JAMB Subject Combination for Mass Communication

What Is The Correct JAMB Subject Combination For Mass Communication?

The most widely accepted JAMB subject combination for Mass Communication is English Language, Literature in English, Government or Economics, and one other relevant Arts or Social Science subject such as CRS/IRS, History, or a Nigerian language.

In practice, that means once English is locked in as compulsory, you build around it using subjects that develop your writing, critical thinking, and understanding of society, politics, and culture, which are the core foundations of Mass Communication.

When I first chose my own combination, I discovered that what really matters is how well your subjects tell a story about you as a future communicator, not just ticking random boxes to fill the UTME form.

Why Your Mass Communication Subject Combination Really Matters

Mass Communication is a competitive course in many Nigerian universities, and a wrong JAMB combination can disqualify you even if you score very high in UTME.

Because JAMB and each university follow a brochure of approved combinations, aligning your subjects with that blueprint is the first proof that you understand the academic structure of the program and are serious about admission.

From my experience guiding younger students, the most painful stories often come from candidates who discovered after the exam that one of their chosen subjects simply was not accepted for the course they wanted.

Standard JAMB Subject Combination For Mass Communication (UTME)

Across many universities and the JAMB brochure, English Language remains compulsory for every candidate, while Mass Communication specifically builds on Literature in English and at least one Social Science subject like Government or Economics.

A widely recommended structure for the four UTME subjects looks like this: English Language, Literature in English, Government or Economics, and a fourth Arts or Social Science subject such as CRS/IRS, History, or a Nigerian language, depending on your strength and the university’s preference.

• English Language: Mandatory for all courses in JAMB and crucial for journalism, broadcasting, public relations, and advertising work you will encounter in Mass Communication.
• Literature in English: Trains your ability to interpret texts, understand narratives, and analyze media content, which are central skills in communication studies.
• Government or Economics: Adds context on governance, policy, and socio economic structures, which you will constantly reference in reporting and content creation.
• One additional relevant subject (CRS/IRS, History, Nigerian language, etc.) helps round out your Arts or Social Science profile and shows breadth in your understanding of society and culture.

WAEC, NECO, NABTEB: O’Level Requirements For Mass Communication

Most universities expect at least five credit passes at O’level including English Language, Mathematics, Literature in English, Government or Economics, and one more relevant Arts or Social Science subject, usually in not more than two sittings.

In some institutions like the University of Lagos, the O’level mix is very explicit: you need credits in English Language, Mathematics, Literature in English, plus any two of Economics, Government/History, Geography, a Nigerian language, CRS/IRS, or Civic Education.

• English Language ensures you can communicate clearly in both academic and professional settings, which is non negotiable for media work.
• Mathematics, though not central to the storytelling side, matters for data interpretation, media research, and admission competitiveness, so schools usually insist on at least a credit.
• Literature in English shapes your ability to understand tone, perspective, and narrative structure, which you will apply to news, features, scripts, and campaigns.
• Government or Economics and one more Arts/Social Science subject create a strong societal context for the issues you will cover as a communicator.

Direct Entry Requirements For Mass Communication Aspirants

If you are considering Direct Entry into 200 level, most universities accept two A level passes in relevant Arts or Social Science subjects such as Literature in English, Government, or Economics, in addition to the usual O’level requirements.

Many schools also welcome ND, HND, NCE, IJMB, or JUPEB in Mass Communication, Journalism, or related disciplines, often insisting on at least a lower credit or upper credit grade depending on their competitiveness.

• Two A level passes in relevant subjects strengthen your academic portfolio and may allow you to skip the introductory 100 level courses in some universities.
• ND or HND in Mass Communication, Journalism, Public Relations, or related fields is highly valued when earned from recognized institutions, especially with upper credit grades.
• NCE, IJMB, and JUPEB routes can also lead into Mass Communication as long as your subject combinations match the university’s brochure and you still meet O’level conditions.

How Different Universities Tweak Mass Communication Requirements

While the general pattern is similar, some universities classify Mass Communication under Arts and Humanities, others under Social Sciences, and a few within Administration faculties, which slightly shifts the emphasis of accepted subjects.

For example, some schools list English Language plus any three Arts or Social Science subjects, while others specifically require Literature in English, Economics, and Government when Mass Communication sits under Administration.

• At the University of Lagos, the UTME combination includes English Language, Literature in English, and any two subjects from Arts or Social Sciences, while the O’level explicitly includes Civic Education among acceptable options.
• At some universities in the North and South South, Mass Communication may accept broader Social Science combinations, but the presence of English and strong Arts/Social Science backup remains constant.
• Schools like ABU, UNN, UNILORIN, and UNIBEN may list specific Direct Entry paths such as A level subjects, ND in Mass Communication, or Theatre Arts related backgrounds.

For precise, current information, it is always smart to cross check the official JAMB brochure, each school’s website, or trusted platforms like https://jamb.gov.ng.

How To Choose The “Extra” Subject In Your JAMB Combination

Once English Language, Literature in English, and Government or Economics are in place, the final subject should be chosen based on both university acceptance and your personal strength, not just what your friends are picking.

