What are the Subject Combination for Mass Communication

Subject Combination for Mass Communication – just hearing that phrase might make your heart skip a beat if you’re an O-level student in Nigeria with big dreams. Imagine this: you’ve always envisioned yourself as a news anchor, a PR guru, or the next top journalist. You’re ready to take on the world of media and communication. 

But one tiny mistake in choosing your subjects could shatter that dream in a second. Scary, right? Don’t worry, this guide will walk you through everything about the subject combination for Mass Communication in simple terms. We’ll make sure you know exactly which subjects you need (both WAEC/NECO and JAMB UTME), why they matter, and how to set yourself up for success. 

We’ll even share an amazing tool called ExcelMind that can help turn your anxiety into confidence. By the end, you’ll be fired up and fully prepared to take action towards your Mass Comm dream. Let’s get started.

Read Also: How to Pass Biology in NECO: Your Guide to Exam Success

Why Your Subject Combination Makes or Breaks Your Mass Comm Dream

Choosing the right subjects is make or break for admission into Mass Communication. It’s not just a bureaucratic requirement, it’s the foundation of your future career. Here’s why getting the subject combination for Mass Communication right is so important:

• Admission Requirements: Nigerian universities won’t consider you for Mass Communication if you lack the required subjects. It’s that simple. You could score straight A’s in other subjects, but if you missed, say, Literature in English, you might be automatically disqualified.
  
• Competitive Course: Mass Communication is highly competitive. Thousands of students apply every year, all passionate like you. Universities need a quick way to filter candidates, and the first filter is: did you have the right subject combo? If yes, you pass Go; if no, it’s game over before it even begins. In a way, the right subjects are your first ticket to the journey.
  
• Preparedness for the Course: Beyond admission, having the correct subjects means you’ll be better prepared for the coursework. Mass Comm involves a lot of writing, understanding of society, media, culture, and even a dash of statistics. Choosing relevant subjects ensures you’re not lost in your first year. It’s like training before the big match.
  
• Confidence and Peace of Mind: When you know you’ve ticked all the boxes, you can focus on excelling in exams rather than worrying “Will they reject me because I didn’t take Subject X?” Confidence is everything. Trust us, it feels great to walk into an exam or admission hall knowing you’ve done things right.

Understanding the Subject Combination for Mass Communication in Nigeria

In Nigeria, getting into any course means meeting two major academic requirements:

1. O’Level Subjects (WAEC/NECO/GCE) – These are the subjects you need credit passes in during your secondary school exams.
   
2. JAMB UTME Subjects – These are the subjects you must register and write in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), which is the exam body (JAMB) for university admissions.

For Mass Communication, both levels have specific demands. Let’s explore them one by one, and clear up any confusion about what each term means in plain English.

O’Level Requirements for Mass Communication (WAEC/NECO)

First, your O’Level subject combination for Mass Communication refers to the mix of subjects you should have in your WAEC, NECO, or equivalent exams. Typically, you’ll take 8 or 9 subjects in these exams. To study Mass Comm, you need at least five of those subjects at credit level (A1 – C6), and they must include certain key ones. Here are the essentials:

• English Language – (Compulsory) No surprise here. If Mass Comm were a music band, English is the lead singer. You must have at least a credit in English. Communication is the core of this field, and your grasp of English needs to be solid.
  
• Literature in English – (Compulsory for most schools) Think of Literature as English Language’s cool sibling who loves storytelling and analysis. For many universities, Literature in English is a must-have credit for Mass Comm. It shows you can handle lots of reading and writing, which is basically what journalists and media analysts do.
  
• Government or History – (Highly recommended) Mass Communication isn’t just about speaking well; it’s also about understanding society, politics, and history. Most schools want to see either Government or History on your O’Level result.
  
  You don’t necessarily need both, one is enough, but having both as credits is a bonus. They prove you’re aware of how communities and governments function, which is great background for journalism, public relations, etc.
  
• Mathematics – (Compulsory in some cases; at least a pass) Math?! For Mass Comm? You might be raising an eyebrow. True, Mass Comm is an arts course, and you won’t be solving crazy equations in journalism. However, many universities still require at least a pass in Mathematics.
  
