Under the new IB DP History course (first assessment 2028), Thematic Studies play a central role in shaping how students think about history. Unlike focused studies, which examine specific case studies in depth, thematic studies push students to engage with big historical questions across time and place.
Many students find thematic studies difficult because they attempt to revise them as long content lists. In reality, thematic studies are not about memorising everything — they are about identifying patterns, making comparisons, and applying concepts consistently.
This article explains what IB History Thematic Studies are, how they function in the new course, and how students should approach them strategically.
Quick Start Checklist
- What Thematic Studies are in IB History
- How they differ from Focused Studies
- Why themes matter under FA 2028
- Common student mistakes
- How to revise thematic studies effectively
What Are Thematic Studies in IB History?
Thematic Studies explore long-term historical developments linked by a common theme.
Instead of focusing on one place or short time period, thematic studies require students to:
- Track developments across decades or centuries
- Compare experiences across regions
- Analyse patterns and change
- Apply historical concepts consistently
They encourage students to think horizontally, not just vertically.
Why Thematic Studies Are Central to the New Course
Under first assessment 2028, the IB emphasises comparative and conceptual thinking more explicitly than before.
Thematic studies support this by:
- Encouraging cross-regional comparison
- Reinforcing continuity and change
- Highlighting cause and consequence over time
- Developing synthesis and evaluation
They align directly with the IB’s goal of historical inquiry rather than content accumulation.
How Thematic Studies Differ From Focused Studies
While both are important, their purposes are different.
- Focused Studies provide depth within specific contexts.
- Thematic Studies provide breadth across multiple contexts.
Focused studies supply evidence. Thematic studies test how well students can connect that evidence.
How Thematic Studies Are Assessed
Thematic studies are assessed primarily through essay-based questions, especially in Paper 2 and Paper 3 (HL).
Students are assessed on:
- Ability to compare developments
- Application of historical concepts
- Use of relevant evidence
- Explanation of patterns and differences
- Quality of evaluation
Simply describing different case studies side by side is not enough.
The Role of Concepts in Thematic Studies
Concepts are essential in thematic studies.
Strong responses explicitly or implicitly address:
- Cause and consequence across cases
- Continuity and change over time
- Different perspectives within the theme
- Historical significance of developments
Concepts provide the analytical structure that keeps thematic essays focused.
Common Student Mistakes With Thematic Studies
Students often struggle because they:
- Memorise case studies without comparison
- Write separate mini-essays instead of integrated analysis
- Focus on narrative rather than patterns
- Overload essays with irrelevant detail
These approaches lead to descriptive responses and weak evaluation.
What Strong Thematic Essays Look Like
High-scoring thematic responses:
- Compare case studies directly
- Identify similarities and differences clearly
- Explain why outcomes varied
- Use evidence selectively
- Maintain a clear conceptual focus
They read as analytical comparisons, not collections of examples.
How to Revise Thematic Studies Effectively
Effective revision under FA 2028 involves:
- Organising notes by theme and concept
- Identifying key comparative points
- Practising integrated comparison
- Revising fewer examples in greater depth
Revision should prepare students to link cases, not recite them.
Thematic Studies and HL vs SL Expectations
Both SL and HL students study thematic material, but expectations differ.
- SL students focus on clear explanation and comparison.
- HL students must evaluate, synthesise, and judge more explicitly.
HL students are expected to demonstrate greater control over comparative analysis.
How RevisionDojo Supports Thematic Study Success
RevisionDojo helps students turn thematic studies into a strength.
RevisionDojo supports students by:
- Teaching structured comparison
- Reinforcing concept-driven analysis
- Helping students avoid descriptive writing
- Providing exam-style thematic practice
- Clarifying examiner expectations
This allows students to approach thematic questions with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to know every case study in a thematic study?
No. You need a manageable set of strong examples that you can compare and analyse effectively.
Are thematic studies harder than focused studies?
They are more demanding analytically, but also more structured once comparison is understood.
Can I use the same examples in multiple themes?
Sometimes, yes — but only if they are clearly relevant to the specific theme and question.
Final Thoughts
Under the new IB DP History course (first assessment 2028), Thematic Studies are designed to develop high-level historical thinking. They reward students who can identify patterns, explain differences, and apply concepts across contexts.
Students who revise them strategically — focusing on comparison and analysis rather than volume — consistently outperform those who memorise without synthesis. With the right guidance and structured practice, thematic studies become a powerful scoring opportunity.
That is exactly the support RevisionDojo is built to provide.
