The IBCP: Your Highschool in Vienna
How are the ages and grades in the IBCP Programme, compared to High School?
Click here to see our grade overview of the IB, the Cambridge Int., and the US Education structure.
IB Career-related Programme (Grades 11-12)
The IB Career-related Programme (CP), like the Diploma programme (DP), is a highly-specific international educational qualification with a special musical or artistic focus.
Focus of the International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme
All around the world, students follow the International Baccalaureate (IB) Career-related Programme to receive a personalised education with a more practical and effective focus on specific fields.
All components of the IBCP combine career-related educational objectives, academic rigour, and ever-lasting applied and transferable skills to be able to pique students’ interests and maintain the best possible quality education and expertise there is.
The IBCP programme is designed to provide students with the perfect pathway to universities, internships, apprenticeships, or other professional pathways.
It emphasises the intellectual, social, emotional and physical well-being of students, and prepares students for effective participation in a rapidly evolving and increasingly global society.
AMADEUS Vienna IBCP is training students to be:
- proficient in the desired (musical/artistical) field
- confident and responsible in thinking, communicating, and performing
- convinced in their tremendous skills
- academically strong and accomplished
- self-assured, resilient, and assertive
Learn more about the unique IB education.
IB Career-related Programme – high-quality education
AMADEUS Vienna is committed to providing the highest quality education for its students. Combined with our unique school setting, we are confident that our students will achieve their highest potential, and proceed to tertiary education with the best possible chance of success.
Entry into the IB Career-related Programme is based on the achievement of set criteria, talent and merit, and approval by the IB Coordinator and Head of Secondary.
For more information on the IBCP, visit the official IBCP website.
Study Options at AMADEUS IBCP
At AMADEUS Vienna, students can decide to join the Music or Art & Design Career-related Programme.
Highly proficient, as well as beginners in Music and Arts & Design fields can equally have the chance to develop their talents and learn by doing in this fantastic two-year IBCP programme.
Frequently Asked Questions
We have gathered the most Frequently Asked Questions about the IB Career-related programme for you here. You can also find the general FAQs for studying at AMADEUS here. Please do contact us if you have any additional questions.
Who is the Career-related Programme for?
AMADEUS Vienna’s unique version of the Career-related Programme has been developed for students who, during their final two years at the school, wish to focus on a specific, career-related, focused, and applied learning in a field that genuinely interests them before progressing to a higher education programme (and, ultimately, a career) in Music and/or Arts.
What are the entry requirements?
The entry requirements vary depending on the year of entry and the type of IBCP programme.
Student profile for direct entry* into our IB Career-related Programme (Grade 11):
- 15-17 years old
- successfully completed Grade 10 or equivalent (previous reports)
- has a minimum of level B1 in English
- successful interview with the Head of Secondary
- has a valid guardianship arrangement or enters into the boarding programme
IBCP Music
- successfully completed a musical audition (online or face-to-face)
- 5 years minimum of instrumental lessons and/or music theory
- currently studying with a music teacher/professor
IBCP Art & Design
- showcases an exceptional artistic portfolio (7-10 photographs)
- exhibits an equally relevant personal statement (300-500 words)
* Note: Direct entry into ‘Year 2’ (Grade 12) is not possible!
What are the entry fees?
The following entry fees cover the tuition for the IB Career-related Programme (2024/25). For an overview of all the School fees, please visit our School Fee webpage.
What universities can I get into with my IB Career-related Programme Certificate and BTEC Level 3 International Diploma in Music or Art & Design?
There are multiple options and possibilities the candidates can choose from after finishing AMADEUS IBCP. For instance, students can opt for a growing number of renowned higher education institutions ‘like’ the IBCP, as the programme provides a strong foundation for future academic achievement. This is because successful IBCP learners combine practical and useful skills, as well as beneficial habits, such as time management, communication, and critical thinking with the subject knowledge obtained from studying IBDP courses and their career-based programme (IBCP).
Admissions requirements
Admissions requirements vary from university to university. An up-to-date list of universities and other institutions of higher education which are known to accept the BTEC Level 3 International Diploma in Music and Art & Design and the Career-related Programme Certificate as entrance qualifications is available from the IBCP Coordinator. It is essential that your child checks the entry requirements for his/her chosen tertiary education programme before embarking upon the IBCP.
Often, there are additional requirements, such as the SAT for American universities and institutions for many other music and/or arts courses. Our Careers Counsellor supports all students through their application and admissions processes.
Which academic courses do I have to take?
Students must choose a minimum of two courses; one from the IB Diploma Mathematics block (Group 5), and one from the IB Diploma Languages block (Group 1 or Group 2).
For students wishing to enter a conservatory/other higher institutions or University in Austria or Germany, we recommend German Ab Initio or German B, though students wishing to continue their study in the UK, USA, Canada, or Australia may prefer to focus on their English language development.
Can I continue to study with my own professor / music/arts teacher?
Yes. You are very welcome to continue to study with our current professor, be introduced to a professor from our Music and Art Academy, or not study with a professor at all.
Can I change back to the IB Diploma track if I change my mind?
January 1st of the student’s first year is the final day to switch tracks if students wish to change back to the IB Diploma from the Career-related Programme. This decision must be given in advance.
Do I have to play an instrument to a high level or possess exceptional artistic skills to complete this course?
Not necessarily. The courses are designed for those wishing to pursue a career in the Music and Arts industry. This need not be as a solo performer as there are many other elements making up the industry as a whole.
However, within the courses, there are elements of composition and music collaboration for which knowledge and skill in some areas of the IBCP Music will be beneficial. The same goes for the IBCP Art & Design – skills and merit would be much appreciated, but they are not entirely necessary for the beginning.
Which is more challenging: the IB Diploma Programme or the IB Career-related Programme?
Both are demanding and rigorous.
The Diploma Programme is known the world over as a challenging programme for academically-minded all-rounders, while the Career-related Programme, with its focus on career-related and practical learning, may best be described as a practice-oriented option for specialists who have discovered a specific interest at the age of 15 or 16.
A large degree of commitment and motivation is essential for success in both programmes; the IBCP is definitely not the ‘easy option’.
We welcome the opportunity for prospective students and their families to visit AMADEUS Vienna and learn more about our unique programme and inspiring school environment. Contact our Admissions team to ask your questions or schedule a tour.