JAMB Subject Combination for Mass Communication / Media Studies | UTME Guide
Mass Communication and Media Studies is one of the most popular and competitive courses in Nigerian universities today. As the world becomes more digital and communication-driven, the demand for professionals who can create, manage, and distribute information across media platforms has increased significantly.
From journalism to public relations, advertising, broadcasting, film production, digital marketing, and new media, Mass Communication remains a course filled with endless opportunities.
However, before you can study this exciting course, you must choose the correct JAMB subject combination, meet the WAEC/NECO requirements, and understand the admission process. Many students miss admission simply because they selected the wrong subjects during UTME registration.
This comprehensive guide explains everything you need to know about the JAMB subject combination for Mass Communication / Media Studies, O’level subjects, Direct Entry requirements, cut-off marks, career paths, and best universities offering the program.
What is Mass Communication / Media Studies?
Mass Communication is the study of how individuals and organizations create, send, receive, and analyze messages through various media platforms. It covers print media, broadcast media, digital media, advertising, journalism, public relations, and film.
Media Studies goes deeper into the academic and scientific analysis of communication, focusing on how media influences society, culture, behavior, and politics.
Students studying this course learn a mix of theory and practical skills such as:
- News reporting and writing
- Editing and publishing
- Broadcasting (radio and TV)
- Photography & videography
- Public relations
- Advertising
- Social media management
- Scriptwriting and film production
- Media ethics and law
If you enjoy writing, public speaking, creativity, storytelling, digital content creation, journalism, or media production, Mass Communication is a perfect course for you.
Is Mass Communication a Good Course in Nigeria?
Yes, Mass Communication is a very good course with strong career opportunities. The media industry in Nigeria (and globally) is expanding with the rise of:
- Online newspapers
- TV stations
- Radio stations
- PR agencies
- Digital marketing firms
- Advertising agencies
- Film production companies
- YouTube and social media influencers
- Corporate communications units
Graduates now work not only in newsrooms but also in tech companies, online platforms, multinational organizations, government agencies, and entertainment industries.
JAMB Subject Combination for Mass Communication / Media Studies
According to the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), the correct subject combination for Mass Communication is:
1. Use of English (Compulsory)
All students must write this.
2. Literature in English
Mass Communication is a language-intensive course, and Literature helps build strong writing and analytical skills.
3. Government or History
This helps students understand political systems, governance, and social issues—which are essential for journalism and media studies.
4. Any one of the following:
- Economics
- CRS/IRS
- Commerce
- Fine Arts
- Civic Education
Different universities may accept varying combinations, but these four are generally accepted across Nigeria.
Summary: JAMB Subject Combination for Mass Communication
- Use of English
- Literature in English
- Government or History
- Economics/Commerce/CRS/IRS/Civic Education/Fine Arts
Choosing anything outside these subjects can lead to automatic disqualification during admission processing.
WAEC/NECO O’Level Requirements for Mass Communication
To study Mass Communication or Media Studies, candidates must have at least five (5) credit passes in their O’level (WAEC/NECO/NABTEB).
Compulsory O’level Subjects:
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Literature in English
- Government or History
- Any one of the following:
- Economics
- CRS/IRS
- Civic Education
- Fine Arts
- Commerce
Credits must be obtained in no more than two sittings.
Direct Entry Requirements for Mass Communication / Media Studies
Candidates seeking 200-level admission must have one of the following:
- A’Level passes in Literature, Government/History, or any relevant arts subject
- NCE (Merit or above) in Mass Communication or related arts subjects
- OND in Mass Communication (Upper Credit preferred)
- Diploma in Journalism, Media Studies, or Communication Studies
- Bachelor’s degree in any related field with at least a Second Class Lower
Some universities may require transcripts or specific grades.
Best Universities Offering Mass Communication / Media Studies in Nigeria
Federal Universities
- University of Lagos (UNILAG)
- University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN)
- University of Ilorin (UNILORIN)
- Ahmadu Bello University (ABU)
- University of Benin (UNIBEN)
- University of Uyo (UNIUYO)
- Bayero University Kano (BUK)
State Universities
- Lagos State University (LASU)
- Rivers State University (RSU)
- Delta State University (DELSU)
- Osun State University (UNIOSUN)
- Benue State University (BSU)
Private Universities
- Covenant University
- Babcock University
- Bowen University
- Afe Babalola University
- Igbinedion University
- Redeemer’s University
These schools have standard mass communication departments with radio studios, editing suites, and media laboratories.
JAMB Cut-Off Mark for Mass Communication
Mass Communication is highly competitive, so cut-off marks vary by school.
General JAMB Cut-Off Mark:
180 – 200
Top Competitive Universities:
- UNILAG → 220 – 250
- UNN → 230 – 260
- ABU → 210 – 240
- LASU → 200 – 230
- UNIBEN → 220 – 240
To be safe, aim for 230+ in JAMB if applying to top universities.
Post-UTME Screening Requirements
Most universities conduct screening that includes:
- O’level grading
- Post-UTME test
- Written essay (in a few schools)
- Oral interview
- Review of JAMB score
Subjects commonly tested in Post-UTME include:
- English Language
- Current Affairs
- Literature in English
- Government
- Analytical reasoning
Careers You Can Pursue with a Mass Communication / Media Studies Degree
Mass Communication is one of the few courses with over 20 career paths, including:
Print and Broadcast Media
- Journalist
- News Reporter
- Editor
- Radio Presenter
- TV Broadcaster
- Cameraman
Public Relations & Advertising
- PR Officer
- Advertising Executive
- Copywriter
- Media Manager
Digital Media & Tech
- Social Media Manager
- Content Creator
- YouTuber
- Digital Marketer
- Blogger
- SEO Specialist
- Online Publisher
Film & Creative Arts
- Scriptwriter
- Filmmaker
- Video Editor
- Cinematographer
Corporate Roles
- Corporate Communications Manager
- Brand Strategist
- Customer Relations Officer
Graduates also work in government, NGOs, embassies, and global media organizations.
Tips to Gain Admission Easily for Mass Communication
1. Choose the Correct JAMB Combination
Avoid common mistakes.
2. Score at Least 230+ in JAMB
Especially if applying to UNILAG, UNN, ABU, LASU, or UNIBEN.
3. Get Strong WAEC/NECO Grades
Particularly in English, Literature, and Government.
4. Prepare Well for Post-UTME
Practice past questions and study current affairs.
5. Use “Less Competitive” Universities as Backup
If your score is lower, consider state universities with lower cut-offs.
6. Build Communication Skills Early
The course demands creativity, writing, and confidence.
Read Also: JAMB Subject Combination for Physiotherapy | Requirements & UTME Guide
Choosing the correct JAMB subject combination for Mass Communication/Media Studies is the first—and most important—step toward securing admission into any Nigerian university of your choice. With the right subjects (English, Literature, Government/History, and one additional art/social science subject), strong WAEC/NECO results, and good JAMB/Post-UTME scores, you can gain admission successfully.
Mass Communication remains one of the most exciting and rewarding courses, offering both local and global opportunities. Whether you dream of becoming a journalist, broadcaster, PR expert, filmmaker, or digital media professional, this course provides a solid foundation.
