Frequently asked questions

What are the success rates for bachelor's degrees? 

On average:

• In the first year of the bachelor's degree: 81% pass rate
• In the second year of a bachelor's degree: 96%
• In Year 3: 94%
• Dropout rate: 3%
• Continuation of studies after the third year of undergraduate studies: 96%

What are the employment rates for political science graduates?

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

Why are there limited places available for the Bachelor's degree in Political Science? 

The political science degree program was created in 2012 at constant cost, using the material and educational resources available to the Faculty of Law and Political Science. With the approval of the Rector's Office, the number of students was therefore limited to 70 per year.

Is there strong competition to enter the first year of a bachelor's degree in political science and the first year of a dual bachelor's degree in economics and political science?

Approximately 4,500 students apply each year for the first year of political science (for 70 places). For its first year, the dual degree program in economics and political science received 1,800 applications for 30 places. Competition for admission is therefore very strong, and unfortunately, we cannot satisfy all requests.

Are the application and, more specifically, the results taken into account for the selection process?

With Parcoursup, this is indeed the case. The grades taken into account are those from the first and final years of high school, the baccalaureate (early and final exams for baccalaureate candidates, future prospects form). The results obtained in the following subjects are decisive (^{first year}, final year, baccalaureate): common core curriculum (French; Philosophy; History and Geography; Moral and Civic Education; Modern Languages); specialized subjects (History, Geography, Geopolitics, and Political Science; Economics and Social Sciences); Humanities, Literature, and Philosophy; Foreign Languages and Literature; optional subjects: Law and Major Issues in the Contemporary World; Modern Language 3.

It is therefore the students with the most suitable profile who will join the political science program, whether in terms of their preferences, interests, grades, etc.

What are the preferred profiles in the selection of applications (expected)?

• A keen interest in political and social issues and, more broadly, in the functioning of contemporary societies (involving, beyond courses focused on political life and institutions, a multidisciplinary set of courses ranging from social sciences to law, from political economy to international relations).
• A genuine aptitude for written and oral expression (mastery of the language—spelling, grammar, syntax, etc.—is essential)
• A clear ability to understand and analyze 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 classes before entering the Faculty of Law and Political Science?

No, it is absolutely not necessary. Sciences Po-type preparatory courses are not taken into consideration at all in the selection process. They are also often very expensive and do not lead to a degree.

If your application is not accepted in the first year, can you join the second or third year of the bachelor's degree program?

If you are not admitted to the first year of a bachelor's degree program, it is still possible, after completing the first or second year of higher education (60 or 120 ECTS credits) in a related field (sociology, law, history, economics, philosophy, etc.), to apply for the second or third year of a bachelor's degree program in political science through the equivalency procedure.

What are the differences between an IEP and a Bachelor's degree in Political Science? 

Sciences Po Paris and the IEPs in the provinces are Institutes of Political Studies that offer a general education, rather than specialized training in political science as a bachelor's degree. At Sciences Po Paris and the IEPs, courses cover law, international relations, finance, economics, history, languages, etc., and these courses are taught during the first three years. In bachelor's programs, general courses (law, economics, social sciences, philosophy) are only taught in the first year. From the second year onwards, there are only political science courses covering the various areas of this discipline (the state, power, political regimes, political behavior, political communication, the European Union, public policy, quantitative and qualitative surveys, etc.).

Furthermore, admission to IEPs is based on competitive entrance exams (there is a specific exam for Sciences Po Paris and a joint exam for the various IEPs in the provinces). This is not the case for bachelor's degrees, which are nevertheless selective: as the number of places is limited, selection is made automatically via Parcoursup, based on the suitability of candidates' profiles for the requirements of the degree program.

Nevertheless, while Sciences Po Paris is a Grande École and trains the political, administrative, and legal elite, IEPs and bachelor's degrees offer roughly the same career opportunities: journalism, communications and governance consulting, NGO management, research in a consulting firm, local government administration, etc.

Is there a bridge between IEPs and political science degrees? 

No, they are different institutions. The bachelor's degree is part of the university, while IEPs are usually independent institutions with specific operating statutes. That said, with a bachelor's degree in political science, it is entirely possible to apply for a master's degree at an IEP or Sciences Po Paris (several students with this degree have already done so and been accepted).

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

Most courses are accompanied by PowerPoint presentations. Some courses include simulations (election campaigns, parliament). All teaching is interactive, including lectures, as they are conducted in small groups (maximum 100 students). We are currently considering the implementation of more advanced digital tools.

What skills and knowledge will I have acquired after completing a Bachelor's degree in Political Science?

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

• the body of knowledge necessary for analyzing policy in the broad sense of "corporate governance" (generalist teaching in L1, consolidated in L2, specialized in L3);
• to build up a solid general knowledge base;
• acquire enhanced writing and speaking skills;
• to learn a wide range of methodological tools that can be used in the various professional sectors to which this training provides access (writing all types of documents, producing all types of oral presentations, designing and conducting qualitative and quantitative surveys or studies, documentary research, mastery of information and communication techniques, etc.);
• to prepare for the next stage of their studies (further education or entry into the workforce) thanks to six academic and professional support modules from L1 to L3.

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