  Some insist on a credit in Math (especially if they feel every undergraduate should have basic numeracy). Generally, aim for at least a credit to be safe. Math shows you have analytical thinking – plus, you might need to interpret statistics in research or media surveys.
  
• Other Relevant Subjects – You need a couple more credits from subjects related to Arts or Social Sciences. Good choices include Christian Religious Studies (CRS) or Islamic Religious Studies (IRS), Economics, Commerce, Geography, Civic Education, or even a Nigerian Language (Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa). These subjects broaden your knowledge base.
  
  For example, Economics or Commerce can help if you end up reporting on business news; CRS/IRS or Civic Education can ground you in ethics and society; a local language credit could be useful in local media communication. Essentially, pick subjects that interest you and relate to human society or communication. Avoid purely science subjects like Physics or Chemistry, they won’t strengthen your Mass Comm application (and honestly, why put yourself through that if you don’t need to? ).

Now, what if you’re reading this in SS1 or SS2 and realising you haven’t been focusing on one of these subjects? Don’t panic! It’s better to catch it now than later. You may still have time to switch to a different subject or study harder to earn the credit.

Got your O’Level game plan? Great. Now let’s tackle the next big piece: the JAMB UTME subject combination for Mass Communication.

JAMB UTME Subject Combination for Mass Communication

The JAMB UTME is the unified exam all university hopefuls must take in Nigeria. For Mass Communication, you will register for four subjects in UTME. One of these is fixed for everyone (Use of English), and the other three are specific to Mass Comm.

Choosing the right three is just as critical as your O’Levels, because even if you smash the exam with a high score, JAMB will not give you admission if you chose the wrong subjects. Let’s break down the combo:

• Use of English (Compulsory): This is automatic. Every JAMB candidate, regardless of course, takes the Use of English paper. It tests your comprehension, grammar, vocabulary, etc. For Mass Comm hopefuls, it’s a chance to shine because English is your turf. Pro tip: Don’t take it lightly just because it’s “general”,  high score in English can boost your total UTME score significantly.
  
• Literature in English: Almost every Mass Communication program requires Literature as part of the UTME combination. It’s basically non-negotiable. Why? It tests your critical reading and understanding of texts – skills you’ll need for analyzing news articles, scripts, adverts, you name it. Make sure you include Literature when registering for JAMB.
  
• Government or History: Here you have an option. Most universities want one of these two in your UTME subject mix. Government is popular because it covers political and civic topics useful for journalism and media. History is equally valuable, giving context about societal development.
  
  Choose the one you either performed better in at school or feel more confident about. If you love knowing how leaders are elected and how policies work, go for Government. If you’re fascinated by past events and how they shape today, go with History.
  
  And if you happen to enjoy both, lucky you, then it doesn’t hurt to know that some schools like having both, but JAMB only allows one of them since you have limited subject slots.)
  
• Any other relevant Arts or Social Science subject: The third choice is where you have flexibility. JAMB brochure states “Any three Arts or Social Sciences” subjects can work aside from English. Of course, we already earmarked Literature and Govt/History, so the third can be something like CRS/IRS, Economics, Commerce, Geography, or a language. Pick a subject that you are good at and that complements the others. For example:
  
  • If you have strong grades in Economics and enjoyed it, Economics can be a great third subject. It shows you can handle some analytical content.
    
  • If you excelled in CRS (Christian Religious Studies) or IRS (Islamic Religious Studies), those can also serve, they are counted as Arts subjects and indicate you have an understanding of ethics and culture.
    
  • Geography can work if you have interest there; it’s actually useful for understanding world events (handy in media).
    
  • Commerce is another if you leaned more commercial in secondary school.
    
  • Some arts students even choose Fine Arts or Music if they had it in school – these are less common in UTME but are listed as relevant in the JAMB brochure for courses like Mass Comm.
    
    Only choose them if you truly studied them and plan to continue in that direction (e.g., you want to go into media production, etc., and you’re confident in those subjects).

To summarize JAMB subjects: Use of English + Literature + Government/History + one other relevant subject is your winning combo. For instance, a very solid combination would be: English, Literature, Government, CRS. Another might be English, Literature, History, Economics. Or English, Literature, Government, Yoruba (if you’re awesome in Yoruba!). The key is two core arts subjects (Lit and Govt/Hist) and one more that you shine in.

