For Higher Level (HL) students, Regional Studies represent one of the most demanding parts of the new IB DP History course (first assessment 2028). They require sustained depth, detailed understanding, and the ability to evaluate historical developments within a defined regional context.
Many HL students struggle not because the material is too complex, but because they misunderstand what regional studies are designed to assess. Treated correctly, they become a powerful source of evidence and evaluation. Treated incorrectly, they quickly overwhelm revision.
This article explains IB History HL Regional Studies, what examiners expect under FA 2028, and how students should approach them strategically.
Quick Start Checklist
- What HL Regional Studies are
- How they differ from Focused and Thematic Studies
- What “depth” means at HL
- Common student mistakes
- How to revise regional studies effectively
What Are HL Regional Studies?
HL Regional Studies are in-depth examinations of historical developments within a specific region.
They are designed to:
- Develop deep contextual understanding
- Support sustained evaluation
- Enable comparison within and across regions
- Prepare students for HL Paper 3
Regional studies are not broad surveys. They are focused, analytical frameworks.
Why Regional Studies Exist at HL
Under first assessment 2028, HL students are expected to demonstrate a higher level of historical thinking.
Regional studies support this by:
- Allowing detailed exploration of developments
- Encouraging nuanced evaluation
- Supporting synthesis across case studies
- Moving beyond surface-level explanation
They form the backbone of HL-level evaluation.
How Regional Studies Differ From Other Study Types
Each study type has a distinct role.
- Focused Studies: Provide depth in specific case studies
- Thematic Studies: Enable comparison across contexts
- Regional Studies (HL): Demand sustained depth and evaluation within a region
Regional studies combine content mastery with judgment.
What “Depth” Means in HL Regional Studies
Depth does not mean memorising more facts.
At HL, depth means:
- Understanding causes, processes, and consequences
- Recognising differing interpretations
- Explaining complexity and nuance
- Linking developments over time
Depth is shown through control and judgment, not detail alone.
How Regional Studies Are Assessed
Regional studies are primarily assessed through:
- Paper 3 (HL)
- Evaluative essay questions
- Synthesis across developments
Students are assessed on:
- Quality of evaluation
- Relevance and selection of evidence
- Conceptual understanding
- Structure and clarity
Descriptive writing scores poorly, regardless of knowledge level.
Common Mistakes HL Students Make
Many students struggle with regional studies because they:
- Try to memorise everything
- Write narrative essays
- Avoid evaluation
- Fail to compare developments
- Lose focus on the question
These mistakes often lead to mid-range marks, even with strong content knowledge.
What Strong HL Regional Study Essays Look Like
High-scoring responses:
- Establish an evaluative argument early
- Use evidence selectively
- Compare developments within the region
- Acknowledge complexity and debate
- Maintain focus throughout
They read like historical judgments, not summaries.
How to Revise Regional Studies Effectively
Effective HL revision under FA 2028 involves:
- Organising notes by theme and concept
- Identifying key debates and turning points
- Practising evaluative essay planning
- Comparing developments within the region
- Revising fewer examples more deeply
Efficiency matters more than volume.
Regional Studies and University Preparation
HL Regional Studies mirror university-level history expectations.
They develop:
- Critical reading skills
- Evaluation of interpretations
- Argument construction
- Analytical writing
Students who master regional studies are well prepared for higher education.
How RevisionDojo Supports HL Regional Studies
RevisionDojo is designed to support HL-level historical thinking.
RevisionDojo helps students:
- Understand HL expectations clearly
- Practise evaluative writing
- Avoid descriptive revision
- Build synthesis into responses
- Meet top markband criteria
This ensures HL students approach regional studies with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are regional studies harder than thematic studies?
They are more demanding in depth, but narrower in scope. Both require strong analysis.
Do I need to compare regions in Paper 3?
Sometimes. Even when not required, comparative awareness strengthens evaluation.
Can I score well without memorising lots of detail?
Yes. Selective, well-used evidence scores far higher than excessive detail.
Final Thoughts
Under the new IB DP History course (first assessment 2028), HL Regional Studies define what it means to study History at Higher Level. They reward depth, evaluation, and synthesis — not memorisation or narrative.
Students who understand this early revise more efficiently, write more confidently, and perform more consistently. With the right guidance and structure, regional studies become a strength rather than a burden.
That is exactly what RevisionDojo is built to support.
