Art Courses at University
Art courses in University are among the most popular in all higher education institutions; their excellence is the reason why they continue to attract attention. Law, mass communication, theatre art, craft, linguistics, history and culture, and foreign religions are the most popular art courses.
Prior to now, it seemed that art courses were the simplest to offer. However, based on the work plans of various universities, it has been demonstrated that art is one of the most comprehensive courses; while it may not be the most challenging, it does require a great deal of concentration for students to succeed.
Since many art courses need critical thinking to comprehend or interpret, getting excellent scores may not be simple. Higher education institutions raise their admissions standards to only accept the top-scoring applicants for the course since certain art courses are professional while many are not. As a result, individuals apply more for the professional courses.
Because of this, the majority of students who reportedly fail to achieve the requirements for competitive art courses enrol in less competitive ones, where they may easily be in with low marks.
The truth is, choosing the right art course isn’t just about following your passion – it’s about strategically positioning yourself in a rapidly evolving job market. Let’s dive deep into the world of university art courses, examining which programs offer the best return on investment, which universities are leading the charge, and most importantly, how you can make an informed decision about your academic future.
Top Art Courses List
The list of art courses offered by the institution is given below so that you may choose the one you want to apply to this year.
Professional Art Courses
Law:
Highly respected and lucrative, studying Law equips you with skills in negotiation, analytical reasoning, and public speaking. A good lawyer doesn’t just argue—they solve problems. Many graduates pursue roles as corporate lawyers, judges, or consultants.
For art students, law is one of the most popular subjects. Many want to become attorneys by studying law. The respect that attorneys get, as well as the financial benefits that come with practicing law, are some of the reasons why students choose the field. In this region of the globe, studying law may be quite lucrative, particularly for highly qualified students.
International Relations:
This course focuses on global politics, international organizations, and the intricate web of diplomacy. Many students go to institutions to study international relations because they are interested in tackling global issues including terrorism, climate change, politics, dangers, corruption, insecurity, and human rights. Some students want to work for large companies or organisations that are readily regarded for jobs after graduation, such the World Health Organisation, the United Nations, and the aviation sector.
Economics:
A versatile course blending finance, public policy, and trade. It prepares students for roles in banking, international trade, and governmental organizations. Economics graduates often find opportunities in high-paying sectors.
Mass Communication
A lot of students pursue mass communication because they want to work for media outlets, digital marketing departments, and government organisations that handle publishing, marketing, and brand promot
Creative Art Courses
Theatre Arts:
This course’s primary goal is to prepare students for careers as actors, actresses, filmmakers, producers, branding experts, screenwriters, video editors, stage and location managers, and general performers. Careers in theatre, dance, acrobatics, fashion, musical instrument playing, comedy, and other stage activities are all considered performing arts.
Fine & Applied Arts
This discipline is perfect for creative minds who enjoy painting, sculpture, or design. Careers range from gallery artists to industrial designers, with opportunities to explore both art and commerce.
Music
Musicians are always looking for methods to further their craft and maybe turn it into a profession. Perhaps not only for the sake of singing, but also for other interests like songwriting, music production, voice training, music directing, organising lyrics, video editing, and managing artists, among other careers related to music.
Visual Arts
Putting theory into practice is known as the visual arts. It involves putting the abilities gained in school into practice, such making clothing, often called fashion design, as well as sketching, painting, sculpting, and taking pictures.
Linguistic and Cultural Studies
English Language:
Higher education institutions’ English language departments assist students in honing their spoken language skills and improving their business communication. Graduates thrive in fields like publishing, public relations, and education.
French:
With French being an official language in over 29 countries, this course is a gateway to international careers. Translation, diplomacy, and teaching are common career paths.
Linguistics:
This course covers the study of many languages as well as how to structure and organise communication both within and outside of a state, province, or country.
Philosophy
Students in this subject will critically examine the existence of things and gain in-depth understanding of theories, ethics, nature, reasoning, and action. It is intended for pupils with high IQs.
Religious Studies:
The majority of students enrol in this subject in order to increase their understanding of the Bible and Islam. The goal is to be able to start a religious organisation or work as a lecturer or teacher of religious studies.
Yoruba
The goal of this course is to help students become more proficient in the Yoruba language so they may utilise it for a variety of tasks, including writing, acting, teaching, and translation.
Social Sciences
Psychology
Psychology is a course for students who want to learn about the general functioning of the mind, how individuals feel and respond to situations, and how the human mind functions. These days, it’s also quite lucrative and in great demand.
Sociology:
Sociology is the study of human society, human behaviour, and how people interact with their society to shape their lives and engage in activities like exploring various institutions, societies, cultures, and histories.
Political Science
If you’re passionate about governance and policy-making, this course prepares you for roles in public administration, advocacy, and even politics.Students who choose to enrol in this university course may be interested in local and global events as well as the historical occurrences of a nation or area
Interdisciplinary Studies
Development Studies:
Focused on sustainable growth and social transformation, this course is ideal for those interested in NGOs, international development, and community planning.
