IB Changes for May 2027: Redesigned Courses Guide
May 2027 is the first exam session for several redesigned IB Diploma courses: Psychology, Computer Science, Design Technology and Visual Arts, plus the revised Extended Essay. Students who started DP1 in August or September 2025 are the first to be assessed on them.
What changed and why it matters
| Course | First assessment | What it means for students |
|---|---|---|
| Psychology | May 2027 | New course structure and assessment; no past papers yet |
| Computer Science | May 2027 | New course structure and assessment; no past papers yet |
| Design Technology | May 2027 | New course structure and assessment; no past papers yet |
| Visual Arts | May 2027 | Revised course and assessment |
| Extended Essay | May 2027 | Revised criteria; authentic marked examples will only follow the first session |
For the first cohort, the usual revision method of working through years of past papers is not available. Specimen papers and the subject guide, both available through your school, become the main references.
How to prepare without past papers
- Work from the current subject guide: know every assessment objective and command term
- Use the specimen papers your teachers share, and ask how they will be marked
- Practise skills, not memorised answers: explaining, evaluating and applying
- For the Extended Essay, read the new criteria carefully with your supervisor and plan the reflections early
- Get feedback from someone who knows the new course, not only the old one
How IB Pros can help
- Extended Essay support planned around the revised criteria
- IB Psychology tutoring and IB Computer Science tutoring
- Internal assessment support across subjects
How it works with IB Pros
- PlanAgree a focused topic and research question that fits the criteria.
- DraftWork through structure, method and analysis with feedback at each stage.
- RefineCheck the final piece against the assessment criteria. The work stays yours.
What to do now
Students starting the IB
- Check which courses and levels you will take, and their first exam session
- Ask your school which subject guides apply to you
Students already in the IB
- Confirm with your coordinator whether any change affects your cohort
- Plan coursework deadlines early so changes do not catch you out
Related IB support
Frequently asked questions
Which IB courses are first assessed in May 2027?
Psychology, Computer Science, Design Technology, Visual Arts and the revised Extended Essay.
Are there past papers for the new courses?
Not yet. Specimen papers and the subject guides, available through schools, are the main references until after the first session.
When are the May 2027 exams?
The provisional written exam window runs from late April to mid-May 2027. Your IB coordinator will confirm your exact timetable.