Under the new IB DP History course (first assessment 2028), one of the most misunderstood elements is Focused Studies. Many students assume they are simply “topics” to memorise, when in reality they are carefully designed case-study frameworks used to develop historical thinking.
Students who misunderstand focused studies often revise inefficiently, overload themselves with facts, and struggle to apply knowledge effectively in exams. Those who understand their purpose gain a major advantage.
This article explains what IB History Focused Studies are, how they function in the new course, and how students should approach them strategically.
Quick Start Checklist
- What Focused Studies are in IB History
- Why the IB uses focused studies
- How they are assessed under FA 2028
- Common student mistakes
- How to revise focused studies effectively
What Are Focused Studies in IB History?
Focused Studies are in-depth case studies selected by schools within the IB History course.
They are designed to:
- Anchor abstract concepts in real historical examples
- Provide depth rather than broad coverage
- Support comparison and evaluation
- Develop analytical and investigative skills
Focused Studies are not about knowing everything — they are about knowing enough to analyse effectively.
Why the IB Uses Focused Studies
Under first assessment 2028, the IB prioritises depth of understanding over breadth of coverage.
Focused Studies allow students to:
- Study historical developments in detail
- Analyse causes, consequences, and significance
- Explore perspectives within a defined context
- Avoid superficial global surveys
This structure supports the inquiry-based nature of the new course.
How Focused Studies Fit Into the Curriculum Structure
Focused Studies connect directly to:
- Key historical concepts
- Thematic and comparative thinking
- Essay-based assessment
- HL depth expectations
They provide evidence pools students can draw on to answer conceptual questions across different papers.
How Focused Studies Are Assessed
Focused Studies are not assessed as standalone units.
Instead, students are assessed on:
- How well they use focused study content
- Whether evidence is relevant to the question
- How effectively they apply concepts
- The quality of explanation and evaluation
Marks are awarded for analysis, not recall.
Common Student Mistakes With Focused Studies
Many students struggle because they:
- Memorise timelines without understanding significance
- Revise content without linking it to concepts
- Use the same examples repeatedly without adaptation
- Overload essays with irrelevant detail
These approaches lead to descriptive answers and lost marks.
What Strong Use of a Focused Study Looks Like
High-scoring students:
- Select evidence strategically
- Link events to causes and consequences
- Compare developments across contexts
- Use focused studies flexibly across questions
- Evaluate significance rather than assume it
They treat focused studies as tools, not topics.
How to Revise Focused Studies Effectively
Effective revision under FA 2028 involves:
- Organising notes by concept, not chronology
- Identifying key turning points and debates
- Practising applying content to different questions
- Comparing focused studies where appropriate
Revision should always answer the question: “How would I use this in an essay?”
Focused Studies and HL vs SL Expectations
Both SL and HL students use focused studies, but expectations differ.
- SL students must explain and analyse clearly.
- HL students must evaluate, synthesise, and compare more extensively.
HL students are expected to demonstrate deeper control over focused study material.
How RevisionDojo Supports Focused Study Mastery
RevisionDojo is designed to help students use focused studies effectively, not memorise them.
RevisionDojo helps students:
- Link focused study content to concepts
- Practise exam-style application
- Avoid descriptive revision
- Build adaptable evidence banks
- Understand examiner expectations
This turns focused studies into a strength rather than a burden.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to memorise everything in a focused study?
No. You need to understand key developments, significance, and how to apply evidence analytically.
Can I use one focused study for multiple questions?
Yes. Strong students reuse content flexibly, adapting it to different concepts and questions.
Are focused studies more important than thematic studies?
They serve different purposes. Focused studies provide depth; thematic studies enable comparison.
Final Thoughts
Under the new IB DP History course (first assessment 2028), Focused Studies are central to success — but only when used correctly. They are not lists of facts to memorise, but structured case studies designed to support historical inquiry.
Students who revise focused studies strategically gain clarity, confidence, and consistency across assessments. With the right approach and guidance, focused studies become one of the most powerful tools in IB History.
That is exactly the support RevisionDojo is built to provide.
