Frequently Asked Questions

What are the graduation rates for bachelor's degree programs? 

On average:

• First-year undergraduate program: 81% success rate
• In the second year of the bachelor's program: 96%
• In the third year of a bachelor's degree: 94%
• Dropout rate: 3%
• Continuation of studies after the bachelor’s degree: 96%

What are the employment rates for political science graduates?

About 90% for students holding a Master 2 professional degree (which is the average rate at French universities).

Why is enrollment in the political science bachelor's program limited? 

The political science bachelor’s degree program was established in 2012 using existing resources and teaching materials available at 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 class.

Is competition fierce for admission to the first year of the political science bachelor's program and the first year of the dual bachelor's program in economics and political science?

Each year, approximately 4,500 students apply for the first-year political science program (which has 70 spots). In its first year, the dual-degree program in economics and political science received 1,800 applications for 30 spots. Competition for admission is therefore very fierce, and unfortunately, we are unable to accept all applicants.

Are the application materials—and more specifically, the test scores—taken into account during the selection process?

With Parcoursup, this is indeed the case. The grades taken into account are those from the 11th and 12th grades, as well as the baccalaureate (early and final exams for baccalaureate candidates, and the “Fiche Avenir” report). The results obtained in the following subjects are decisive (^{11th grade}, 12th grade, baccalaureate): core cultural subjects (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 Literatures; elective courses: Law and Major Issues of the Contemporary World; Modern Language 3.

Therefore, it is the students who best fit the profile—whether in terms of their course preferences, interests, grades, etc.—who will be admitted to the political science program.

What types of candidates are preferred during the application review process?

• A strong interest in political and social issues and, more broadly, in the functioning of contemporary societies (which, in addition to courses focused on political life and institutions, involves a multidisciplinary range of studies spanning the social sciences, law, political economy, and international relations)
• A genuine ability to express oneself in writing and speaking (proficiency in the language—spelling, grammar, syntax, etc.—is, in fact, essential)
• A clear ability to comprehend and analyze documents (including academic texts, official documents, political speeches, administrative reports, media content, etc.)
• A proven ability to work independently and in an organized manner

Is it better to take a preparatory year before enrolling in the School of Law and Political Science?

No, that is absolutely not necessary. Sciences Po-style preparatory courses are not taken into account at all in the admissions process. Furthermore, they are often very expensive and do not lead to a degree.

If your application is not accepted for the first year, can you enter the second or third year of the bachelor’s program?

If you are not admitted to the first year of the Bachelor’s program, you may still apply for the second or third year of the political science program through the equivalency process 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.).

What are the differences between an IEP and a bachelor's degree in political science? 

Sciences Po Paris and the regional IEPs are Institutes of Political Studies that offer a broad-based education, rather than a specialized degree in political science at the bachelor’s level. At Sciences Po Paris and the IEPs, courses cover law, international relations, finance, economics, history, languages, and more, and these courses are taught over the first three years. In the bachelor’s program, general education courses (law, economics, social sciences, philosophy) are only offered in the first year. Starting in the second year, the curriculum consists solely of political science courses covering various areas of the discipline (the state, power, political systems, political behavior, political communication, the European Union, public policy, quantitative and qualitative research, etc.).

In addition, admission to the IEPs is based on competitive exams (there is a specific exam for Sciences Po Paris, and a common exam for the various provincial IEPs). This is not the case for the Bachelor’s degree, which is nonetheless selective: since the number of spots is limited, selection is conducted through Parcoursup in an automated manner, based on how well the applicants’ profiles match the program’s requirements.

Nevertheless, while Sciences Po Paris is a Grande École that trains the political, administrative, and legal elite, the IEPs and the bachelor’s degree program offer roughly the same career opportunities: journalism, communications consulting, governance consulting, management roles at NGOs, research analysts at consulting firms, administrators in local government, and so on.

Is there a pathway between the IEPs and the Bachelor's degree in political science? 

No, they are different institutions. The bachelor’s program is part of the university, while the IEPs are typically autonomous institutions with their own specific operating statutes. That said, with a bachelor’s degree in political science, it is entirely possible to apply for a master’s program at an IEP or at Sciences Po Paris (several students from the bachelor’s program 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 (such as election campaigns and parliamentary sessions). All classes are interactive, including lectures, as they are held in small groups (maximum 100 students). We are currently exploring the use of more advanced digital tools.

What skills and knowledge do you gain after completing a bachelor’s degree in political science?

Focused on understanding the contemporary world, the Bachelor’s program aims to help students acquire:

• the body of knowledge required to analyze policy in the broad sense of “governance of societies” (general education courses in the first year, reinforced in the second year, and specialized in the third year);
• to develop a solid general knowledge;
• to develop stronger writing and speaking skills;
• to acquire a wide range of methodological tools applicable across the various professional fields to which this program provides access (drafting all types of written documents, delivering all types of oral presentations, designing and conducting qualitative and quantitative surveys or studies, conducting literature reviews, mastering information and communication technologies, etc.);
• to prepare for the next stage of their academic journey (further study or entry into the workforce) through six academic and career support modules from the first to the third year of undergraduate studies.

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