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 | Film, TV, theatre, media and entertainment |
| UTME subjects | Use of English, Literature in English, and two of Government, History, CRS/IRS, Fine Art, Music or Economics |
| Competitiveness | Moderately competitive |
On this page
- What Theatre Arts is about
- A brief history of the discipline
- What you will study
- Why study Theatre Arts & 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 Theatre Arts is about
Theatre Arts is the study and practice of drama and performance — acting, directing, playwriting, stagecraft and increasingly film and screen media.
A brief history of the discipline
Nigeria has a vibrant theatre and film culture (including Nollywood), and Theatre Arts trains the creative professionals behind stage and screen.
What you will study
You study acting and performance, directing and playwriting, stagecraft and production (lighting, set, costume), theatre history and theory, and film and media production — with practical productions and a project.
Why study Theatre Arts & who it suits
This course suits students who love reading, language, culture and ideas, with strong writing and communication skills. Creativity, confidence and a passion for performance and storytelling are ideal.
Careers & where graduates work
Graduates work in acting and performance, film, television and theatre production, directing, media and broadcasting, the entertainment industry, events, and teaching.
Salary outlook in Nigeria
Pay is variable in the creative industries but grows well in film, TV, media and established performance careers.
| Career stage | Typical monthly pay (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Entry (graduate) | ₦80,000 – ₦250,000 |
| Mid-level | ₦250,000 – ₦600,000 |
| Senior / established professional | ₦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
Theatre Arts is offered at many Nigerian universities, including the University of Ibadan, University of Lagos, University of Nigeria, Ahmadu Bello University, University of Jos and the University of Benin, 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 Theatre Arts admission guide.
Is Theatre Arts a good course to study in Nigeria?
Theatre Arts is the study and practice of drama, film and performance — feeding Nigeria’s vibrant Nollywood and entertainment industry.
Why it’s a strong choice:
- Acting, film/TV/theatre production, directing, media and entertainment.
- A vibrant Nollywood and entertainment sector.
- Creative and dynamic work.
- Strong entrepreneurship potential.
Challenges to weigh:
- Creative income can be variable and uncertain.
- Competitive, and success is not guaranteed.
- Much work is freelance or project-based.
- You need a portfolio and persistence.
It suits creative, confident students who love performance and storytelling.
Skills you’ll gain
Beyond subject knowledge, Theatre Arts builds transferable skills valued across many careers:
- Acting and performance
- Directing and production
- Stagecraft
- Creativity
- Collaboration
- Communication
Licensing, professional bodies & further study
B.A Theatre Arts (4 years) → NYSC → careers across stage, screen, media and entertainment, or your own creative enterprise.
How to get in: Theatre Arts UTME requirements
The JAMB UTME combination for Theatre Arts is Use of English, Literature in English, and two of Government, History, CRS/IRS, Fine Art, Music or Economics. 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 Theatre Arts, you may also want to explore these related courses:
Frequently asked questions
How long is Theatre Arts in Nigeria?
It typically takes 4 years, followed by the one-year NYSC.
What are the JAMB subjects for Theatre Arts?
Use of English, Literature in English, and two of Government, History, CRS/IRS, Fine Art, Music or Economics
What can I do with a Theatre Arts degree?
Acting and performance, film, TV and theatre production, directing, media and broadcasting, the entertainment industry, events and teaching.
Is Theatre Arts good for a career in Nollywood?
Yes — it provides the acting, directing and production skills behind Nigeria's thriving film and theatre industry.
Is Theatre Arts a good course to study in Nigeria?
Yes for the creatively driven — it feeds a vibrant film, TV and theatre industry, though income can be variable and competitive.
What jobs can I get?
Acting and performance, film, TV and theatre production, directing, media and broadcasting, the entertainment industry, events and teaching.
Is Theatre Arts good for a career in Nollywood?
Yes — it provides the acting, directing and production skills behind Nigeria’s thriving film and theatre industry.
Does it pay well?
Income is variable in the creative industries but grows well for established professionals and in film/TV production.
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.