What is the IB Career-Related Programme?
The International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme (IBCP) is a two-year educational pathway designed for students who wish to combine academic studies with hands-on, career-focused learning.
It allows students to explore areas of personal interest while developing the skills, confidence and experience needed for success in higher education, apprenticeships or employment.
At Southbank, we are proud to offer IBCP in collaboration with SCAD (Savannah College of Art and Design). SCAD is one of the world’s leading creative universities, allowing students to take university-level courses in a wide range of creative and future-focused fields, such as Advertising & Branding, Graphic Design, Game Development, Photography, Sequential Art, Fashion Marketing & Management, Social Strategy, User Experience Design, Film & Television, Sound Design, and much more.
Registrations open from January 2026.
Who is the IBCP for?
For students aged 16–19 who are looking for a practical, real-world approach to learning that prepares them for university, apprenticeships, internships, or future careers in their chosen field.
Students who want to combine career-related learning with the development of transferable life skills such as applied knowledge, critical thinking, communication, and cross-cultural understanding.
Students who thrive in project-based and applied learning environments and have a clear interest in a particular field or professional area.
Students who wish to build a strong foundation for university, apprenticeships or work.
What are the benefits of the IBCP?
A rigorous IB education with professional skills and personal qualities developed through the IBCP Core components.
A combination of academic challenge with practical experience.
Encourages independence, self-management and collaboration.
Builds confidence and leadership through authentic, real-world projects.
Develops multilingualism and cultural understanding.
Provides a clear pathway to university, apprenticeships or employment.
IB CAREER-RELATED PROGRAMME PRINCIPLES
What does the IBCP comprise of?
Studying 2 to 4 academic courses.
Studying one of the 10 different Tracks offered by our Career-Related Learning Partner, SCAD.
Taking all 4 strands of the Core: Personal and Professional Skills, Community Engagement, Language and Cultural Studies, The Reflective Project.
SUBJECT AREAS
DP Courses (Students take at least 2 academic courses and can choose to take up to 4)
CP CORE (Students take all 4 strands)
HOW IS IT DIFFERENT FROM THE IBDP?
SIMILARITIES | DIFFERENCES |
|---|---|
| Accredited by the International Baccalaureate Organisation | More practical, less theoretical |
| Provides entry pathways to top universities for a wide range of courses | Only 2 to 4 diploma-level courses (instead of 6) |
| Highly rigorous and challenging programme (suited to students with more practical skills than traditionally academic) | Career-related study with work experience opportunities |
| The 2 to 4 level courses are the same as the programme sat by the IBDP students | Personal & professional skills course focusing on communication, team-building, confidence and leadership |
| Community Engagement course (similar to CAS) and Reflective Project (similar to Extended Essay) | Language development course to enable students to experience a completely new language |
Students can go on to study at the University, go straight into the workplace, or go on an alternative pathway like an apprenticeship
Yes. Many universities recognise the IBCP for entry, depending on the combination of Diploma Programme subjects and the chosen career pathway.
Students select 2 to 4 Diploma Programme courses that complement their career-related study, subject to timetable and prerequisites.
Changes may be possible early in the programme, but should be discussed with the Future guidance Team.