Choosing the right course to study in the university can be tough, especially for art students in Nigeria. With so many options, how do you know which one is the best? Which course can give you a good future, a stable income, and maybe even fame?
If you’re in SS1–SS3, just wrote WAEC or NECO, or even looking to switch courses, this guide is for you.
We’ve listed 20 of the best art courses you can study in Nigerian universities. These courses are popular, respected, and have great job opportunities in Nigeria and abroad. Let’s get into it.
1. Law
What it’s about: Law teaches you the rules of society, how to defend people in court, how to understand contracts, and how to fight for justice.
Why it’s great: Lawyers are highly respected in Nigeria. You can work in court, start your own law firm, or work for companies as a legal adviser.
Career options: Lawyer, judge, legal adviser, human rights activist, politician.
2. Mass Communication
What it’s about: This course teaches how to pass information to the public through TV, radio, newspapers, websites, and social media.
Why it’s great: Mass Communication graduates are in demand in today’s digital world. You can work in media houses and companies or even start your podcast or blog.
Career options: Journalist, broadcaster, presenter, public relations officer, content creator, digital marketer.
3. Theatre Arts
What it’s about: This course is for those who love acting, dancing, drama, directing, or filmmaking.
Why it’s great: Nigeria’s entertainment industry (Nollywood) is booming. With this course, you can join the industry and even become a celebrity.
Career options: Actor, film director, scriptwriter, stage performer, film producer.
4. English and Literary Studies
What it’s about: This course focuses on the English language and its literature, including novels, poems, plays, and essays.
Why it’s great: It builds strong communication and writing skills. You can work in education, media, publishing, and even corporate offices.
Career options: Teacher, editor, copywriter, novelist, newscaster, proofreader.
5. International Relations
What it’s about: It focuses on the relationship between countries, foreign policies, and global issues.
Why it’s great: You can work in embassies, international NGOs, or travel abroad as a diplomat.
Career options: Diplomat, international affairs analyst, foreign service officer, NGO worker.
6. Political Science
What it’s about: This course studies politics, elections, government structures, and political theories.
Why it’s great: If you want to work in government, become a politician, or influence policies, this course is perfect.
Career options: Politician, political adviser, government worker, campaign manager.
7. History and International Studies
What it’s about: It focuses on events of the past and how they shape our present, with a touch of global politics.
Why it’s great: It trains you to be a critical thinker, researcher, and good communicator.
Career options: Historian, museum worker, researcher, diplomat, lecturer.
8. Philosophy
What it’s about: Philosophy deals with asking deep questions about life, truth, morality, and human behavior.
Why it’s great: It improves your reasoning, critical thinking, and decision-making skills. It’s great for careers in leadership and ethics.
Career options: Lecturer, policy analyst, ethics consultant, writer.
9. Linguistics
What it’s about: This course studies the structure and function of languages.
Why it’s great: Nigeria has many languages. Linguists help preserve, teach, and translate them.
Career options: Translator, interpreter, language teacher, lexicographer.
10. Public Administration
What it’s about: It teaches how government and public offices are managed.
Why it’s great: You can work in local, state, or federal government departments.
Career options: Civil servant, local government chairman, policy planner, administrative officer.
11. Sociology
What it’s about: Sociology looks at how people interact in groups and how societies function.
Why it’s great: It’s useful in understanding social problems like poverty, crime, and family issues.
Career options: Social worker, NGO staff, researcher, HR officer.
12. Criminology and Security Studies
What it’s about: You’ll study crime, criminals, and how to prevent crime in society.
Why it’s great: Nigeria needs more security experts in both public and private sectors.
Career options: Crime analyst, police officer, detective, private security expert.
13. Psychology
What it’s about: This course studies human thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
Why it’s great: Mental health is becoming more important in Nigeria. Psychologists are needed in schools, hospitals, and offices.
Career options: Therapist, school counselor, psychologist, HR officer.
14. Religious Studies
What it’s about: You’ll study different religions and their beliefs, teachings, and impacts on society.
Why it’s great: Nigeria is a religious country. This course is perfect for those who want to become pastors, imams, or religious teachers.
Career options: Religious leader, missionary, lecturer, ethics adviser.
15. Fine and Applied Arts
What it’s about: This is for those who love visual arts—drawing, painting, sculpture, and design.
Why it’s great: The creative industry is growing fast. Artists can work independently or with agencies.
Career options: Artist, illustrator, sculptor, interior designer, art teacher.
16. Music
What it’s about: Learn how to sing, play instruments, write music, and perform.
Why it’s great: The Nigerian music industry is massive. Think of artists like Burna Boy and Tiwa Savage—they all studied music in one way or another.
Career options: Musician, sound engineer, music producer, composer.
17. Communication and Language Arts
What it’s about: This course combines media communication with the study of language.
Why it’s great: It gives you skills in writing, speaking, and media production.
Career options: Editor, content writer, public speaker, media manager.
18. Archaeology
What it’s about: You’ll study ancient cultures by examining their remains, tools, and buildings.
Why it’s great: Nigeria has a rich cultural history. Archaeologists help preserve it.
Career options: Archaeologist, museum worker, heritage manager.
19. Anthropology
What it’s about: It’s the study of people and cultures across time and space.
Why it’s great: It helps us understand human behavior and cultural diversity.
Career options: NGO staff, cultural researcher, policy analyst.
20. Education (Arts)
What it’s about: You’ll be trained to teach art-related subjects like English, Government, CRS, etc.
Why it’s great: Teachers are needed everywhere. You can also become a school administrator or education consultant.
Career options: Teacher, lecturer, principal, curriculum developer.
Final Tips on Choosing an Art Course
When choosing any of these courses:
Pick something you genuinely enjoy or are curious about.
Consider job opportunities in Nigeria and abroad.
Think about whether you want to work for someone or build your own brand.
Research universities that offer your preferred course and their admission requirements.
Some top universities for art courses in Nigeria include:
University of Lagos (UNILAG)
University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)
Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)
University of Ibadan (UI)
Ahmadu Bello University (ABU)
Lagos State University (LASU)
Final Word
Art students have great options—you’re not limited to “easy” or “less serious” courses. With creativity, passion, and consistency, you can succeed in law, media, diplomacy, education, or the creative arts.
