IB Diploma Programme World Religions belongs to Group 3: Individuals and societies. It is offered at Standard Level (SL) only; there is no Higher Level version.
Why Is World Religions in Group 3?
World Religions is an academic study of religious beliefs, practices and experiences, including how they shape individuals and communities. Its placement in Group 3 reflects its emphasis on understanding human societies through evidence, interpretation and analysis.
Students study religion with academic objectivity, reporting beliefs accurately without asserting or denying their truth. They also develop empathy, understanding why a belief or practice matters to an adherent.
A common misconception is that World Religions provides religious instruction or expects students to hold particular beliefs. It does neither. Students analyse living traditions and recognize diversity within them, rather than treating every follower as having identical beliefs or practices.
What Does the Course Include?
The course has three parts:
- Introduction to world religions: students study five of nine religions, with at least one from each prescribed column, through three fundamental questions: “What is the human condition?”, “Where are we going?” and “How do we get there?”
- In-depth studies: students study two eligible religions from different prescribed columns through rituals, sacred texts, doctrines/beliefs, religious experience, and ethics and moral conduct.
- Investigative study: students independently investigate a focused aspect of religious belief, practice or experience for their internal assessment.
These components connect knowledge of religion to analysis of believers’ behaviour and evaluation of evidence, which are central Group 3 skills.
How This Helps Your IB Preparation
For course classification, give the precise answer: “Group 3: Individuals and societies, SL only.” In assessed responses, apply that academic approach: use accurate religious terminology, attribute beliefs to their adherents, and support explanations with specific examples that acknowledge internal diversity.