Which one is better: Sciences Po or Dauphine?

Hi,

Which masters is better to get into investment banking M&A?

- Sciences Po Paris' master in Finance and Strategy with Finance major (3 years, including one gap year 2 times 6 months internship and end of studies 6 month internship)

- Or Dauphine Master in Investment Banking and Markets with Corporate finance major M2 268 (only 1 year in apprentissage/4 days at an IB, 1 at school)

Ps: I already have 5 years of undergrad including 2 internships, including one in IB at a bank like BNP/SG/CA

Pros and cons:
- ScPo is my home school, so I already have network there, know which student assos to get in etc
- ScPo is sometimes too politics focused and less finance, a bit bullshit
- Dauphine maybe less prestigious than ScPo (?) but more in finance maybe
- Dauphine program is much shorter (1 year vs 3 years)

What do you think?

Thanks!

2 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some insights to help you decide between Sciences Po Paris and Dauphine for a master's program aimed at getting into investment banking M&A:

Sciences Po Paris - Master in Finance and Strategy

Pros: - Network: You already have an established network at Sciences Po, which can be a significant advantage. - Internships: The program includes multiple internships (two 6-month internships and one 6-month end-of-studies internship), providing extensive practical experience. - Prestige: Sciences Po has a strong brand name, especially in France, and is known for its prestigious partnerships with top business schools.

Cons: - Duration: The program is longer (3 years), which might delay your entry into the workforce. - Focus: Sciences Po is sometimes perceived as being more politics-focused, which might not align perfectly with a finance-centric career.

Dauphine - Master in Investment Banking and Markets

Pros: - Finance Focus: The program is more finance-oriented, which might be more relevant for a career in investment banking. - Duration: The program is shorter (1 year), allowing you to enter the job market sooner. - Apprenticeship: The structure includes an apprenticeship (4 days at an IB, 1 day at school), providing hands-on experience while studying.

Cons: - Prestige: Dauphine might be considered less prestigious compared to Sciences Po. - Network: You might not have the same level of network and familiarity as you do at Sciences Po.

Conclusion

  • If you value a strong network and extensive internship experience: Sciences Po might be the better choice, especially since you already have connections there.
  • If you prefer a shorter, more finance-focused program: Dauphine could be more suitable, allowing you to gain relevant experience and enter the job market faster.

Given your background with 5 years of undergrad and internships, including one in IB, both programs could be beneficial. However, your decision might hinge on whether you prioritize the network and prestige of Sciences Po or the finance focus and shorter duration of Dauphine.

Sources: Undergrad - Sciences Po Paris, European Master in Finance programmes (pre-experience), European Masters Rankings, Comprehensive guide of studies in France, (EU) Which master program should I pursue for a career in finance?

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

In natus rerum delectus. A non sint dolor mollitia. Hic quod maxime nostrum distinctio architecto consequatur qui. Veritatis nihil quos illum blanditiis ab.

Fugit in qui dolore est quas. Neque voluptates et porro laborum. Facilis velit iure praesentium placeat consequatur. Aut voluptatem ullam sint. Optio totam accusamus asperiores voluptatibus laudantium odit nesciunt labore. Labore ducimus dolorum voluptas deserunt consequatur aut facere sint.

Career Advancement Opportunities

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 08 97.8%
  • Goldman Sachs 02 97.3%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.5%
  • Evercore No 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 01 98.4%
  • Banco Santander 02 97.8%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.3%

Professional Growth Opportunities

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 06 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.8%
  • JPMorgan 01 97.3%

Total Avg Compensation

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (48) $259
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (25) $178
  • Intern/Summer Associate (14) $159
  • 1st Year Analyst (83) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (75) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
3
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
5
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
6
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
7
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
8
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
9
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
10
bolo up's picture
bolo up
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”