Special Note: Different Schools, Slightly Different Combos

Most universities accept the general combination above, but a few have unique preferences:

• University of Lagos (UNILAG) – UNILAG’s Mass Communication program, for example, specifies: English, Literature, and any two subjects from Arts or Social Sciences. That essentially aligns with what we’ve discussed, just phrased differently (English + Lit + two others). They don’t limit the third to a specific subject, which is good.
  
• University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) – UNN is another top school for Mass Comm. They typically also want English, Lit, Govt or History. In some cases, UNN might allow a broader choice for the third subject, but they still expect it to be relevant (not Biology or Physics, for instance).
  
• University of Ibadan (UI) – UI is highly competitive for any course. They definitely require the staple subjects. (UI’s brochure entry, at least in the past, required Literature and one other Art/Social Science in addition to English.) UI being a top-tier school, it’s wise to stick with Literature + Government + one solid art subject to maximize your chances.
  
• Ahmadu Bello University (ABU Zaria) – ABU also goes with the flow: English and any three Arts/SocSci (meaning you should include Lit and one of Govt/CRS/History, etc., as usual).
  
• Covenant University (a leading private uni) and University of Ilorin, LASU, etc. – Most of these also follow the general requirement. Some may emphasize having Literature and Government specifically, while others say “any three Arts/Social Science subjects”. When in doubt, include Literature and Government to cover all bases, because those two are never wrong for Mass Comm.

The differences aren’t huge – they mostly revolve around whether a school is strict on certain subjects or open to any relevant ones. The golden rule is: if you have English, Literature, Government/History, and one more arts/social subject, you’ve satisfied all schools’ core requirements. Any variation will be minor.

Double-checking tip: When you fill JAMB form, the system itself usually won’t let you choose a totally wrong subject for a given course (it pops a warning if you do). But don’t rely on that alone; be informed beforehand.

Also, use the [official JAMB Brochure] or trusted resources to see if your particular dream university lists any special requirement. For example, some might say “must have credit in Literature in O’Level” explicitly, or “Commerce accepted as UTME subject” etc. A little research saves a lot of trouble later.

Other Admission Requirements to Keep in Mind

Alright, you’ve nailed your subject combination for Mass Communication now. High five! But wait, the journey to admission isn’t only about subject combo. Since we want this guide to be ten times better than any generic info out there, let’s quickly touch on other things you should prepare for, so nothing catches you off guard:

1. Minimum O’Level Credits: We said it before but it bears repeating, get at least five credits in your O’Level results (WAEC, NECO, GCE) including the key subjects, in not more than two sittings. If you can get all in one sitting, even better (some competitive schools prefer one sitting).
   
2. JAMB UTME Score: Aim high in your UTME. The general cut-off mark is 180 for many universities, but Mass Communication often requires higher to be competitive. If the university’s general cut-off is 180, Mass Comm might effectively need 200+ because of competition.
   
   Top schools like UI, UNILAG, UNN may expect scores in the 250s to feel safe. Don’t let that scare you; use it as motivation to study hard and score as high as possible.
   
3. Post-UTME / Screening: Most universities these days conduct a post-UTME exam or screening interview after JAMB. This could be a written test (covering similar subjects again or general knowledge/current affairs) or just screening of credentials.
   
   Be prepared for it. Once you ace JAMB, don’t relax yet, keep studying and stay informed about your chosen school’s process.
   
4. Direct Entry (if applicable): If you’re considering Direct Entry (maybe you did a diploma or A-levels), requirements differ. Generally, direct entry into Mass Comm might require two A-level passes (for example, in Literature and one other art subject), or a relevant National Diploma with good grades. This guide is mainly for O’level folks going through UTME, but it’s good to know.
   
5. Other Criteria: Some schools have age requirements (usually 16 years by admission year), or might ask for a medical report (to ensure you’re fit), or even a letter of recommendation. These aren’t academic subjects, but important nonetheless. Check the specific university’s website for any such specifics.
   
   They’re usually not difficult, just administrative. We just want you to be aware so you’re not surprised by a “Please bring a letter from your principal” request at the last minute.
   

Whew, take a deep breath. It’s a lot, but you’ve got this! Now, with all these in mind, let’s get to something equally important: how to actually excel in these required subjects and ace your exams. After all, knowing what subjects to take is Step 1. Step 2 is scoring well in them to secure your admission. This is where we introduce you to a secret weapon that many students wish they knew about sooner – meet ExcelMind.

