Choosing Psychology is a fantastic decision with numerous opportunities for success. This course is suitable for both recent high school graduates and individuals with prior college experience and supporting credentials.
If you’re completing secondary school, achieving good grades in WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB is essential for pursuing Psychology. However, if you’ve already begun college, you can apply with qualifications such as a National Diploma (ND), Higher National Diploma (HND), or a Bachelor’s degree. Before applying, it’s crucial to thoroughly review these requirements to ensure you meet them. Embarking on a journey in Psychology opens doors to a field that explores the complexities of the human mind, offering a fulfilling and diverse academic experience.
What is Psychology?
Psychology is the scientific study of the mind and behavior. It seeks to understand and explain how people think, feel, act, and interact with each other and their environment. Psychologists use various methods, including observation, experimentation, and analysis, to explore and analyze mental processes and behaviors.
Why Should I Study Psychology as a Course?
Studying Psychology is great because it lets you understand how people think, feel, and behave. It’s useful in many areas like helping with mental health and making a difference in education and workplaces. Learning about Psychology gives you insights into human behavior and prepares you for various careers where you can positively impact individuals and communities. It’s not just a course; it’s a way to explore the fascinating world of the human mind and make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.
Note: Please be aware that the requirements listed below may vary in some schools. In such cases, it is recommended to refer to the PDF version of the JAMB Brochure for accurate information.
O’Level Requirements to Study Psychology
Faculty of Arts and Humanities
To pursue Psychology at the university level, you need to have five SSCE credit passes, which must include English Language, Mathematics, Biology, and any two relevant subjects from Arts, Social Sciences, or Sciences, as specified by the institution.
Faculty of Social and Management Science
To pursue a degree in Psychology under the Faculty of Social and Management Science at a university in Nigeria, you typically need to meet specific entry requirements. These usually include obtaining at least five (5) credit passes in the Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (SSCE). The required credits should cover subjects such as Government or History, English Language, and three (3) other subjects. Additionally, a pass in Mathematics is generally required for admission into a Psychology program.
Direct Entry Requirements to Study Psychology
Faculty of Arts and Humanities
- Two (2) A’ level passes to include Government or History
- National Diploma (ND) or Higher National Diploma (HND) in relevant programmes with either an upper or lower credit respectively.
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification with a minimum of Lower Credit.
Faculty of Social and Management Science
- Two (2) ‘A’ level passes including Government or History.
- ND upper credit and HND lower credit or NCE in any related Social/Management Science.
Jamb Subject Combination for Psychology
Faculty of Arts and Humanities
- English
- Government
- Any other two (2) Arts and Science subjects.
Faculty of Social and Management Science
- English
- Any three (3) subjects from Arts or Social Science.
Universities that Offer Psychology
Faculty of Arts and Humanities
- COVENANT: Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State
- EVANGEL: Evangel University, Akaeze, Ebonyi State
- PLASU: Plateau State University, Bokkos, Plateau State
Faculty of Social and Management Science
- AAUA: Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State
- ABUAD: Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State
- BAZE: Baze University, Abuja, Federal Capital Territory
- BSU: Benue State University, Makurdi, Benue State
- CALEB: Caleb University, Imota, Lagos State
- CARITAS: Caritas University, Amorji-Nike, Enugu State
- CHRISLAND: Chrisland University, Owode, Ogun State
- CHRISTOPHER: Christopher University, Mowe, Ogun State
- COOU: Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Uli, Anambra State
- COVENANT: Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State
- DELSU: Delta State University, Abraka, Delta State
- EBSU: Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State
- EKSU: Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State
- EPU: Eastern Palm University, Ogboko, Imo State
- ESUTECH: Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Enugu, Enugu State
- FED-GASHUA: Federal University, Gashua, Yobe State
- FED-NDUFU: Federal University, Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State
- FED-OYEEKITI: Federal University, Oye-Ekiti, Ekiti State
- GOUU: Godfrey Okoye University, Ugwuomu-Nike, Enugu State
- IBADAN: University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State
- ILORIN: University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Kwara State
- IMSU: Imo State University, Owerri, Imo State
- JOS: University of Jos, Jos, Plateau State
- LAGOS: University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos State
- LASU: Lagos State University, Ojo, Lagos State
- LCITY: Lead City University, Ibadan, Oyo State
- MADONNA: Madonna University, Elele, Rivers State
- NASARAWA: Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Nasarawa State
- NDA: Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna, Kaduna State
- OAU: Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State
- OOU: Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State
- PLASU: Plateau State University, Bokkos, Plateau State
- POL-ACAD: Nigerian Police Academy, Wudil, Kano State
- REDEEMERS: Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun State
- RENAISSANCE: Renaissance University, Ugbawka, Enugu State
- UNIZIK: Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State
- UNN: University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State
- UYO: University of Uyo, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is Psychology an Arts course?
Yes, Psychology is an Arts course. In Nigerian Universities offering the course, it falls under the Faculty of Arts and Humanities
Can Science Students Study Psychology?
It would be very difficult for Science Students to have the requirements needed to study Psychology at the University due to the combination of Arts Subjects that are often required. However, It is a good idea to check with the university or college you are interested in to find out their specific requirements. If you’re thinking about switching from science to arts, talking to academic advisors or the admissions office can provide helpful information. Alternatively, you can always use the Jamb Brochure to check if you are eligible to study the course.
Can Commercial Students Study Psychology?
Yes, students from commercial or business backgrounds can also choose to study Psychology at the university if they meet the criteria. However, the specific requirements might vary depending on the institution. It’s a good idea for students interested in art courses to check the admission requirements of the college or university they want to apply to. Some schools may have additional conditions to help students transition to art courses. So it is advisable to check the school’s website or the Jamb Brochure for more information
What Jobs can I apply for after studying Psychology?
After studying Psychology, you can apply for diverse job positions, including roles such as Clinical Psychologist, Counselor, Human Resources Specialist, Industrial-Organizational Psychologist, Educational Psychologist, Forensic Psychologist, Health Psychologist, Market Research Analyst, Social Worker, and Substance Abuse Counselor. The versatility of a psychology degree opens up opportunities in areas such as mental health, education, business, and social services.
How many years does it take to Study Psychology?
Getting a Psychology degree usually takes at least 4 years. But, if you enter through the direct entry program, it might be shorter, usually about 3 years, especially if you start at the 200 Level.
How challenging is it to gain admission to study Psychology at Nigerian universities?
Securing admission to study Psychology at Nigerian universities is easy, yet it remains crucial to fulfill all the requirements for the application process. Meeting these requirements ensures a smooth and successful admission process, emphasizing the importance of careful attention to detail when applying for the program.
What is the cut-off mark for Psychology?
The cut-off mark is 140. If you score at least 140 in the JAMB UTME, you can take the POST UTME exam. This exam is one of the criteria for getting admission to study the course you want at the university.
Note: Understand that the conditions mentioned above might differ in some universities. In such instances, it is advisable to check the PDF version of the JAMB Brochure for precise details. You can also access Jamb Subject Combination for other courses.