IB Psychology 2026 vs 2027 Syllabus: The Ultimate Guide to the Changes
Are you confused about the new IB Psychology syllabus? If you are taking your exams in May or November 2026, you are the last group on the "old" guide. If you start the course in August 2025 (exams in 2027), everything is changing. As an IB Psychology specialist with 8 years of experience, I have broken down exactly what is staying, what is going, and how to stay ahead.
In This Guide
1. The Big Picture: What's Changing?
The IB is moving away from "memorising studies" and toward conceptual learning. The shift is significant — here is a side-by-side comparison of the two syllabuses:
| Feature | 2026 Syllabus (Last Assessment) | 2027 Syllabus (First Assessment) |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | Core Approaches + Options | Concepts + Content + Contexts |
| The "Options" | Choose 1 (SL) or 2 (HL) | All 4 "Contexts" are mandatory |
| Internal Assessment | Conduct an Experiment | Write a Research Proposal |
| Concepts | Not explicitly assessed | 6 Core Concepts (e.g., Bias, Change) |
IB Psychology Syllabus Changes 2026 vs 2027 Comparison
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2. Meet the 6 New Concepts
In the 2027 syllabus, you don't just learn about a study — you must view it through these six lenses. Expect these to show up in exam prompts:
3. Options Are Out, "Contexts" Are In
Previously, you might have skipped "Health Psychology" or "Developmental." Not anymore. Under the new 2027 guide, all students will study all four contexts:
4. The IA Revolution: No More Experiments?
This is the biggest shock for students.
Until 2026
You must find a study, replicate it, and write a report on your results.
From 2027
You will design a Research Proposal. You don't have to actually carry it out! This allows you to design much more complex and "real-world" research without the stress of data collection.
Want to get ahead on the new IA format? Read our IA Introduction guide →
5. Is the New Syllabus Easier?
The Good News
- No more 22-mark ERQs in the same way
- Some "heavy" topics like Pheromones have been removed
- The IA no longer requires actual data collection
The Challenge
- You need to be more flexible — can't "bank" on three studies
- Must understand links between core approaches and new contexts
- All 4 contexts are mandatory — no skipping topics
Teacher's Tip for Success
If you are starting the IB in 2025/2026, don't use old textbooks. They won't cover the 6 Concepts or the Learning and Cognition context. Stay tuned to IB Psych Hub as we release the first 2027-compliant study guides!
For official curriculum details, refer to the IBO Psychology curriculum page. IB Psych Hub is an independent resource created by an experienced IB Psychology teacher and is not affiliated with the IBO.
Exam Technique Guides
Master every paper with these step-by-step guides written by an experienced IB Psychology teacher.
Paper 1: Section A vs Section B
Understand the key differences between the 9-mark SAQ and the 22-mark ERQ.
How to Answer the SAQ (Section A)
Use the D.E.S. model — Define, Evidence, Synthesis — to nail every 9-mark question.
How to Answer the ERQ (Section B)
Master the 22-marker with PEEL structure and TEACUP critical thinking.
Paper 1 Section C: The Extension Guide
HL only. Learn how to tackle Animal Research, Technology, or Globalisation questions.
How to Answer Paper 2 (Sections A & B)
Apply the Prevalence–Etiology–Treatment framework to Abnormal, Health, and other options.
How to Answer Paper 3 (The Methods Paper)
Analyse unseen research studies using Transferability, Reflexivity, and Triangulation.
How to Cite the IB Guide for SEO & Academic Credibility
5 proven techniques to satisfy Google's E-E-A-T algorithm and build trust with outbound links, blockquotes, and semantic linking.
Ready to Start Revising?
IB Psych Hub has everything you need — notes, model answers, AI-powered practice, and free downloads, all aligned to the 2027 syllabus.