Most students attending UWC between the ages of 16 and 19 study the globally recognised International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP), which is offered at all UWC schools and colleges. It is a challenging curriculum that allows students to explore a range of subjects and ideas, while developing their creativity and learning about the importance of activity and service in the community.
In fact, UWC played a key role in crafting the IBDP back in the 1960s, and the ties between the IB and UWC remain close decades later.
The IBDP aims to “encourage students across the world to become active, compassionate and lifelong learners who understand that other people, with their differences, can also be right.” It is respected in the best universities worldwide for the balance it strikes between breadth and depth of subjects and its focus on service, communication, teamwork, leadership and critical thinking.
“「雖然 IBDP 有時讓我感到難以招架，學習量龐大，但整體而言，它讓我變得更加自信，也教會我如何有效學習。大學第一年的課程甚至比我 IBDP 第二年還容易。我更能確信自己所說的內容，因為我會事先查證，也變得更擅長寫作。」 ”
—— Leonor，UWC Mahindra College 校友
Which subjects can students take for the IBDP?
IBDP students take a total of six subjects, one chosen from each of the following groups:
數學：分析與方法（Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches）：偏重理論與純數學
數學：應用與詮釋（Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation）：偏重實務應用、統計與建模
學生必須修習一門數學課程。
學生通常會修習三門高階課程（Higher Level）與三門標準課程（Standard Level）。高階課程要求學生展現更高程度的知識、理解與技能。
可選修的科目將依各 UWC 校園所在地與專業特色略有不同。除了期末考試外，IB 課程也包含課程作業（Coursework），鼓勵學生在學科內進行主題探究，許多學生會結合永續發展、跨文化理解與社會正義等關注議題，展開自主研究。
IBDP subjects at UWC (in English)
As well as the six subject groups, students complete three core components of the IBDP, which are central to the philosophy of the programme. These are:
Extended Essay (EE): Students choose and investigate a topic of special interest, and develop the independent research and writing skills required at university level. The essay is typically written in one of the student’s six subjects and must be no more than 4,000 words in length. Students are supported in the research and writing process by an academic supervisor.
Theory of Knowledge (TOK): The course encourages students to reflect on the nature of knowledge and strengthen connections between their different subject areas. It is assessed through an exhibition and a written essay.
Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS): Taking responsibility, developing social, creative and outdoor skills, as well as learning to approach others with empathy are at the heart of the programme. Students engage in a variety of projects that aim to develop these skills, while at the same time actively engaging with their local community.
Other academic options at UWC
Once a UWC national committee-selected student is accepted by the college, they are able to apply to attend other IB programmes available at some of our UWC schools. Options available include:
- 國際文憑職業相關課程（International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme, IBCP）
目前於 Pearson College UWC 與 UWC Maastricht 提供。
IBCP 與 IBDP 同樣具挑戰性，為學生提供特定領域的專業學習機會。
在 UWC 校園中，IBCP 學生需修讀至少兩門 IBDP 課程，並搭配一項職業導向的學習內容與 IBCP 核心課程。
- UWC–IB 試點課程：系統轉化途徑（Systems Transformation Pathway, STP）
－於 UWC Atlantic 與 UWC Southeast Asia 提供
修讀STP課程的學生仍將獲頒完整的IB 大學預科文憑（IB Diploma），但其課程組合不同於傳統路徑。學生將修習四門傳統 IBDP 課程，搭配一門專為此途徑設計的跨學科課程，旨在培養他們應對複雜且相互依存的系統性挑戰所需的技能、態度與能力。
此客製化課程在 IB 課綱中相當於兩門標準等級（Standard Level）課程的學分，其評量方式非透過傳統考試，而是採取實質影響分析（impact analyses）、反思紀錄（reflections）與專案作品集（project portfolios）等方式進行評估。