Course at a glance
| Degree awarded | Bachelor of Arts (B.A) |
|---|---|
| Duration | 4 years, then NYSC |
| Faculty / college | Faculty of Arts / Humanities |
| Career field / body | Teaching, media, writing and communications |
| UTME subjects | Use of English, Literature in English, and two other Arts subjects |
| Competitiveness | Competitive |
On this page
- What English Language is about
- A brief history of the discipline
- What you will study
- Why study English Language & who it suits
- Careers & where graduates work
- Salary outlook in Nigeria
- Where it’s offered
- Is it a good course?
- Skills you’ll gain
- Licensing, professional bodies & further study
- How to get in (UTME requirements)
- Practise the UTME subjects free
- Related & alternative courses
- Frequently asked questions
What English Language is about
English Language (often English and Literary Studies) is the study of the English language and its literature — its structure and use, and the analysis and creation of written and spoken texts.
A brief history of the discipline
As a global language of business, media and scholarship, English is one of the most useful subjects to master. In Nigeria it also opens careers across media, education and the professions.
What you will study
You study grammar and syntax, phonetics, semantics and sociolinguistics, literature, creative and academic writing, and communication — with a project.
Why study English Language & who it suits
This course suits students who love reading, language, culture and ideas, with strong writing and communication skills. A love of language, reading and writing is essential.
Careers & where graduates work
Graduates work in teaching, journalism and media, writing, editing and publishing, public relations and communications, the civil service, and content and creative roles.
Salary outlook in Nigeria
English pay grows in media, writing, publishing and communications; teaching pay is modest publicly.
| Career stage | Typical monthly pay (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Entry (graduate) | ₦80,000 – ₦200,000 |
| Mid-level | ₦200,000 – ₦500,000 |
| Senior / media, writing, management | ₦600,000 – ₦1,200,000+ |
Figures are rough approximations (monthly gross) as of 2026, drawn from Nigerian salary aggregators. Actual pay varies widely by sector (oil & gas, fintech and multinationals pay far above the public service), employer, location (Lagos and Abuja pay more) and experience — treat these as a guide, not a guarantee.
Where it’s offered: notable universities
English is offered at most Nigerian universities, including the University of Ibadan, University of Lagos, Obafemi Awolowo University, University of Nigeria, Ahmadu Bello University and the University of Ilorin.
This is not a ranked or exhaustive list — always confirm the current institutions and their requirements in the official JAMB brochure, or use our subject combination checker and the English Language admission guide.
Is English a good course to study in Nigeria?
English is a strong, versatile degree for media, writing, publishing, communications and teaching — and its excellent communication skills are valued everywhere.
Why it’s a strong choice:
- Versatile — media, writing, publishing, PR and teaching.
- Communication skills valued in every field.
- Media and PR roles pay well.
- A strong base for further study.
Challenges to weigh:
- Teaching public pay is modest.
- Competitive.
- A general degree — specialise for the best pay.
- Value grows with a portfolio and skills.
It suits students who love language, reading and writing.
Skills you’ll gain
Beyond subject knowledge, English builds transferable skills valued across many careers:
- Excellent writing and communication
- Critical and literary analysis
- Editing
- Research
- Creativity
- Adaptability
Licensing, professional bodies & further study
B.A English (4 years) → NYSC → careers in education, media, publishing and communications; teaching roles require TRCN registration.
How to get in: English Language UTME requirements
The JAMB UTME combination for English Language is Use of English, Literature in English, and two other Arts subjects. You also need five relevant O’Level credits including English Language. Confirm the exact requirement for your chosen university.
Practise the UTME subjects free
Prepare with free official-syllabus notes and timed CBT practice for your UTME subjects:
- Use of English — practise CBT
- Literature in English — practise CBT
- Government — practise CBT
- History — practise CBT
Related guides
- How to choose the right course for JAMB
- Good courses you can study with a low JAMB score
- Understanding the JAMB brochure & subject combinations
- How to use the JAMB eligibility checker
- How to change your course or institution on JAMB
Related & alternative courses
If you like English Language, you may also want to explore these related courses:
Frequently asked questions
How long is English Language in Nigeria?
It typically takes 4 years, followed by the one-year NYSC.
What are the JAMB subjects for English Language?
Use of English, Literature in English, and two other Arts subjects
What can I do with an English degree?
Teaching, journalism and media, writing, editing and publishing, PR and communications, the civil service, and content/creative roles.
Is English a good course in Nigeria?
Yes — strong English and communication skills are valued across almost every field, and the degree is versatile.
Is English a good course to study in Nigeria?
Yes — strong English and communication skills are valued across almost every field, and the degree opens media, writing, PR, publishing and teaching.
What jobs can I get with English?
Teaching, journalism and media, writing, editing and publishing, PR and communications, the civil service, and content roles.
Does English pay well?
Teaching pay is modest, but media, PR, communications and content roles pay well, especially with a portfolio.
Is English a versatile degree?
Very — the communication and analysis skills transfer to almost any career.
Sources: Course content and career pathways summarised from Nigerian faculties and relevant professional bodies; admission requirements from the official JAMB UTME brochure. Last checked: 22 Sept 2026. Belmadeng is an independent study platform and is not affiliated with JAMB, the NUC or any professional body. Programme structure, duration and requirements vary by university — always confirm details with your chosen institution and the official JAMB brochure.