concept-based learning | curriculum updates | IB Diploma Programme | IB DP | psychological literacy | Psychology FT2025

As the IB’s digital-first publishing partner, we’re excited to share everything you need to know about the new IB DP Psychology course, launching on February 4th, 2025. First teaching begins in August 2025 and first assessment is scheduled for May 2027.

This updated course introduces exciting changes to the curriculum and assessment methods, aiming to equip students with essential psychological literacy and critical thinking skills. Here’s what to expect in the new course:

A Modern Approach to Psychology

The DP psychology course will promote psychological literacy by helping students understand psychological concepts, content, and contexts, along with associated theories. Students will develop critical thinking, evidence assessment, research skills, and the ability to apply psychology to real-world problems with fostering ethical behavior, cultural competence, and self awareness.

The course also emphasizes:

• Understanding core psychological concepts and principles.
• Engaging in critical thinking and ethical research practices.
• Applying psychological insights to personal, social, and organizational challenges.
• Promoting cultural competence, diversity, and self-awareness.

Students will engage in concept-based learning, practical class activities, and research methodologies to explore psychology in four key contexts:

• Health and Well-being: Conduct interviews or focus groups.
• Human Development: Observe naturalistic or controlled behavior.
• Human Relationships: Create surveys or questionnaires.
• Learning and Cognition: Design and execute true or quasi-experiments.

Key Curriculum Updates

The new course introduces significant updates to align with contemporary teaching needs:

• Shift from “Core” to “Content”: Key theories and terms are integrated into the study of four applied psychology contexts.
• Options Reimagined: Students now investigate all four contexts, replacing the previous model where topics were selected.
• Focus on Diversity: Greater inclusion of indigenous and non-Western perspectives, reflecting a more global and inclusive view of psychology.
• Updated Terminology: “Abnormal Psychology” has been renamed to “Health and Well-being.”
• Enhanced Internal Assessments (IA): Students at both SL and HL will complete a research proposal, with HL students conducting deeper analysis on culture, motivation, and technology.

Empowering Students for the Future

The redesigned DP psychology course prepares students not to become psychologists, but to think critically, act ethically, and apply psychological principles in diverse contexts. With a focus on research, communication, and cultural awareness, this course empowers students to navigate and impact an ever-changing world.

Learn more about the updates by exploring the psychology subject brief on the IB’s curriculum page.

Support for Teachers

At Kognity, we’re here to support educators in navigating this exciting curriculum update. To help teachers get started, we’re hosting a series of webinars that will provide practical guidance and insights. The first webinar is scheduled for February 4th, and registration is now open.

Stay tuned for more webinars in the future as we continue to support educators in teaching the new IB DP Psychology course.

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