Hospitality and Tourism
With a growing tourism industry, this course prepares students for management roles in hotels, travel agencies, and event planning.
History and International Relations:
Perfect for history buffs, this course explores past and current global events.Students who choose to enrol in this university course may be interested in local and global events as well as the historical occurrences of a nation or area.Graduates often work in academia, government, or cultural institutions.
Art Courses in Nigerian Universities
Nigeria boasts a rich history of arts and culture, and this heritage is reflected in its universities. Art courses in Nigerian institutions are as diverse as they are dynamic, ranging from creative disciplines to social sciences.
Challenges for Art Students in Nigeria
- High Competition: Courses like Law and Mass Communication have high cut-off marks, leaving many students vying for limited spots.
- Limited Infrastructure: Some institutions lack the facilities needed for practical courses like Theatre Arts and Fine & Applied Arts.
- Funding Issues: Research in the arts often takes a backseat to STEM disciplines in funding priorities.
Opportunities for Art Students in Nigeria
- Growing industries like Nollywood and digital media are creating new roles for graduates.
- Increased demand for cultural preservation and education is opening doors in academia and museums.
- Globalization is driving demand for professionals skilled in international relations and foreign languages.
Top 5 Universities for Art Courses in Nigeria
Here are some of the leading institutions offering excellent art programs:
- University of Lagos (UNILAG): Known for its Theatre Arts and Mass Communication programs.
- University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN): Renowned for Fine & Applied Arts and Music.
- Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU): A top choice for Law and International Relations.
- Ahmadu Bello University (ABU): Offers diverse art courses, including Linguistics and Sociology.
- Covenant University: A private university excelling in Sociology and Economics.
Highest Paid Art Courses in Nigeria
If financial stability is a priority, these courses deliver both passion and profit:
- Law: With salaries ranging from ₦500,000 to over ₦3 million monthly, skilled lawyers thrive in corporate and private practice.
- Economics: Graduates often earn between ₦800,000 and ₦2 million in roles like financial analysis or consulting.
- Mass Communication: Media roles, especially in PR and advertising, can yield up to ₦2.5 million annually.
- International Relations: Diplomats and global strategists often earn competitive salaries in the public and private sectors.
Top 10 Best Art Courses
Based on popularity, career prospects, and societal relevance, these are the top 10:
- Law
- Mass Communication
- Theatre Arts
- International Relations
- Fine & Applied Arts
- Economics
- Psychology
- Music
- Political Science
- Linguistics
Each of these courses offers unique opportunities to blend passion with purpose. Whether your goal is to advocate for justice, create compelling narratives, or shape global policies, there’s a course for you.
Art Courses admission in Nigerian Universities
Nigerian universities have established themselves as powerhouses of art education in Africa. The integration of traditional African artistic elements with contemporary global practices creates a unique educational experience that sets Nigerian art education apart. Our universities have consistently produced graduates who excel both locally and internationally.
The admission process for art courses in Nigerian universities requires careful planning. JAMB subject combinations vary depending on your chosen course, but typically include English Language, government and Literature in English for most art-based programs. For courses like Law and Mass Communication, government or history is often required. Social Sciences might require Mathematics and Economics. Understanding these requirements early helps in making informed decisions about your academic journey.
Direct entry options exist for students with relevant qualifications from recognized institutions. This pathway can be particularly advantageous for students who have completed related programs at diploma level or have transferable credits from other institutions. It’s worth noting that some universities offer foundation programs specifically designed to prepare students for art courses.
40 Arts Courses list
The following are the arts courses offered in most higher institutions, now expanded to include 40 courses for better comprehensiveness:
- Mass Communication
- Fine & Applied Art
- Law
- International Relations
- Music
- Sociology
- Performing Arts
- Management
- English Language
- French
- Economics
- Psychology
- History and International Relations
- Philosophy
- Theatre Arts
- Linguistics
- Art Education
- Religious Studies
- Hospitality and Tourism
- Yoruba
- Political Science
- Environmental Science
- Visual Arts
- Gender Studies
- Development Studies
- Creative Writing
- Journalism
- Public Relations
- Cultural Studies
- Film and Media Studies
- Graphic Design
- Communication Arts
- Classical Studies
- Anthropology
- Comparative Literature
- African Studies
- Archaeology
- Media and Cultural Studies
- Digital Arts
- Fashion Design.
Conclusion
Art is not a luxury; it is a necessity,” said Rebecca Solnit, and her words resonate deeply in today’s ever-evolving academic landscape. Art courses in universities are more than just subjects—they are gateways to creative expression, cultural exploration, and lucrative careers.
But let’s be honest—choosing the right art course can feel overwhelming. Should you go for the prestige of Law or the creativity of Theatre Arts? Is International Relations a better bet than Sociology? These are not just casual choices; they shape your future.
In this article, we’ll demystified the world of art courses. From exploring the top universities for art courses in Nigeria to breaking down the highest-paid options, we’ll dive into everything you need to make informed decisions. Whether you’re a student planning your academic path or a professional considering a career pivot, this guide is your map to the endless possibilities within the arts.
