• O’Level Requirements
• Direct Entry Requirements
• JAMB Cut-Off Marks
• Duration of the Course
• Master’s & Doctoral Requirements
• Postgraduate Requirements
• Universities Offering the Course
• Career Opportunities
• Everything You Must Know**

INTRODUCTION

Linguistics and Communication Studies is a multidisciplinary academic program that blends the scientific study of language with the practical principles of communication. Unlike traditional Linguistics, which focuses primarily on the structural and cognitive aspects of language, Linguistics and Communication Studies combines language science with human communication theories, media studies, cultural communication, public relations, and applied linguistics.In Nigeria today, the course has become increasingly popular because of its wide applicability across industries such as media, publishing, digital communications, content strategy, corporate branding, academia, and diplomacy. Whether you want to become a broadcaster, editor, communication strategist, language researcher, content developer, or a speech consultant, Linguistics and Communication Studies offers a solid foundation.This course is offered at both federal and state universities, and the admission process follows standard guidelines set by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) and the various university Senates.This complete guide explains—in full detail—the JAMB subject combinations, O’Level requirements, Direct Entry pathways, postgraduate requirements, cut-off marks, universities offering the program, course duration, and rich career opportunities.Let’s begin.

CHAPTER 1: UNDERSTANDING THE COURSE

What is Linguistics and Communication Studies?

Linguistics and Communication Studies is an academic program that studies:

• The nature, structure, and functions of human language
• How language is used in communication
• How meaning is created, processed, and interpreted
• The interaction between language, society, and culture
• Human communication models
• Media communication and message delivery
• Applied language use in technology, advertising, translation, and public relations
• Speech, phonetics, discourse analysis, syntax, and semantics
• Cross-cultural communication and sociolinguistics
• Organizational and interpersonal communication

Students explore both theoretical linguistics (syntax, morphology, phonology, semantics) and applied communication fields (public speaking, media writing, advertising, public relations, crisis communication, persuasive communication, digital communication, etc.).The course equips students with analytical thinking, communication competence, critical reasoning, creativity, and strong writing skills.

CHAPTER 2: JAMB SUBJECT COMBINATIONS FOR LINGUISTICS AND COMMUNICATION STUDIES

To gain admission into Linguistics and Communication Studies through UTME, you must select the correct JAMB subjects. Wrong subject combinations often lead to automatic disqualification, even with high scores.

COMPULSORY JAMB SUBJECTS INCLUDE:

1. Use of English – (Compulsory for all candidates)
2. Two (2) Arts subjects
3. Any other subject (either Arts or Social Science)

RECOMMENDED JAMB SUBJECT COMBINATIONS:

Option A:

• Use of English
• Literature in English
• Government / History
• CRS / IRS / Any Nigerian Language

Option B:

• Use of English
• Literature in English
• Economics
• Government

Option C:

• Use of English
• Any three Arts subjects

Option D (for flexibility):

• Use of English
• Literature in English
• Yoruba/Igbo/Hausa
• Government or CRS

MOST UNIVERSITIES ACCEPT:

• Literature in English
• Government or History
• Any Nigerian Language (Igbo, Yoruba, Hausa)
• CRS or IRS
• Economics
• Any other Arts subject

Subjects NOT Recommended:

• Biology
• Chemistry
• Physics
• Principles of Accounting
• Agricultural Science
• Technical Drawing

Except where specifically stated, sciences are not required.

CHAPTER 3: O’LEVEL REQUIREMENTS FOR LINGUISTICS AND COMMUNICATION STUDIES

This course accepts WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB results.

COMPULSORY O’LEVEL REQUIREMENTS (5 Credit passes):

1. English Language – Mandatory
2. Literature in English – Highly recommended
3. Mathematics – At least credit level
4. Any Nigerian Language (Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa) – Advantageous
5. Any other two Arts or Social Science subjects

Acceptable Additional Subjects Include:

• CRS/IRS
• Government
• History
• Civic Education
• Economics
• Fine Arts
• Music
• Commerce (accepted in some institutions)

Minimum O’Level Credits Required:

Five (5) O’Level credits obtained in not more than two sittings.