How to Ace Your Subjects (and How ExcelMind Helps)

Knowing the right subjects is half the battle. Now you need to prepare effectively and get the grades and scores that will secure admission. Here are some tried-and-true tips (plus a friendly nudge towards a tool that can make your life a lot easier):

• Start Early and Plan: Don’t wait until a month to exams to start focusing on Literature or Government. Ideally, from SS1 or SS2, be mindful of these subjects. But even if you’re just months away from WAEC or JAMB, make a study timetable.
  
  Allocate time to each subject weekly. Balance is key: you might love Literature and hate Math, but give Math its fair share of study time so that “pass in Math” requirement is met without stress.
  
• Use Quality Study Materials: Get the recommended textbooks for each subject (your teachers usually know them). For Literature, read the full texts of the literature books on the syllabus, summaries aren’t enough.
  
  For Government or History, understanding concepts and chronology beats cramming blindly. Past questions booklets are extremely helpful too (we’ll come back to this in a second).
  
• Practice Past Questions: Here’s a golden nugget: JAMB and WAEC often repeat questions, or at least follow patterns. Practicing past exam questions will boost your confidence immensely. It’s like training with old weapons before the big battle, you’ll recognize many “enemy moves” on the exam day.
  
  This is where the ExcelMind app becomes your best friend. The ExcelMind educational platform provides 30+ years of verified past questions for JAMB, WAEC, NECO and more.
  
  Unlike some unreliable sources, ExcelMind’s questions are verified to be true past questions, not fake or out-of-syllabus stuff. You can take mock exams in the app that simulate the real JAMB CBT, so you get used to the pressure and timing. It’s basically exam rehearsal from your phone or computer.
  
• Identify Your Weak Spots: As you study and practice, note which subject or topic is giving you a hard time. Maybe you keep forgetting dates in History, or Algebra in Math makes you want to cry.
  
  It’s normal! Focus extra on those areas. ExcelMind can help here too, it actually offers personalized study plans and AI-powered recommendations based on your performance. For example, if you keep missing Literature questions about poetry, the app will notice and might suggest more practice in that area. It’s like having a smart tutor that knows exactly where you need to improve.
  
• Stay Updated and Syllabus-Focused: Ensure you have the latest syllabus for each exam. JAMB syllabi sometimes change slightly year to year. ExcelMind has up-to-date content aligned with current syllabi (so you won’t study irrelevant material). If the syllabus says “African novelists from 1970s” in Literature, don’t waste time on 1950s authors. Study smart by sticking to what’s required.
  
• Join Study Groups or Ask Questions: Sometimes discussing with friends or mentors helps. A friend might explain a concept better than a textbook. But be careful of misinformation in groups, always verify facts (some well-meaning friend might confidently give wrong info about subject combination ).
  
  If you’re using ExcelMind, there’s a community of learners and possibly forums where you can ask questions. Don’t sit in confusion; always seek clarity.
  
• Take Care of Yourself: Strange as it sounds, sleeping well, eating okay, and taking short breaks can boost your study effectiveness. Burning out two weeks before the exam because you didn’t sleep is a recipe for disaster. Pace yourself, and keep a positive mindset. You’ve got to believe in your dream for it to come true!

Meet ExcelMind – Your Secret Weapon 

Let’s talk more about ExcelMind, because it’s not just another study app; it’s a game-changer for students preparing for exams. If you’re serious about Mass Communication, you’ll want every advantage to score high and get in. Here’s how ExcelMind can make a difference for you:

• Verified Past Questions & Answers: ExcelMind gives you access to real past questions for JAMB, WAEC, NECO and even Post-UTME, spanning many years. These aren’t random guesswork questions, they are the actual questions that have been asked in exams.
  
  Practicing with these means you’ll often see very similar questions in your own exam. The app also provides detailed solutions and explanations for each question. So, if you got it wrong, you can learn why and avoid that mistake next time. No more scratching your head wondering why the answer is what it is.
  
• Mock Exam Simulator: Ever heard the saying “Practice like it’s the real thing”? ExcelMind lets you do exactly that. You can take full-length mock exams with the same timing and format as the real JAMB CBT.
  
