Course at a glance
| Degree awarded | Bachelor of Science (B.Sc) in Mass Communication |
|---|---|
| Duration | 4 years, then NYSC |
| Faculty / college | Faculty of Communication / Social Sciences |
| Career field / body | NUJ, NIPR and APCON (journalism, PR and advertising) |
| UTME subjects | Use of English plus three relevant Arts or Social-Science subjects |
| Competitiveness | Competitive |
On this page
- What Mass Communication is about
- A brief history of the discipline
- What you will study
- Why study Mass Communication & 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 Mass Communication is about
Mass Communication is the study of how information is created and shared through the mass media — journalism, broadcasting, public relations, advertising and digital media.
A brief history of the discipline
It grew with newspapers, radio, television and now the internet and social media, and remains vital to how society informs itself. Nigeria has a large, dynamic media industry.
What you will study
You study news writing and reporting, broadcasting (radio and television), public relations, advertising, media law and ethics, communication theory, and digital and online media — with practicals and a project.
Why study Mass Communication & who it suits
This course suits analytical, curious students interested in people, society and how the world works, with good reading and writing skills. Strong writing and communication skills and a nose for stories are ideal.
Careers & where graduates work
Graduates work in journalism (print, broadcast and online), public relations, advertising, corporate communications, media production, social media and digital marketing, and broadcasting. Professional bodies include the NUJ, NIPR and APCON.
Salary outlook in Nigeria
Mass Communication pay varies by medium; corporate communications, PR and advertising tend to pay more than entry-level journalism.
| Career stage | Typical monthly pay (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Entry (graduate) | ₦80,000 – ₦200,000 |
| Mid-level (PR, media) | ₦250,000 – ₦600,000 |
| Senior / corporate comms & advertising | ₦700,000 – ₦1,500,000+ |
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
Mass Communication is offered by many Nigerian universities. Well-regarded, widely-recognised programmes include the University of Nigeria (Nsukka) — the pioneer programme — the University of Lagos, Covenant University, Obafemi Awolowo University, Bayero University Kano and the University of Ibadan, among others.
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 Mass Communication admission guide.
Is Mass Communication a good course to study in Nigeria?
Mass Communication is the gateway to Nigeria’s large, dynamic media, PR and advertising industry — creative and in demand, with pay strongest in PR and corporate communications.
Why it’s a strong choice:
- Broad careers across journalism, broadcasting, PR, advertising and digital media.
- Creative, dynamic and people-facing work.
- Fast-growing demand for digital and social-media skills.
- Strong entrepreneurship potential in content and media.
Challenges to weigh:
- Entry-level journalism pay can be low.
- Competitive and fast-changing — digital skills are now essential.
- Some roles are freelance or less stable.
- Standing out requires a portfolio and specialisation.
It suits strong communicators and writers who are creative, curious and sociable.
Skills you’ll gain
Beyond subject knowledge, Mass Communication builds transferable skills valued across many careers:
- Writing and storytelling
- Communication
- Media production
- Research and interviewing
- Digital and social media
- Adaptability
Licensing, professional bodies & further study
B.Sc Mass Communication (4 years) → NYSC → careers across media, PR, advertising and communications, with professional certification (NUJ/NIPR/APCON) supporting progression.
How to get in: Mass Communication UTME requirements
The JAMB UTME combination for Mass Communication is Use of English plus three relevant 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
- Economics — practise CBT
- Government — practise CBT
- Commerce — 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 Mass Communication, you may also want to explore these related courses:
Frequently asked questions
How long is Mass Communication in Nigeria?
The B.Sc typically takes 4 years, followed by the one-year NYSC.
What are the JAMB subjects for Mass Communication?
Use of English plus three relevant Arts or Social-Science subjects
What jobs can I get with Mass Communication?
Journalism (print, broadcast, online), public relations, advertising, corporate communications, media production and digital/social media roles.
Is Mass Communication competitive?
Yes — it is popular and competitive; strong writing, communication and media skills help you stand out.
Is Mass Communication a good course to study in Nigeria?
Yes — it opens a wide media, PR and advertising industry and rewards digital skills; the trade-off is low entry pay in journalism and strong competition.
What jobs can I get with Mass Communication?
Journalism (print, broadcast, online), public relations, advertising, corporate communications, media production and digital/social-media roles.
Does Mass Communication pay well?
Entry journalism pay is modest, but PR, corporate communications and advertising pay well, and digital/media entrepreneurship can be lucrative.
Mass Communication vs Marketing — what’s the difference?
Mass Communication focuses on media and communication broadly; Marketing focuses on understanding customers and driving demand. They overlap in advertising and brand work.
Sources: Course content and career pathways summarised from Nigerian faculties of social sciences and relevant professional/learned 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.