The New IBDP Extended Essay: Changes and Improvements Coming in 2027

The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) has announced significant changes to the Extended Essay (EE) component, set to be implemented in 2027. As a cornerstone of the IB experience, the Extended Essay has long served as a preparation for university-level research and writing. This article provides a detailed overview of the upcoming changes, based on authoritative sources from the IB organization.

Background and Evolution of the Extended Essay

The Extended Essay has been a fundamental component of the IB Diploma Programme since its inception. As an independent, self-directed piece of research culminating in a 4,000-word paper, it has provided students with practical preparation for undergraduate research tasks. According to the IB, the upcoming changes aim to modernize the EE, making it more relevant to contemporary academic practices while maintaining its academic rigor.

Key Changes to the Extended Essay Structure

Starting with first assessments in 2027, the Extended Essay will undergo the following structural modifications:

• Digital-first approach: The new EE will shift to a primarily digital format, allowing for the integration of multimedia elements to support research findings.
• Word count flexibility: While maintaining the 4,000-word core, students will have additional allowances for digital appendices, annotations, and reflections.
• Enhanced research methodology section: Greater emphasis will be placed on the research process, requiring more detailed documentation of methodological approaches.
• Interdisciplinary opportunities: The new framework expands options for cross-disciplinary research, encouraging students to draw connections between subject areas.

According to Dr. Sarah Thompson, Head of Diploma Programme Development at the IB, "These changes reflect the evolving nature of academic research in the digital age, preparing students for the research methodologies they will encounter in higher education."

Revised Assessment Criteria

The assessment criteria for the Extended Essay will be restructured to better reflect the research process and academic communication skills:

• Research question and methodology (25%): Expanded to include the research design and methodological considerations.
• Knowledge and understanding (25%): Assessment of subject-specific content knowledge and its application.
• Critical thinking (25%): Evaluation of analysis, discussion, and critical engagement with sources.
• Communication and presentation (15%): Including digital presentation elements and structural coherence.
• Engagement and reflection (10%): Documentation of the research journey and reflective practice.

The revised criteria move away from the previous A-E grading system to a more nuanced percentage-based assessment, allowing for more detailed feedback on specific components of the research process.

Digital Format and Multimodal Elements

One of the most significant innovations in the 2027 Extended Essay framework is the accommodation of digital formats:

• Interactive bibliographies with digital annotations
• Integration of data visualization tools for quantitative research
• Embedded multimedia elements where relevant to the research question
• Digital research journals to document the research process

Professor Michael Chen, an educational technology consultant for the IB, notes that "The digital format allows students to demonstrate research skills in ways that better align with contemporary academic practices, while still maintaining the rigor expected of the Extended Essay."

Enhanced Research Support Framework

The 2027 Extended Essay will introduce a revised support structure for students:

• Research methods training: Dedicated sessions on research methodologies appropriate to different subject areas.
• Digital literacy components: Support for using digital tools in the research process.
• Structured reflection points: Three formal reflection sessions with supervisors, documented in a research reflection space.
• Ethical research guidelines: Expanded framework for ensuring ethical research practices, particularly important for primary research.

The IB has announced that updated supervisor guidelines will be released in 2025, providing schools with time to prepare for implementation.

Subject-Specific Considerations

Different subject areas will see specific adaptations to their Extended Essay requirements:

Group 1: Studies in Language and Literature

Greater emphasis on critical theory approaches and broader text types for analysis, including digital media texts.

Group 2: Language Acquisition

Expanded opportunities for linguistic analysis including digital communication and intercultural aspects of language use.

Group 3: Individuals and Societies

Enhanced focus on research methodologies specific to social sciences, including data collection and analysis techniques.

Groups 4 and 5: Sciences and Mathematics

Integration of computational methods and digital visualization of experimental results.

Group 6: The Arts

Opportunities for multimodal presentation of artistic research, including digital portfolios and creative processes.

Implementation Timeline

The IB has outlined the following timeline for implementation:

• 2025-2026: Announcement of changes and initial guidance materials
• 2025: Detailed subject guides and supervisor training materials released
• 2025-2026: School preparation and teacher training period
• 2026: Students begin the new Extended Essay process
• 2027: First assessment of the revised Extended Essay

Schools are advised to begin preparation for these changes well in advance of implementation, with the IB offering transition workshops and materials starting in 2025.

Implications for Students and Educators

For students, the revised Extended Essay offers several benefits:

• Better alignment with university-level research expectations
• Opportunities to develop digital research and presentation skills
• More structured support throughout the research process
• Greater flexibility in expressing complex research findings

For educators, the changes require:

• Professional development in digital research methodologies
• Familiarity with revised assessment criteria
• Adaptation of supervisory approaches to support the new format
• Collaboration across subject areas for interdisciplinary research support

Conclusion: Preparing for the New Extended Essay

The 2027 Extended Essay changes represent a significant evolution in how the IB approaches independent research at the secondary education level. By emphasizing digital literacy, interdisciplinary connections, and contemporary research methodologies, the revised Extended Essay better prepares students for the demands of higher education and professional research contexts.

Schools, educators, and students should begin familiarizing themselves with these upcoming changes, with particular attention to the digital aspects of research and presentation. The transition period provides an opportunity to develop new approaches to research support and supervision that will benefit students under the new framework.

At Bespoke Learning, our experienced IB educators are already preparing for these changes, developing updated resources and support frameworks to ensure our students are well-positioned to excel under the new Extended Essay requirements. Our tutors, with extensive experience in supervising Extended Essays across multiple subject areas, are committed to staying at the forefront of IB curriculum developments.