Topic discovery
Explore viable areas such as algorithms, machine learning, databases, networks, cybersecurity, simulations, or software performance.
IB Computer Science Extended Essay
Computer Science EE Support for IB Diploma students
The Computer Science Extended Essay is an independent research essay where students investigate a focused computing question. A strong CS EE is analytical, technical, well-evidenced, and clearly linked to computer science rather than general technology use.
About CS EE
A computing investigation, not a generic technology essay
A Computer Science EE should investigate a question where computing concepts, algorithms, data, systems, security, machine learning, programming, or performance analysis are central. The essay must build an argument using evidence, technical explanation, and evaluation.
The best topics are narrow enough to test or analyse properly, but rich enough to support a sustained 4,000-word investigation.
01Focused question
Move from a broad CS interest to a researchable technical problem.
02Computing depth
Use relevant concepts, methods, data, algorithms, or systems analysis.
03Evidence
Support claims with tests, comparisons, literature, code, data, or system behaviour.
04Evaluation
Discuss reliability, limitations, trade-offs, and the meaning of results.
Support Plan
What CS EE support includes
The process is staged from topic selection to research question, technical plan, writing structure, reflection, and final review.
Research question framing
Make the question narrow, measurable, technical, and suitable for a Computer Science EE.
Method planning
Plan tests, datasets, comparisons, code experiments, system observations, or technical criteria.
Essay structure
Build a coherent flow: rationale, background, method, evidence, analysis, evaluation, conclusion, and references.
Draft feedback
Review clarity, technical depth, evidence quality, citations, diagrams, and argument strength.
Reflection preparation
Prepare meaningful reflection points for the planning, interim, and final reflection stages.
Possible Directions
CS EE topic areas students may explore
The right direction depends on the student's background, access to data or tools, and ability to analyse a computing question with evidence.
MLMachine learning
Model comparison, bias, accuracy, feature choices, or performance trade-offs.
DBDatabases
Query design, indexing, normalization, data modelling, or performance questions.
NETNetworks and security
Protocols, encryption, authentication, vulnerabilities, or reliability analysis.
ALGAlgorithms
Efficiency, correctness, comparison, optimization, simulation, or implementation choices.
Academic Integrity
Guidance, not writing the EE for the student
The Extended Essay must remain the student's own work. Support can help with topic suitability, research design, technical explanation, structure, reflection and feedback, but the research and writing must stay authentic.
Consultation
Bring your CS EE idea, research question or draft.
In a consultation, we can check whether the topic is technically strong, narrow the question, plan evidence, and build the next writing milestone.