  It feels like you’re in the exam hall, minus the sweaty palms. By the time you do the actual UTME, it’ll feel like déjà vu, just another ExcelMind mock, nothing to fear.
  
• Personalized Study Plans: Everyone has different strengths. ExcelMind tailors a study plan for you based on how you perform in practice tests. Suppose you’re excellent in Government but average in Literature; the app will adjust to give you more practice where you need it. It’s like having a personal coach focusing on your weak points so you improve faster.
  
• AI-Powered Guidance: This might sound fancy, but it just means the app uses smart technology to guide your study. It can predict which topics or questions are likely to appear based on past patterns.
  
  For example, if News Writing tends to show up often in Mass Comm-related exams, ExcelMind will highlight that trend so you make sure to master it. It’s almost like cheating (but it’s not!), it’s using data to study smarter.
  
• Accessible Anytime, Anywhere: You can use ExcelMind on your phone or computer. Stuck in traffic or on a long commute? Practice a few questions on your phone. No internet?
  
  ExcelMind works offline too for many features. That means no excuses – you can study on the go, at the library, or in the comfort of your bed. And it’s user-friendly (even if you’re not a tech guru, you’ll find it easy to navigate).
  
• Stress-Free Learning: Perhaps one of the coolest things is ExcelMind’s vibe: “No stress, just success.” It’s designed to reduce exam anxiety by making preparation engaging. You’ll earn points, track your progress, maybe even compete with friends on who scores better in mocks. Studying becomes a bit of a game rather than a chore.
  
  This can seriously help your mental state, you approach the exam with confidence instead of fear.

Your Dream, Your Action: Time to Make It Happen! 

We’ve covered a lot of ground, and by now you should feel a mixture of relief (because now you know what to do) and excitement (because you’re closer to that Mass Comm admission). Let’s quickly recap the essentials in super-simple terms:

• The subject combination for Mass Communication (say it again so it sticks!) requires the right mix of O’Level and JAMB subjects. At O’Level, get those credits in English, Literature, Government/History, Math (at least pass), and other arts subjects.
  
  In JAMB, register Use of English, Literature, Government or History, and one more relevant subject. This combo opens the door to all Mass Comm programs in Nigeria.
  
• Double-check university specifics, especially for top schools like UNILAG, UI, UNN, etc. But rest easy knowing the combination above has you well covered in general.
  
• Prepare, prepare, prepare: Getting the right subjects is Step 1; acing them is Step 2. Start early, use good materials, and practice like there’s no tomorrow. Remember our friend ExcelMind, it’s there to help you practice smarter with real questions and tailored guidance.
  
• Avoid common mistakes: Don’t assume any subject is “minor” (yes, even math basics matter). Don’t listen to rumors like “you can combine science and art subjects for Mass Comm”, those will mislead you.
  
  Stick to verified info (like this guide and official sources). And certainly don’t procrastinate thinking “I’ll sort it out after WAEC”. By then, it might be late to fix subject issues. The time to act is now.
  
• Keep the dream alive: Whether it’s reporting news, producing documentaries, advertising, or being a social media manager, Mass Communication can lead you there. Visualize your future graduation day, your family proud, and you starting an exciting career. That vision can fuel you on tough days when you have to study an extra hour or swap a TV show for solving past questions.

See Also: 15 Smart Strategies to Pass The NECO Exam and Succeed

Now, here’s our powerful Call for you, dear reader: Take charge of your journey today. Don’t just sit on this information; use it. Go grab a pen and paper (or your phone) and list out the subjects you need to focus on. 

Talk to your school counselor if you need to adjust your subject lineup. If you haven’t registered for WAEC/NECO yet, make sure your registration form reflects the right subjects. If JAMB registration is coming up, double-check those four subjects before you submit.

And importantly, start preparing with a purpose. Why not give the ExcelMind app a try? Download it (it’s easy and student-friendly) and see for yourself how much of a difference it can make in your confidence. 

Challenge yourself to complete one past question practice today. Feel the improvement and momentum as you go. ExcelMind will hold your hand from “study struggles to exam success,” helping you learn, practice, and pass with confidence, no stress, just success.

Now, go make your dream a reality. The world of media awaits you, and it all starts with that perfect subject combination and a whole lot of determination. Good luck! 

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