Subject choices

The DP focuses on rigorous academic study, within a broad and balanced curriculum, which can prepare students well for employment. The IB Career-related Programme (CP), a unique programme specifically tailored for students who wish to engage in career-related learning.

The Career-related Programme

The Career-related Programme prepares students for flexibility and mobility in a range of employment opportunities as well as continuing lifelong learning. It integrates broad, general learning areas as well as specific career-related content into a rigorous and challenging framework of education. The detailed knowledge, skills and understanding gained from studying Diploma Programme courses, the Career-related Programme core and the career-related study provide opportunities for: Employment: the transferrable skills fostered in the personal and professional skills course, combined with the specific knowledge and skills developed by students in their career-related studies provide an opportunity for students to move directly into employment in their chosen field. Apprenticeships: apprenticeship schemes are available in many countries where students are given onthe-job training as well as classroom instruction in a particular craft or trade. Further education: students may wish to continue their education at educational institutions that specialize in their chosen field of study. Higher education: the mix of career-related skills combined with the knowledge and skills obtained from studying Diploma Programme courses allows students access to higher education institutions such as universities and colleges. Participating schools work in close collaboration with further and higher education institutions and with the employment sector both locally and internationally.

The Career-related Programme requires the study of at least two Diploma Programme courses alongside the unique Career-related Programme core and a career-related study (see figure 1). For students of this programme:
• The choice of at least two Diploma Programme courses provides and enhances the theoretical underpinning and academic rigour of the programme.
• The Career-related Programme core aims to develop personal qualities and skills and professional habits required for lifelong learning.
• The career-related study further supports the programme’s academic strength and provides practical, real-world approaches to learning. The distinct advantage of the Career-related Programme is that schools can adapt the framework to meet local, regional or national education requirements, as well as address industry and government priorities.

CP recognition

The CP Diploma is recognized by Universities of Applied Science (HBO) in the Netherlands.

The CP Diploma is recognized by many institutions of higher education around the world. Below are some examples of recently added institutions:

Switzerland
Starting in September 2024, École hôtelière de Lausanne (EHL) will consider admitting IB Career-related Programme (CP) students who are awarded the IB CP Certificate and meet the following requirements:
  earned a grade of 4 or better in three DP courses, including one higher level subject and either of the mathematics subjects
– completed a Career-related study in Hospitality, Tourism, Business or Sustainability
  earned a grade of C or better in the reflective project

Franklin University Switzerland will now consider CP graduates for admissions and will award Advanced Standing Credit for higher level subjects with a grade 5 or better. More information is available on the university’s advanced standing webpage.