IB MYP subjects: what your child actually studies
6 min read · updated 2026-09-15
Parents searching 'IB MYP subjects' usually want a clear list, not jargon. The MYP is built around eight subject groups — schools then pick specific courses inside each group. Here is the map, and where one-to-one support pays off.
The eight MYP subject groups
- ✓ Language and literature (usually English)
- ✓ Language acquisition (a second language)
- ✓ Individuals and societies (history, geography, economics…)
- ✓ Sciences (integrated or separate biology/chemistry/physics)
- ✓ Mathematics (standard or extended)
- ✓ Arts (visual, music, drama, or design)
- ✓ Physical and health education
- ✓ Design (digital or product design)
How schools choose what to offer
Not every school runs every course inside a group. A UK international school might offer MYP maths extended, combined sciences and French; a Dubai continuum school might add Arabic language acquisition and design technology. Ask the school for its subject matrix for Years 7–11 before you plan tutoring.
Assessment uses criteria A–D per subject (typically 0–8 each), reported as a 1–7 grade. That structure is why tutors who know MYP rubrics outperform general homework helpers.
Where tutoring helps most
Maths extended, sciences and language acquisition create the biggest gaps when class pace outruns a student. Support that mirrors MYP criteria — not just 'extra worksheets' — moves grades fastest.
FAQs
How many subjects do MYP students take?＋
Typically one course from each of the eight groups each year, plus the Personal Project in the final year. Exact combinations vary by school.
Is MYP maths harder than GCSE?＋
Extended MYP maths is analytically demanding and criteria-based rather than grade-boundary based. Students moving from MYP to GCSE/A-Level or the IB Diploma often need a short bridging term of tutoring.
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