Relevant options often include CRS/IRS, History, a Nigerian language (Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa), Geography, or other accepted Arts/Social Science subjects depending on the school brochure.

• If you are strong in religious studies, CRS/IRS can be a smart choice because it is recognized in many brochures and helps you secure a high UTME score.
• If you enjoy tracing events over time, History can deepen your storytelling ability and give you context for political and social reporting.
• A Nigerian language is valuable if you see yourself working as a local language broadcaster or community journalist, and some universities explicitly list it among acceptable subjects.

When I worked with a student who struggled in Economics but loved CRS, switching that fourth subject to CRS boosted both confidence and UTME score without breaking any JAMB rules.

Common JAMB Subject Combination Mistakes For Mass Communication

One of the most frequent mistakes is ignoring Literature in English because some candidates think Mass Communication is more about gadgets and microphones than texts and analysis.

Another regular issue is combining too many science or vocational subjects that are not listed as relevant in the official brochure, which can quietly disqualify your application even if your UTME score looks impressive.

• Leaving out Literature in English, especially where the university lists it explicitly, is one of the fastest ways to miss out on Mass Communication admission.
• Writing Mathematics in UTME instead of a relevant Arts or Social Science subject can be risky since Mathematics is usually required at O’level rather than as a UTME subject for this course.
• Relying only on hearsay instead of cross checking with JAMB brochure and university websites often results in combinations that look acceptable on the surface but fail on paper.

What UTME Score Do You Need With This Subject Combination?

Because Mass Communication is popular, many top universities set higher cut off marks, and some advisers recommend aiming for 250 and above to stay competitive, while a few specific schools explicitly mention at least 200 as a baseline.

For instance, some documentation around UNILAG suggests that a UTME score from 200 upward can be considered, but the reality is that you usually stand a stronger chance with scores closer to or above 250, especially when combined with strong O’level grades.

When I evaluated past admission trends for students I worked with, those who crossed 250 and had solid O’level records found it easier to move into the merit list, while those around 200 often relied on supplementary factors like catchment area or changing to less competitive schools.

How This Subject Combination Prepares You For Real Mass Communication Careers

The mix of English, Literature, Government or Economics, and a relevant fourth subject aligns directly with the skills needed in journalism, broadcasting, public relations, advertising, and digital media.

In the Mass Communication classroom, you will constantly draw on your understanding of language, stories, governance, culture, and social systems, which is exactly what these subjects train you to handle before you even get to university.

• English and Literature feed directly into news writing, feature writing, copywriting, scripting, and editorial judgment in both print and digital media.
• Government and Economics help you interpret policies, budgets, elections, and international issues, making your reporting or campaign work more grounded and credible.
• CRS/IRS, History, or Nigerian languages give you cultural depth, religion literacy, and local audience insight, which are powerful assets in diverse media markets.

In my own journey, understanding how government decisions shaped everyday headlines made it much easier to write commentary, pitch story ideas, and connect with audiences beyond surface level news.

How To Confirm Official Mass Communication Subject Requirements

Because brochures and admission policies can change, the safest habit is to check the latest JAMB brochure online and then review your chosen university’s admission page for Mass Communication.

Reputable education portals also summarize subject combinations, UTME requirements, Direct Entry paths, and school specific waivers for Mass Communication across different faculties.

• JAMB official portal: https://jamb.gov.ng provides the brochure and general subject combination guidelines for courses like Mass Communication.
• Individual university sites such as UNILAG, UNN, UNILORIN, LASU, and UNIBEN publish internal requirements and special notes on grades or subject flexibility.
• Helpful education guides summarise combinations and waivers across faculties and institutions, which is useful for quick comparison before final decisions.

Stacked Info Cards: What You Need To Remember

Useful Links, Support Contacts, And A Sample JAMB Office Map

If you ever feel stuck while choosing your subject combination for Mass Communication, reaching out to official channels and credible advisers can save you from expensive mistakes.

You can explore the latest updates, registration details, and brochures using the following helpful links alongside guidance from trusted counselors in your area.

• • JAMB official website: https://jamb.gov.ng

• • General Mass Communication subject combination guides: MySchoolGist Mass Communication Guide

• • Brochure style details and university specific waivers: AllSchool Mass Communication Requirements

For direct inquiries, you can contact JAMB support using the official contact options published on their site, which typically include email and telephone lines for candidates and institutions.

Use this as a template on your site and replace the map with the nearest JAMB office or university of your choice for more localized directions.

Frequently Asked Questions About JAMB Subject Combination For Mass Communication

Final Tip: Design Your Combination Like A Story About Your Future Career

Instead of treating your JAMB subject combination for Mass Communication as a random checklist, think of it as the first chapter in your media career story, showing that you are building the language, analytical, and societal skills you will rely on in journalism, PR, broadcasting, and digital content work.

When I started viewing my own combination this way, it became easier to pick subjects I genuinely enjoyed, score higher, and step into Mass Communication with clarity rather than guesswork.