IB Computer Science 2027
For the new IB Diploma Computer Science syllabus to start teaching in August 2025, and for first examinations in May 2027.
Content will be updated gradually as developed in preparation for teaching the new course in August.
Course overview
- IBO Course brief
- IBO Course syllabus/guide for Computer Science (PDF)
- Course content overview (poster)
- Changes and FAQ about the new course
- Computer Science for the IB Diploma textbook by Baumgarten, Ganea, & Turland; published by Hachette Learning. ISBN 9781036009007.
Units of learning
- A1: Computer fundamentals
- A2: Networks
- A3: Databases
- A4: Machine learning
- B1: Computational thinking
- B2: Programming
- B3: Object oriented programming
- B4: Abstract data types
- Case study
- Internal assessment
Assessment structure
| Content | SL | HL | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 | A1 Computer fundamentals A2 Networks A3 Databases A4 Machine Learning Case study | 35% of grade 1:15 hours duration 50 marks total 38 marks A1/A2/A3/A4 12 marks Case study | 40% of grade 2 hours duration 80 marks total 56 marks A1/A2/A3/A4 24 marks Case study |
| Paper 2 | B1 Computational thinking B2 Programming B3 OOP B4 ADT There are two versions of paper 2, one for students who have studied Python, one for students who have studied Java. | 35% of grade 1:15 hours duration 50 marks total One of the questions will focus on algorithmic thinking without the need to interpret or write code. | 40% of grade 2 hours duration 80 marks total Two questions from the SL paper will be repeated in the HL paper, including a question with a focus on algorithmic thinking without the need to interpret or write code. Additional questions will focus on HL-only topics. |
| IA | Self selected programming project and documentation | 30% of grade 35 hours class time | 20% of grade 35 hours class time |
Extended essay
The extended essay for 2025+ is also being updated with a new syllabus. More information in due course.