If you’re designing your IB Diploma subject schedule, you’ve likely wondered: Is it better to take only one Group 6 subject or more? It’s a fair question—especially for creative students drawn to Film, Theatre, Music, Dance, or Visual Arts.
Here’s the truth: IB Diploma Programme rules only require (and allow) one Group 6 subject—and any additional arts subject must be taken as a seventh, optional course. So, while more than one Group 6 subject is technically possible, it comes with workload and scheduling trade-offs.
Let’s explore what the International Baccalaureate allows, how universities view Group 6, and what RevisionDojo recommends when choosing the best subject combination.
What Is Group 6 in the IB Diploma Programme?
Group 6 is the Arts category in the IB’s six-group curriculum structure:
- Group 1: Studies in Language and Literature
- Group 2: Language Acquisition
- Group 3: Individuals and Societies (Humanities)
- Group 4: Sciences
- Group 5: Mathematics
- Group 6: The Arts
Group 6 Subjects include:
- Visual Arts
- Film
- Theatre
- Music
- Dance
These courses aim to develop creative thinking, cultural understanding, and artistic expression, offering a balance to the academic rigor of science and math.
IB Rules: How Many Group 6 Subjects Can You Take?
The IB Diploma requires six subjects—one from each group. Students can either:
- Take one Group 6 subject (standard requirement), or
- Replace Group 6 with an additional subject from Groups 1–4
👉 Taking more than one Group 6 subject is only allowed if you’re taking seven IB subjects total—an advanced option offered at some schools, depending on resources.
Flexibility in IB Subject Choices
Many students choose to replace Group 6 with a second:
- Science (e.g., Biology and Chemistry)
- Humanities subject (e.g., History and Economics)
This flexibility allows students to align their subject choices with university admissions requirements, especially for careers in:
- Medicine
- Engineering
- Economics
- Computer Science
Pros of Taking a Group 6 Subject
Taking one Group 6 subject offers numerous benefits:
- Creative outlet in a demanding academic schedule
- Enhances TOK and EE connections through expressive mediums
- Builds portfolios valuable for applying to programs in:
- Fine Arts
- Architecture
- Design
- Media
- Theatre or Performance Studies
RevisionDojo confirms that students who strategically choose Group 6 subjects aligned with their passion often perform better and feel more balanced during the IB journey.
Can You Take Two Group 6 Subjects in IB?
Technically yes—only if one of them is taken as a 7th subject, outside the required six. This adds:
- Extra class hours per week
- More internal assessments
- A heavier exam load
⚠️ Most schools discourage this unless a student has a clear academic or artistic goal, strong time management skills, and administrative approval.
Should You Take a Group 6 Subject at HL or SL?
Here’s how to choose:
- HL is best for students applying to arts-related programs or those with deep interest and experience
- SL suits those seeking balance, or who want to explore creativity without the extended assessments of HL
HL Group 6 subjects involve more intense:
- Research
- Portfolio work
- Technical depth (e.g., editing in Film, theory in Theatre)
Group 6 Subjects and University Admissions
RevisionDojo explains that many UK, US, Canadian, and European universities accept one Group 6 subject as part of a well-rounded IB profile. The key is to balance it with HL subjects aligned to your intended major.
What RevisionDojo Recommends for Group 6 Planning
RevisionDojo’s experts suggest:
- Start with your career goals and subject strengths
- Use their subject planning guides to compare Group 6 options
- Try their sample IAs and exam breakdowns to understand assessment demands
- Don’t overload yourself with a 7th subject unless there’s a clear academic or creative reason
Explore Group 6 insights here:
👉 Understanding Assessment in IB Group 6 Subjects
Common Misconceptions About Group 6 Choices
MisconceptionReality“You can take multiple arts subjects”Only possible with a 7th subject—not within the standard 6“Group 6 is easier than sciences”Arts subjects are just as demanding in analysis and time“Top universities don’t respect arts”They do—especially when aligned with your intended field
Real IB Schedules: Examples With and Without Group 6
🎯 Students pursuing media or film may benefit more from Schedule 1, while pre-med students will find Schedule 2 more relevant.
FAQs: Taking One vs More Group 6 Subjects
Q: Can I take two Group 6 subjects in IB?
Only if one is a 7th subject—outside the diploma's core structure.
Q: What’s the best subject to replace Group 6 with?
Another subject from Groups 1–4 based on your university goals—commonly a second science or humanities course.
Q: Should I skip Group 6 if I’m applying for STEM?
Often yes—science-heavy programs prefer Physics, Chem, or Math HL.
Q: Do Group 6 subjects count toward IB points?
Yes—all six subjects count equally toward your final score (max 42 points + 3 core).
Q: Are arts subjects harder to score 7s in?
They can be—especially due to subjectivity in marking, but with preparation and creativity, 7s are absolutely achievable.
Conclusion: Stick with One—But Choose Wisely
The IB Diploma is built for balance and depth, and Group 6 subjects offer a powerful outlet for artistic expression and cultural exploration. While it’s possible to take more than one arts subject, doing so adds workload without a guaranteed benefit—unless directly tied to your goals.
🎯 Final advice: Pick one Group 6 subject that you love, explore it fully, and match the rest of your schedule to your future path. Whether it’s Film, Theatre, Music, or Visual Arts, the IB lets you make it your own.
