Frequently asked questions

What are the Bachelor's degree success rates? 

On average :

• Licence 1: 81% success rate
• Bachelor's degree 2: 96
• Licence 3: 94
• Drop-out rate: 3%.
• Continuation of studies after Licence 3: 96

What is the professional integration rate for political science?

Around 90% for students with a Master 2 pro degree (the average rate in French universities).

Why are there only a limited number of places available for the Licence 1 in political science? 

The political science bachelor's degree was created in 2012 at constant cost, using the material and teaching resources available at the Faculty of Law and Political Science. With the authorization of the Rectorat, the number of students has been limited to 70 per year.

Is there strong competition to get into Licence 1 political science and Bi-Licence 1 economics and political science?

Every year, around 4,500 students apply for the L1 in political science (for 70 places). In its first year, the Bi-Licence 1 in economics and political science received 1,800 applications for 30 places. Competition for places is therefore fierce, and unfortunately we can't satisfy all applications.

Is the portfolio, and more specifically the results, taken into account in the selection process?

With Parcoursup, this is indeed the case. The grades taken into account are those of the première, terminale and baccalauréat (early and final exams for bachelier candidates, fiche avenir). The results obtained in the following subjects are decisive (^1ère, Terminale, Baccalauréat): common culture base (French; Philosophy; History and geography; Moral and civic education; Modern languages); specialist subjects (History and geography, geopolitics and political science; Economic and social sciences); Humanities, literature and philosophy; Foreign languages and literature; optional subjects: Law and major issues of the contemporary world; Modern language 3.

The students with the most suitable profile will therefore join the political science stream, whether in terms of wishes, interests, grades, etc.

What are the preferred (and expected) profiles for selecting applications?

• A keen interest in political and social issues and, more broadly, in the functioning of contemporary societies (implying, in addition to courses focused on political life and institutions, a multi-disciplinary set of courses ranging from social sciences to law, from political economy to international relations).
• A real aptitude for written and oral expression (mastery of the language - spelling, grammar, syntax, etc. - is essential). - is essential)
• A clear aptitude for understanding and analyzing documents (academic texts as well as official documents, political speeches, administrative reports, media productions, etc.).
• Proven ability to work independently and in an organized manner

Is it better to do a year of preparatory studies before entering the Faculty of Law and Political Science?

No, it's absolutely not necessary. Sciences Po preparatory courses are not taken into account at all in the selection process. What's more, they are often very expensive and don't offer any qualifications.

If your application is unsuccessful in the first year, can you transfer to the second or third year of the degree program?

If you are not admitted to Licence 1, it is still possible to apply for Licence 2 or Licence 3 in political science through the equivalence procedure, after having obtained a first or second year of higher education (60 or 120 ECTS) in a related field (sociology, law, history, economics, philosophy, etc.).

What are the differences between the IEP and the Licence de science politique? 

Sciences Po Paris and the provincial IEPs are Instituts d'Études Politiques, offering a generalist curriculum, not a specialized political science degree. At Sciences Po Paris and the IEPs, courses are in law, international relations, finance, economics, history, languages, etc., and these are taught over the first three years. In Licence, general courses (law, economics, social sciences, philosophy) are only taught in the first year. From L2 onwards, there are only political science courses covering the various fields of this discipline (state, power, political regime, political behavior, political communication, European Union, public policy, quantitative and qualitative surveys, etc.).

In addition, entry to the IEPs is by competitive examination (there is a specific entrance examination for Sciences Po Paris, and a common entrance examination for the various provincial IEPs). This is not the case for the bachelor's degree, which is nonetheless selective: as the number of places is limited, selection is made automatically via Parcoursup, based on the match between the candidate's profile and the requirements of the bachelor's degree.

However, while Sciences Po Paris is a Grande École and trains the political, administrative and legal elite, the IEP and the Licence have more or less the same career paths: journalism, communications consultancy, governance, manager in an NGO, researcher in a law firm, administrator in a local authority, and so on.

Is there a gateway between the IEP and the Bachelor's degree in political science? 

No, they're different institutions. The bachelor's degree is part of the university, while the IEPs are usually autonomous, with their own operating statutes. That said, with a Bachelor's degree in political science, it's perfectly possible to apply for a Master's degree at an IEP or Sciences Po Paris (several Bachelor's students have already done so and succeeded).

Are the teaching methods used in political science courses more modern and make use of new technologies?

Most courses are accompanied by Powerpoint presentations. Some courses include simulations (election campaign, parliament). All teaching is interactive, including lectures, which are given in small groups (100 students maximum). We are currently considering the introduction of more advanced digital tools.

What skills and knowledge are acquired on completion of a Bachelor's degree in political science?

Focused on understanding the contemporary world, the Bachelor's degree offers the opportunity to acquire :

• the body of knowledge needed to analyze politics in the broad sense of "governing societies" (general courses in L1, consolidated in L2, specialized in L3);
• forge a solid general culture;
• acquire enhanced writing and speaking skills;
• training in a wide range of methodological tools that can be used in the various professional sectors to which this training gives access (drafting of all forms of written document, production of all forms of oral intervention, design and implementation of surveys or qualitative and quantitative studies, documentary research, mastery of information and communication techniques, etc.);
• prepare for the next stage of their studies (further study or professional integration) thanks to six academic and professional support modules from L1 to L3.

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