CHAPTER 4: DIRECT ENTRY (DE) REQUIREMENTS

For candidates seeking 200 Level admission:

DIRECT ENTRY REQUIREMENTS INCLUDE:

1. Two (2) A-Level passes in Arts or Social Science subjects (e.g., Literature, Government, CRS, Nigerian Languages).
2. NCE (Merit or above) in English, Linguistics, Nigerian Languages, or Communication Studies.
3. Diploma/OND (Upper Credit)in relevant fields such as:
   • Mass Communication
   • Linguistics
   • English Studies
   • Public Relations
   • Theatre & Performing Arts
4. JUPEB / IJMB Certificates with required points in Arts subjects.

NOTE:

Universities accept various DE qualifications, but students must still possess the required O’Level credits.

CHAPTER 5: JAMB CUT-OFF MARKS FOR LINGUISTICS AND COMMUNICATION STUDIES

Cut-off marks vary by university and year. While JAMB may set the minimum at 140 or 160, universities usually raise their departmental cut-off marks.

TYPICAL CUT-OFF SCORES:

• Federal Universities: 180 – 220
• State Universities: 160 – 200
• Private Universities: 140 – 170

HIGHLY COMPETITIVE SCHOOLS MAY REQUIRE:

• 200 – 250 UTME score (especially UNN, UNIUYO, UNIBEN)
• High Post-UTME score
• Strong O’Level grades

REALISTIC TARGET:

Aim for 220 and above to improve your chances.

CHAPTER 6: DURATION OF THE COURSE

UTME Students:

4 years

Direct Entry Students:

3 years

Additional Requirements:

Students may need to complete:

• Industrial training (where applicable)
• Final year research project
• Fieldwork in communication or linguistics

CHAPTER 7: UNIVERSITIES OFFERING LINGUISTICS AND COMMUNICATION STUDIES IN NIGERIA

While many universities offer Linguistics or Communication Studies separately, only a few offer the combined program Linguistics and Communication Studies as a single degree.The major university known for this course is:

1. University of Calabar (UNICAL)

• Offers B.A. Linguistics and Communication Studies
• One of the best in Nigeria for this specialization

Other universities offer closely related programs such as:

Related Courses in Other Universities

• Linguistics (UNN, UNILAG, UI, OAU, ABU, UNILORIN, etc.)
• Communication & Language Arts (UI)
• Linguistics and African Languages (OAU, UNN)
• Linguistics and Nigerian Languages (various universities)
• Communication Studies / Communication Arts (UNIUYO, AAUA, etc.)
• Media & Communication (Private universities)

Even though not all universities combine the course exactly as UNICAL does, candidates can study either Linguistics or Communication Studies in these other schools and still pursue similar career paths.

CHAPTER 8: WHAT STUDENTS LEARN IN THE PROGRAM

Linguistics and Communication Studies covers broad topics such as:

Linguistics:

• Phonetics
• Morphology
• Syntax
• Semantics
• Pragmatics
• Sociolinguistics
• Applied Linguistics
• Discourse Analysis
• Semiology

Communication Studies:

• Interpersonal Communication
• Organizational Communication
• Mass Communication principles
• Public Relations
• Advertising
• Media Writing
• Speech Communication
• Cross-cultural Communication
• Digital and Online Communication
• Gender and Communication
• Political Communication
• Persuasion and Rhetoric

The program is practical, interactive, and research-focused.

