JAMB Subject Combination for Theatre and Film Studies 2026/2027- Complete Admission Guide

Whether you dream of becoming a professional actor, a filmmaker, a theatre director, a dramaturgist, or a TV personality, the journey starts with choosing the correct subjects for JAMB and O’level. This article explains the essentials clearly in a simple, well-organized, and to help you stand out in your admission process.

Theatre and Film Studies as a Course

Theatre and Film Studies is a highly creative and expressive discipline that focuses on the study of dramatic performance, film production, media storytelling, and the artistic and technical processes behind stage and screen creations. It combines practical and theoretical knowledge such as:

• Acting and performance

• Scriptwriting and screenwriting

• Film directing and production

• Cinematography and video editing

• Stage design and lighting

• Costume and makeup arts

• Theatre history and criticism

• Media communication skills

The course is offered in various Nigerian universities under faculties such as Arts, Humanities, Creative Arts, or Social Sciences, depending on the institution. Because of this, the subject requirements may be slightly different, but the core combination remains the same across all schools.

Correct JAMB Subject Combination for Theatre and Film Studies

The accurate JAMB subject combination to study Theatre and Film Studies in any Nigerian university is:

1. English Language (Compulsory for all JAMB candidates)

2. Literature in English

3. One Arts subject

4. Another Arts or Social Science subject

In summary:

JAMB Subjects Required:

• Use of English

• Literature in English

• Any other two subjects from Arts or Social Sciences, such as:

  • Government

  • Christian Religious Studies (CRS)

  • Islamic Religious Studies (IRS)

  • History

  • Fine Arts

  • Music

  • Economics

  • Yoruba / Igbo / Hausa

  • Geography

Important Note: Literature in English is compulsory. Without Literature, most universities will not consider you for admission into Theatre and Film Studies.

WAEC / NECO / GCE Requirements for Theatre and Film Studies

To study Theatre and Film Studies in any Nigerian university, you must have at least five (5) O’level credit passes, including:

O’level Subject Requirements:

• English Language (Compulsory)

• Literature in English (Compulsory)

• Any other three subjects from Arts or Social Sciences, such as:

  • Government

  • Fine Arts

  • History

  • CRS/IRS

  • Music

  • Economics

  • Civic Education

  • Nigerian Languages (Igbo/Yoruba/Hausa)

A pass in Mathematics is accepted by many universities because Theatre and Film Studies is not a science-based field, but having at least a credit in Mathematics is always an advantage.

Direct Entry Requirements for Theatre and Film Studies

If you are applying through Direct Entry (DE), here are the qualifications required:

Direct Entry Qualifications:

• NCE in Theatre Arts, Creative Arts, or related fields

• ND or HND in Mass Communication, Theatre Arts, or related areas

• A-level passes in two Arts subjects, preferably including Literature in English

Most universities require Upper Credit or Merit for ND/NCE applicants.

Universities That Offer Theatre and Film Studies in Nigeria

Several universities offer Theatre Arts, Performing Arts, and Film Studies under different faculty names, but they share similar curriculum structures. Some of the top universities offering the programme include:

• University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)

• University of Lagos (UNILAG)

• University of Ibadan (UI) – Theatre Arts

• University of Benin (UNIBEN)

• University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) – Theatre and Film Studies

• Ahmadu Bello University (ABU)

• Delta State University (DELSU)

• Lagos State University (LASU)

• Imo State University (IMSU)

• Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) – Theatre Arts

• Benue State University (BSU)

• University of Calabar (UNICAL)

• Redeemer’s University

Depending on the university, the course may be listed as:

• Theatre Arts

• Theatre and Film Studies

• Performing Arts

• Dramatic Arts

• Creative Arts

• Film and Media Studies

Regardless of the name, the JAMB subject combination remains similar.

Why Literature in English Is Compulsory for Theatre and Film Studies

Literature in English is the foundation of drama, storytelling, scriptwriting, and theatre performance. It helps students develop skills in:

• Character analysis

• Drama criticism

• Script interpretation

• Understanding of narrative styles

• Creativity and imagination

• Appreciation of culture and artistic expression

Most universities use Literature as a major screening criterion because it shows whether the student has the potential to excel in theatre and film-related work.

Tips for Scoring High in JAMB for Theatre and Film Studies

Although Theatre and Film Studies may not be as competitive as Medicine or Law, gaining admission still requires a strong score because the number of applicants increases every year. Here are some tips to help you succeed:

1. Focus More on Literature in English

At least 50% of your reading time should go into Literature. Study recommended novels, poetry, and drama texts thoroughly.

2. Practice JAMB past questions frequently

This helps you become familiar with the exam pattern and common question styles.

3. Improve your time management

JAMB is time-sensitive, so practicing under timed conditions helps you move faster during the actual exam.

4. Aim for at least 250 and above

High scores increase your chances of admission, especially in competitive universities like UNILAG, UNN, and UNIBEN.

5. Attend tutorials or online classes

If you struggle with Literature, joining a class can help you understand complex themes and analyses.

Skills You Will Learn in Theatre and Film Studies

Students of Theatre and Film Studies develop a rich combination of artistic and technical skills, including:

• Acting and stage performance

• Film directing and producing

• Scriptwriting and storytelling

• Camera handling and cinematography

• Editing and film post-production

• Choreography and movement

• Voice acting and speech delivery

• Set design and lighting

• Costume design

• Sound production

• Event management

• Media communication

These skills prepare graduates to work in dynamic, creative, and media-related environments.

Career Opportunities for Theatre and Film Studies Graduates

The world of theatre and film is huge, and graduates of this course can explore many exciting career paths. Some of the top opportunities include:

• Actor / Actress

• Film Producer

• Film Director

• Cinematographer

• Scriptwriter / Screenwriter

• Stage Manager

• Production Manager

• Media Presenter (TV/Radio)

• Content Creator / Filmmaker

• Drama Teacher or Lecturer

• Voice-over Artist

• Editor

• Lighting and Sound Technician

• Makeup Artist

• Costume Designer

• Creative Consultant

• Choreographer

• Cultural Officer in Government Agencies

In today’s digital age, graduates can also build independent careers through YouTube filmmaking, online content creation, freelancing, and social media storytelling.

Common Mistakes Students Make When Choosing JAMB Subjects for Theatre and Film Studies

Many students lose admission due to small, avoidable errors. Here are the most common:

1. Choosing Government or CRS as compulsory subjects

These are optional. Only Literature is compulsory.

2. Ignoring WAEC requirements

Some students have good JAMB scores but lack Literature in WAEC, which automatically disqualifies them.

3. Mixing Science subjects

Theatre and Film Studies is an Arts-oriented course. Science combinations like Biology, Chemistry, or Physics are not recommended.

4. Selecting four unrelated subjects

This confuses the university screening system and may lead to rejection.

Avoid these errors to secure your admission.

Read Also: JAMB Subject Combination for Mass Communication 2026/2027

Choosing the correct JAMB subject combination for Theatre and Film Studies is the first and most important step toward building a successful career in drama, film, and creative arts. With the right combination—English, Literature in English, and two other Arts or Social Science subjects—you are fully qualified to apply to any Nigerian university offering the course.

This guide has provided everything you need, including:

• JAMB subjects

• WAEC requirements

• Direct entry qualifications

• Top universities offering the course

• Career opportunities

• Success tips

If you follow the instructions carefully and prepare well for your JAMB exam, gaining admission into Theatre and Film Studies will be much easier.