bright art studio surrounded by paintings and art supplies
Logo of the IB Diploma Programme

This programme is a deliberate compromise between the specialization required in some national systems and the breadth provided in others. Students complete six academic subjects, including at least one from each IB subject group, as well as the Extended Essay and Theory of Knowledge (TOK).

Group 1. Language & Literature: A

Advanced Literature (English, Norwegian, Danish, Spanish, Self-Taught World Literature) or Language and Literature (English)

Group 2. Language Acquisition: B or ab initio

Language Acquisition (Spanish ab initio, Spanish B, French ab initio) or another Group 1 subject

Group 3. Individuals and Societies

Economics, Environmental Systems & Societies, Global Politics, History, Philosophy or Psychology

Group 4. Experimental Sciences

Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Systems & Societies or Physics

Group 5. Mathematics

Analysis & Approaches or Applications & Interpretations

Group 6. The Arts

Theatre, Visual Arts or another subject from Groups 1–4

The Diploma is assessed through a combination of written assignments, oral assessments, and external examinations, and is accepted by universities around the world. At UWC Red Cross Nordic, the academic programme is conducted in English and takes place within and beyond the classroom.

Through inclusive, collaborative learning experiences designed to foster conceptual understanding, an IB education promotes lifelong learning. Students become more knowledgeable, principled, open-minded, caring, risk-taking, balanced and reflective, and develop skills in inquiry, thinking and communication.
The IBDP Creativity, Activity and Service requirements are met through our co-curricular programme.

More information about the Diploma Programme is available on the International Baccalaureate website.