JAMB Subject Combination for Students Studying History and International Studies

1. Introduction to History & International Studies

History and International Studies is an interdisciplinary undergraduate degree program that combines the study of historical processes (local, national, and global) with the dynamics of international relations, diplomacy, and global affairs. This course equips students with analytical, research, and critical thinking skills, preparing them for roles in diplomacy, academia, public service, international organizations, and more.

2. JAMB Subject Combinations (UTME) for History & International Studies

To gain admission for History and International Studies via UTME (JAMB), candidates must choose the correct subject combination. According to the JAMB brochure and other sources:

• Compulsory subject: Use of English. 
• Core subject: History or Government (both are acceptable). 
• Other two subjects: Any two from Arts or Social Sciences (e.g., Economics, Geography, Literature in English, French, CRS/IRS). 

Therefore, a typical JAMB subject combination is:

Use of English + History/Government + Two (2) other Arts/Social Science subjects

3. O’Level (SSCE) Requirements

For O’Level (WAEC, NECO, NABTEB) students seeking admission into a History & International Studies program:

• A minimum of five (5) credit passes at O’Level is required. 
• Must include: English Language and History or Government. 
• The other three credits should preferably be from Arts or Social Science subjects. 
• Some universities waive certain subjects; for example: in some institutions, Geography is not compulsory. 

4. Direct Entry Requirements

If applying via Direct Entry (DE) (i.e., not via UTME), the typical requirements for History & International Studies are:

• Two A-Level passes (or equivalent) in relevant subjects, such as History, Government, or similar Arts/Social Science subjects. 
• Alternatively, NCE (National Certificate in Education) with a merit pass in History or Government and a related subject. 
• ND (National Diploma) or HND (Higher National Diploma) in a relevant field with at least lower credit may also be acceptable. 

5. JAMB Cut-Off Marks

The JAMB cut-off mark is the minimum UTME score required to be eligible for admission, but note that each university may set a higher departmental cut-off depending on demand, screening, and capacity.

• The general JAMB cut-off mark for universities (2026/2027 session) is 140. 
• However, for History & International Studies, many universities set higher cut-offs depending on competition. 
• For example, University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) reportedly requires a minimum of 160 for History & International Studies. 
• For University of Jos (UNIJOS), some sources note a departmental cut-off of 190 for History & International Studies. 

6. Duration of the Course (Undergraduate)

• Typically, a Bachelor’s degree (BA) in History & International Studies runs for 3 to 4 years in Nigerian universities, depending on the university and whether the student is full-time. 
• Some universities may have variations (such as sandwich or part-time programs), but the standard duration is around 3–4 years.

7. Universities Offering History & International Studies in Nigeria

Here are some universities in Nigeria that offer History and International Studies (or closely related programs):

(This is not an exhaustive list; many more Nigerian universities offer this program.)

8. Postgraduate Requirements (Master’s, PhD)

8.1 Master’s (M.A) / Postgraduate Diploma (PGD)

• For M.A in History & International Studies, a common requirement is a Bachelor’s degree in History, History & International Studies, International Relations, or a closely related field. 
• Minimum CGPA required: e.g., at University of Calabar, the M.A program requires a CGPA of 3.00 on a 5-point scale (or equivalent on a 4-point scale). 
• For a Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) in this department, candidates with a Bachelor’s degree (in History, Arts, Social Sciences) or HND with a certain average (e.g., CGPA ≥ 1.25) may be accepted. 
• O’Level requirement for PG students: Usually, 5 O’Level credit passes including English Language and Mathematics, not more than two sittings. 
• Duration for M.A (full-time) in some universities: e.g., University of Nigeria requires four semesters (two years), with the final semester devoted to dissertation. 
• Part-time M.A programs could run longer (e.g., six semesters or more). 

8.2 Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

• To enter a PhD program, candidates generally need a Master’s degree in History & International Studies (or a related field). For instance, Unical requires a Master’s in History & International Studies for its PhD program. 
• CGPA requirement: e.g., 3.50 on a 5-point scale (or 3.00 on a 4-point scale) in the Master’s degree. 
• Also, demonstrated research ability is required: e.g., Unical requires a good M.A dissertation with a minimum of 60% or a grade of B. 
• Some universities run a combined M.A/Ph.D track, where a student who does not meet the PhD CGPA threshold may be admitted into a mixed program. Example: Unical’s MA/PhD runs for a minimum of four academic sessions. 

