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, research, diplomacy, media and the civil service |
| UTME subjects | Use of English, History or Government, and two other Arts or Social-Science subjects |
| Competitiveness | Moderately competitive |
On this page
- What History and International Studies is about
- A brief history of the discipline
- What you will study
- Why study History and International Studies & 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 History and International Studies is about
History and International Studies is the study of the past and of relations between nations — understanding how societies, events and international systems have developed and shape the present.
A brief history of the discipline
History has always helped societies understand themselves; combined with international studies, it also builds insight into global affairs and diplomacy.
What you will study
You study world and African/Nigerian history, historiography and research methods, international relations and diplomacy, and area studies — with a project.
Why study History and International Studies & who it suits
This course suits students who love reading, language, culture and ideas, with strong writing and communication skills. A love of history, reading and understanding the world is ideal.
Careers & where graduates work
Graduates work in teaching and research, diplomacy and the foreign service, journalism, the civil service, heritage and museums, and it is a strong foundation for further study in Law.
Salary outlook in Nigeria
History pay grows in teaching, research, media, the civil service and diplomacy, and it is a foundation for Law.
| 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
History and International Studies 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 Benin.
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 History and International Studies admission guide.
Is History and International Studies a good course to study in Nigeria?
History and International Studies builds research, analysis and writing skills for teaching, research, diplomacy, media and Law.
Why it’s a strong choice:
- Teaching, research, diplomacy/foreign service, journalism, the civil service and heritage.
- Strong research, analysis and writing skills.
- An excellent foundation for Law.
- A base for further study.
Challenges to weigh:
- A general degree — specialise or add skills.
- Teaching and public pay are modest.
- Competitive.
- Fewer direct job titles.
It suits students who love history, reading and understanding the world.
Skills you’ll gain
Beyond subject knowledge, History and International Studies builds transferable skills valued across many careers:
- Research and source analysis
- Critical thinking
- Writing and communication
- Understanding of world affairs
- Argument
- Problem-solving
Licensing, professional bodies & further study
B.A History and International Studies (4 years) → NYSC → careers in education, diplomacy, media and the public sector, or further study (including Law); teaching requires TRCN registration.
How to get in: History and International Studies UTME requirements
The JAMB UTME combination for History and International Studies is Use of English, History or Government, and two other Arts or Social-Science 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
- History — practise CBT
- Government — practise CBT
- Economics — 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 History and International Studies, you may also want to explore these related courses:
Frequently asked questions
How long is History and International Studies in Nigeria?
It typically takes 4 years, followed by the one-year NYSC.
What are the JAMB subjects for History and International Studies?
Use of English, History or Government, and two other Arts or Social-Science subjects
What can I do with a History degree?
Teaching and research, diplomacy and the foreign service, journalism, the civil service, heritage and museums, and further study including Law.
Is History a good course?
Yes — it builds strong research, analysis and writing skills valued across education, the public sector, media and law.
Is History and International Studies a good course to study in Nigeria?
Yes — it builds strong research, analysis and writing skills valued in education, the public sector, media, diplomacy and Law.
What jobs can I get?
Teaching and research, diplomacy and the foreign service, journalism, the civil service, heritage and museums — and further study including Law.
Can I study Law after History?
Yes — it is a strong foundation for a postgraduate law path.
Does it pay well?
Teaching/public pay is modest, but diplomacy, media and specialised or further-study paths pay better.
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.