30 Art Courses You Can Study Without Literature in English in Nigeria (2026 Guide)

Did you fail Literature in English?
Did you not register Literature in WAEC or NECO?
Are you wondering what course you can study without Literature as an art student?

You are not alone.

Many Nigerian art students believe Literature in English is compulsory for all art and social science courses. That is not entirely true.

While Literature is required for courses like Mass Communication and Theatre Arts, there are many solid and competitive courses you can study without it.

In this detailed guide, you will discover:

• 30 art courses that do not require Literature
• Courses you cannot study without Literature
• JAMB and WAEC subject requirements
• Career opportunities
• Important admission tips

Let’s begin.

Is Literature Compulsory for All Art Students?

No.

According to the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) subject brochure, Literature in English is mainly compulsory for:

• Mass Communication
• Theatre Arts
• English and Literary Studies
• Law (in most universities)
• Foreign Languages

However, many social science, religious, language, and history-based courses do not make Literature compulsory.

Always confirm from the official Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board brochure before applying.

30 Art Courses You Can Study Without Literature in English

Below is a well-researched list of courses you can apply for even if you did not pass or register Literature.

1. History and International Studies

Focuses on global politics, diplomacy, and historical development.

Career paths: Diplomat, policy analyst, historian, civil servant.

2. International Relations and Diplomacy

Great option for students interested in foreign affairs.

Career paths: Foreign service officer, embassy staff, NGO worker.

3. Political Science

Studies government systems, political behavior, and public administration.

Career paths: Politician, political analyst, civil servant.

4. Sociology

Explores human society, culture, and social behavior.

Career paths: Social worker, researcher, NGO officer.

5. Sociology and Anthropology

Focuses on cultural systems and human development.

6. Psychology

Studies human behavior and mental processes.

Career paths: Counselor, HR specialist, researcher.

7. Geography

Human and environmental geography.

Note: Some schools require at least a pass in Mathematics.

8. Economics

Requires credit in Mathematics.

Career paths: Economist, banker, financial analyst.

9. Philosophy

Studies logic, ethics, and reasoning.

Great for students planning postgraduate Law studies.

10. Philosophy and Religious Studies

Combination of ethics and theology.

11. Christian Religious Studies (CRS)

Focuses on biblical teachings and theology.

12. Islamic Studies

Religious and cultural studies in Islam.

13. Comparative Religious Studies

Examines different world religions.

14. Arabic Studies

Language-based course.

15. Arabic Language

Focuses purely on language mastery.

16. Yoruba and Communication Arts

Indigenous language studies.

17. Fulfulde

Regional language program (available in select universities).

18. Archaeology

Study of ancient civilizations.

Career path: Museum curator, heritage officer.

19. History and Diplomatic Studies

Blends history with diplomacy.

20. History and Strategic Studies

Political and military strategy focus.

21. International and Comparative Politics

Global political systems comparison.

22. Fine and Applied Arts

Creative design, sculpture, painting.

Literature is not compulsory in most schools.

23. Creative and Visual Arts

Design, media arts, and creative production.

24. Visual and Applied Arts

Studio-based art training.

25. Environmental Studies

Urban and environmental management.

26. Social Work

Community development and welfare services.

27. Peace and Conflict Studies

Conflict resolution and diplomacy.

28. Museum and Heritage Studies

Cultural preservation.

29. Library and Information Science

Information management and digital systems.

30. Tourism and Cultural Studies

Hospitality and tourism industry roles.

Courses You Cannot Study Without Literature

If you have F9 or did not register Literature, avoid applying for:

• Mass Communication
• Theatre Arts
• English and Literary Studies
• Law (most universities require it)
• Linguistics (major in English)
• Foreign Languages and Literature

Always verify with the university portal and the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board brochure.

General JAMB Subject Combination (Without Literature)

Most of these courses require:

• English Language (compulsory)
• Government or History
• Economics or CRS/IRS
• Any other relevant art or social science subject

Mathematics is required for:

• Economics
• Banking and Finance
• Accounting
• Geography (in some schools)

Can I Study Mass Communication Without Literature?

In most Nigerian universities, no.

Mass Communication typically requires:

• English
• Literature
• Government
• Any other art subject

If you failed Literature, consider switching to:

• Sociology
• Political Science
• International Relations
• Fine Arts

What If I Have D7 or F9 in Literature?

If you have D7 or F9, you can still apply for many of the 30 courses listed above, provided:

• You meet English Language requirement
• You meet Mathematics requirement (if needed)
• You score high in UTME

Career Opportunities Without Literature

Not studying Literature does not limit your success.

Graduates from the courses listed above work as:

• Diplomats
• Civil servants
• NGO officers
• Economists
• Political analysts
• Religious leaders
• Psychologists
• Researchers
• Artists
• Cultural consultants

Many are equally competitive and financially rewarding.

Important Admission Tips

1. Always confirm requirements using the official JAMB brochure.
2. Check each university’s Post-UTME requirements.
3. Consider universities with flexible admission policies.
4. Score high in UTME to improve your chances.
5. Consider changing institution if your preferred school requires Literature.

Conclusion

Failing Literature in English does not end your academic journey.

There are many respected and competitive courses you can study without Literature in Nigeria. The key is knowing the right options and confirming admission requirements early.

Before applying, always check the official Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board brochure and your chosen university’s website.

Choose wisely. Apply smartly. Succeed confidently.

FAQs

What course can I study without Literature as an art student?

You can study:

• Political Science
• Sociology
• Psychology
• History
• Islamic Studies
• CRS
• Philosophy
• Economics
• Fine and Applied Arts
• International Relations

Is Literature compulsory for art students in Nigeria?

No. Literature is compulsory only for specific courses like Mass Communication, Theatre Arts, English, and Law (in most schools).

Can I study Political Science without Literature?

Yes. Most universities do not require Literature for Political Science.

Can I study Law without Literature?

Most Nigerian universities require Literature for Law. Always confirm from the school portal.

Can I change my course if I failed Literature?

Yes. You can change to any of the 30 courses listed above that do not require Literature.