9. Duration of the Course (Postgraduate)

• M.A (full-time): Usually 4 semesters (2 years). 
• M.A (part-time): Often 6 semesters or more, depending on the institution. 
• PhD: The duration may vary by university, but normally takes 3–5 years, depending on whether the candidate is full-time, their research topic, and the institution’s regulations.

10. Career Opportunities for Graduates

Graduates of History & International Studies have a wide and versatile set of career paths. Some of the potential opportunities include:

1. Diplomacy & Foreign Service: Working in Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, embassies, consulates, or as foreign service officers.
2. International Organizations: Roles in UN agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), intergovernmental institutions, think tanks.
3. Government and Public Service: Policy analysis, government planning agencies, civil service, intelligence agencies.
4. Academia & Research: Becoming lecturers, researchers, or historians; working in academic institutions, research centers, or universities.
5. Journalism & Media: As political analysts, correspondents, or writers focused on international affairs, global politics, and historical reporting.
6. Consultancy: International relations consulting, geopolitical risk analysis, cultural consultancy, historical consulting.
7. Business & International Trade: Working in multinational companies, global business development, trade relations, corporate strategy, especially in roles requiring understanding of international markets and historical context.
8. Peacekeeping & Conflict Resolution: In roles with NGOs, peacebuilding organizations, or governmental bodies tasked with conflict mediation, border studies, and security.
9. Archives, Museums & Heritage: Working in national archives, cultural heritage organizations, museums, or historical preservation agencies.
10. Policy Think Tanks: Contributing to policy development, writing white papers, advising governments or international bodies on geopolitical trends, history-informed policy.

11. Advantages & Skills Gained from the Course

By studying History & International Studies, students typically develop:

• Strong research skills: archival research, qualitative and quantitative methods.
• Critical thinking and analysis: evaluating historical sources, interpreting global events, comparing international systems.
• Communication skills: writing essays, policy papers, presenting arguments, public speaking.
• Understanding of global systems: diplomacy, international law, global governance, conflict resolution.
• Cultural awareness: knowledge of different cultures, historical contexts, cross-cultural communication.
• Policy literacy: analyzing political decisions, governmental policies, and their historical underpinnings.

These skills are highly desirable in many sectors, making graduates competitive in both governmental and non-governmental fields.

12. Challenges and Considerations

Before choosing this course, prospective students should be aware of some challenges:

• Competition for admission: Given that history/international relations is a popular course, departmental cut-off marks may be high in some universities.
• Limited funding: Postgraduate studies may require funding; research, conferences, and travel are often self-funded unless scholarships or grants are secured.
• Job market variability: While there are many career paths, not all roles are high-paying, especially in early career; success may require further study, specialization, or postgraduate qualification.
• Research demands: Graduate studies often involve intensive research, dissertation writing, and publication expectations.

13. Tips for Prospective Students

1. Aim high in UTME: Since cut-off marks may be raised, try to score well above the minimum.
2. Choose your JAMB subjects wisely: Ensure you pick subjects aligned with the requirement (History/Government + 2 social science/arts).
3. Strengthen your O’Level profile: Secure credit passes in relevant O’Level subjects – not just the minimum.
4. Consider direct entry options: If you have A-Levels, NCE, or ND/HND, you might apply via DE, which could be more favorable.
5. Look for scholarships: For postgraduate studies, explore funding from universities, government scholarships, and international foundations.
6. Develop language skills: Learning additional languages (e.g., French, Arabic, Chinese) can be a big plus in international relations.
7. Intern early: Seek internships with NGOs, think tanks, UN offices, diplomatic missions, or research institutions to gain practical experience.
8. Publish your work: Write essays, articles, or research papers during your studies to build your academic profile.
9. Network: Attend seminars, conferences, and join relevant student associations (e.g., International Relations clubs, History societies).

14. Conclusion

History and International Studies is a rich and multifaceted program that combines a deep understanding of the past with insight into contemporary global affairs. For students passionate about history, diplomacy, policy, and international relations, it offers a strong foundation and multiple career pathways.In Nigeria, gaining admission requires careful alignment of subjects in both JAMB and O’Level, meeting both general and departmental standards. Postgraduate prospects (M.A. and Ph.D.) are also well supported, but require academic commitment and often strong research credentials.Graduates leave the program with valuable research, analytical, and communication skills — making them well-suited for roles in diplomacy, academia, public service, international organizations, business, and more. With the right planning and ambition, a degree in History & International Studies can open doors to impactful and globally relevant careers.