CHAPTER 9: POSTGRADUATE REQUIREMENTS

Students who wish to further their studies can specialize in:

• Linguistics
• Communication Studies
• African Languages
• Applied Linguistics
• Media & Cultural Studies
• Communication & Language Arts
• Public Relations & Strategic Communication
• Language Documentation
• Discourse & Rhetorical Studies
• Speech & Hearing Sciences

General Admission Requirements for Postgraduate Programs:

Postgraduate Diploma (PGD):

• A Bachelor’s degree with at least Third Class OR
• HND (Upper Credit or Lower Credit with experience)

Master’s Degree (M.A or M.Sc):

• A minimum of Second Class Lower (2:2) in Linguistics, English, Communication Studies, or related fields
• PGD for candidates with weak first degrees

Master of Philosophy (M.Phil):

• Strong Master’s coursework performance
• Research proposal required

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD):

• A Master’s degree with Thesis (minimum CGPA requirement varies by university)
• Research interest aligned with departmental academic staff
• Proposal defense may be required

CHAPTER 10: CAREER OPPORTUNITIES FOR GRADUATES

Graduates of Linguistics and Communication Studies enjoy one of the widest career options in the Arts and Humanities.

1. Media & Journalism Careers

• News Reporter
• Editor
• Broadcaster
• Presenter
• Media Researcher
• Program Producer
• Media Content Developer
• Blogger / Vlogger

2. Public Relations & Corporate Communication

• Public Relations Officer
• Corporate Communications Manager
• Reputation Manager
• Crisis Communication Specialist
• Brand Communication Manager

3. Advertising & Marketing

• Creative Copywriter
• Advertising Strategist
• Content Marketer
• Social Media Manager
• SEO Content Writer

4. Academia & Research

• Linguistics Lecturer
• Communication Studies Lecturer
• Research Associate
• Language Documenter
• Cultural Analyst

5. Government & Public Sector

• Language Policy Analyst
• Diplomatic Services
• Immigration & Civil Service roles
• Cultural Officer

6. Publishing & Editing

• Editor
• Proofreader
• Manuscript Consultant
• Technical Writer

7. Creative & Entertainment Industry

• Script Writer
• Dialogue Coach
• Film/Drama Researcher

8. Private Sector Employment

• Customer Communication Specialist
• Brand Strategist
• Client Relations Manager

9. Tech Industry Opportunities

• User Experience (UX) Writer
• Language Data Analyst
• Speech Technology Consultant
• AI linguist

10. Entrepreneurship Opportunities

• Digital Media Agency
• Publishing House
• PR Consultancy
• Content Writing Agency
• Online Learning Platform

The course equips students for modern communication-driven industries, making them highly employable.

CHAPTER 11: WHY STUDY LINGUISTICS AND COMMUNICATION STUDIES?

1. High Demand in Digital Era

Brands need communication experts in the age of social media.

2. Versatility

You can work in education, media, government, business, or tech.

3. Global Relevance

Language and communication are universal.

4. Excellent for Creative Minds

If you love writing, speaking, analyzing language, or creating content, the course is perfect.

5. Strong Postgraduate and International Prospects

Graduates easily qualify for Master’s programs abroad.

CHAPTER 12: TIPS FOR ASPIRING STUDENTS

1. Read Widely

Consume books, news articles, journals, and academic texts.

2. Improve Writing Skills

Writing is central to the course.

3. Practice Public Speaking

Join debates, theatre, or campus radio clubs.

4. Learn a Second Language

It boosts your value as a linguist.

5. Gain Digital Skills

Content writing

SEO

Media editing

Social media management

Graphic designThese make graduates more employable.

CONCLUSION

Linguistics and Communication Studies is one of the most intellectually stimulating and professionally rewarding courses in Nigerian universities today. It blends language science with communication arts, preparing students for diverse roles in media, corporate communication, academia, technology, and creative industries.Whether you're applying through UTME or Direct Entry, the course offers enormous potential for career growth, postgraduate studies, and real-world impact. With accurate JAMB subject combinations, solid O’Level results, and good preparation, gaining admission is achievable.If you’re passionate about language, communication, writing, creativity, or media, this course is one of the best choices you can make.