Are you an art student in Nigeria wondering which course to study after your SSCE or JAMB exams? You’re not alone. Many students with an Arts background often struggle to choose the right course that matches their strengths, interests, and future career goals.
This guide discusses the best 20 Art courses to study in Nigerian universities, including:
- Their career potential
- Average JAMB cut-off marks
- Required SSCE subjects
- and why they’re in high demand
Whether you want to go into Law, Media, Languages, or Political Science, this article will help you make an informed decision.
Why Art Courses Are Important in Nigeria
Art courses provide valuable knowledge in humanities, social sciences, communication, and law, preparing graduates for careers in:
- Government
- Education
- Journalism
- Creative industries
- Law and justice system
- International relations.
Best 20 Art Courses to Study in Nigeria (Ranked by Relevance & Career Opportunities)
1. Law
- Why It’s Great: Highly respected with vast career opportunities in legal practice, corporate law, and politics.
- Average JAMB Cut-Off: 250 – 280
- SSCE Requirements: English, Literature-in-English, Government, CRS/IRS, and any other Art subject.
2. Mass Communication
- Why It’s Great: High demand in TV, radio, journalism, PR, advertising, and digital media.
- Average JAMB Cut-Off: 220 – 260
- SSCE Requirements: English, Literature-in-English, Government, and Economics or CRS.
3. International Relations
- Why It’s Great: Great for careers in diplomacy, foreign service, and global NGOs.
- Average JAMB Cut-Off: 200 – 250
- SSCE Requirements: English, Government, History, and any Art/Social Science subject.
4. Theatre Arts
- Why It’s Great: Offers careers in acting, stage directing, media, film, and scriptwriting.
- Average JAMB Cut-Off: 180 – 240
- SSCE Requirements: English, Literature-in-English, CRS/IRS, Government or Fine Arts.
5. Political Science
- Why It’s Great: Leads to careers in politics, civil service, and public administration.
- Average JAMB Cut-Off: 200 – 240
- SSCE Requirements: English, Government, CRS/IRS, and any Social Science subject.
6. Linguistics
- Why It’s Great: Valuable in translation, publishing, speech therapy, and education.
- Average JAMB Cut-Off: 180 – 220
- SSCE Requirements: English, Literature-in-English, one Nigerian Language, and CRS/IRS.
7. English and Literary Studies
- Why It’s Great: Leads to careers in teaching, writing, editing, and publishing.
- Average JAMB Cut-Off: 190 – 230
- SSCE Requirements: English, Literature-in-English, CRS/IRS, and any two Art subjects.
8. Criminology and Security Studies
- Why It’s Great: Offers opportunities in law enforcement, intelligence, and private security.
- Average JAMB Cut-Off: 200 – 230
- SSCE Requirements: English, Government, Literature, and any two Arts/Social Science subjects.
9. Psychology
- Why It’s Great: A fast-growing field in mental health, HR, and counseling.
- Average JAMB Cut-Off: 200 – 240
- SSCE Requirements: English, Biology, Government, and Literature-in-English.
10. Public Administration
- Why It’s Great: In-demand in local government, NGOs, and civil service.
- Average JAMB Cut-Off: 180 – 220
- SSCE Requirements: English, Government, Economics, and CRS/IRS.
11. Philosophy
- Why It’s Great: Builds logical reasoning; excellent for academia, politics, and journalism.
- Average JAMB Cut-Off: 180 – 220
- SSCE Requirements: English, CRS/IRS, Government, and Literature-in-English.
12. History and International Studies
- Why It’s Great: Vital for diplomacy, teaching, civil service, and research.
- Average JAMB Cut-Off: 190 – 230
- SSCE Requirements: English, History or Government, Literature-in-English, CRS/IRS.
13. Sociology
- Why It’s Great: Great for careers in social work, research, and NGO management.
- Average JAMB Cut-Off: 190 – 220
- SSCE Requirements: English, Government, CRS/IRS, and Literature-in-English.
14. Religious Studies
- Why It’s Great: Ideal for careers in teaching, religious organizations, and counseling.
- Average JAMB Cut-Off: 180 – 220
- SSCE Requirements: English, CRS or IRS, Literature-in-English, and Government.
15. Fine and Applied Arts
- Why It’s Great: Good for careers in graphic design, painting, photography, and visual communication.
- Average JAMB Cut-Off: 180 – 210
- SSCE Requirements: English, Fine Art, CRS/IRS, and Literature-in-English.
16. Economics (Art Students Stream)
- Why It’s Great: Economics is versatile and essential for banking, finance, and data roles.
- Average JAMB Cut-Off: 200 – 240
- SSCE Requirements: English, Mathematics, Economics, and Government.
17. Anthropology
- Why It’s Great: Great for fieldwork and academic research in human culture and development.
- Average JAMB Cut-Off: 180 – 220
- SSCE Requirements: English, Government, CRS/IRS, and Literature-in-English.
18. Peace and Conflict Resolution
- Why It’s Great: Highly relevant in NGOs, peacekeeping, and diplomatic careers.
- Average JAMB Cut-Off: 180 – 220
- SSCE Requirements: English, Government, CRS/IRS, and History.
19. Communication Arts
- Why It’s Great: Blends mass communication with PR, journalism, and marketing.
- Average JAMB Cut-Off: 200 – 240
- SSCE Requirements: English, Literature-in-English, Government, and CRS.
20. Archaeology
- Why It’s Great: Good for historical preservation, museums, and research.
- Average JAMB Cut-Off: 180 – 210
- SSCE Requirements: English, History, CRS/IRS, and Literature-in-English.
Also read: All Science Courses Offered in Nigerian Universities: Complete List & Requirements
JAMB Tips for Art Students
General JAMB Subject Combinations for Art Students
Most Art courses require:
- Use of English (compulsory)
- Literature-in-English
- Government or History
- CRS/IRS or any relevant Art subject
Target JAMB Score
- For competitive Art courses like Law, Mass Communication, and International Relations, aim for 250+
- For others, a score between 200 – 240 increases your chances of admission.
Career Opportunities for Art Students in Nigeria
Studying an Art course opens you to various career paths such as:
- Journalism and Media
- Law Practice and Judiciary
- Teaching and Lecturing
- Public Relations and Advertising
- Government and Diplomacy
- Writing, Publishing, and Editing
- NGO and Human Rights Work.
Top Nigerian Universities for Art Courses
- University of Ibadan (UI)
- University of Lagos (UNILAG)
- University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)
- Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)
- Ahmadu Bello University (ABU)
- Lagos State University (LASU)
- Covenant University
- University of Ilorin (UNILORIN)
- Babcock University
- Bayero University Kano (BUK).
FAQs: Best Art Courses to Study in Nigeria
Q: What is the most lucrative art course in Nigeria?
A: Law, Mass Communication, and International Relations are among the most lucrative due to job availability and higher salary prospects.
Q: Can I study Mass Communication without Literature?
A: No. Literature-in-English is compulsory for most media-related courses.
Q: Is Mathematics compulsory for Art courses?
A: Not always. Mathematics is not required for most pure Art courses but may be needed for courses like Economics and Psychology.
Conclusion: Choose the Best Art Course for Your Future
Choosing the right Art course in Nigeria goes beyond passion it also involves knowing the admission requirements, career potential, and JAMB cut-off marks. With this list of the best 20 Art courses in Nigeria, you can now make an informed decision and pursue a future in law, media, governance, communication, or creative arts.
Success in your academic journey starts with the right course. Use this guide to make a wise choice for 2026 and beyond.