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Understanding NOUN's Admission Process
NOUN operates differently from conventional universities. The admission process is more flexible, and the university admits students multiple times per year. You don't necessarily need JAMB for all programs, which makes it accessible to many Nigerians who want to continue their education.
General Entry Requirements
For undergraduate programs, you need five O'level credits including English and Mathematics in not more than two sittings. Some courses have specific subject requirements. Postgraduate programs require a bachelor's degree or HND with good grades. Certificate programs have minimal requirements, sometimes just SSCE.
NOUN accepts Direct Entry candidates. If you have an OND, NCE, or similar qualifications, you can enter 200 level for most programs. This reduces your study time and saves money on tuition.
Faculty of Agricultural Sciences Courses
B.Agric Agricultural Economics and Agro-Business
This program trains students in agricultural business management and economics. You learn how to run farming businesses, understand market systems, and make agriculture profitable.
JAMB Requirements: English, Chemistry, Biology/Agricultural Science, and Mathematics or Physics
Direct Entry: ND or NCE in relevant fields with merit or distinction
Duration: 4 years minimum for UTME candidates, 3 years for Direct Entry
Mode of Study: Distance learning with occasional physical sessions at study centers
The course covers farm management, agricultural marketing, rural development, and agribusiness planning. Students do practical work during facilitation periods. FreshNote provides NOUN CBT practice materials that help you prepare for your examinations in this course.
B.Agric Agricultural Extension and Rural Development
This program focuses on teaching farmers new methods and developing rural communities. Extension workers serve as the bridge between research and farmers.
JAMB Requirements: English, Chemistry, Biology/Agricultural Science plus Mathematics or Physics
Direct Entry: ND, NCE in Agriculture or related fields
Duration: 4 years for UTME, 3 years Direct Entry
Mode of Study: Distance learning with facilitation
You study community development, communication methods, adult education, and agricultural innovations. The program prepares you for work with government agricultural agencies, NGOs, and development organizations.
PGD Agricultural Extension Management
This postgraduate diploma suits agricultural officers who want career advancement without doing a full master's program.
Requirements: Bachelor's degree or HND in Agriculture or related fields with minimum of lower credit
Duration: 1 year minimum
Mode of Study: Distance learning
B.Agric Animal Science
Animal Science teaches livestock production, breeding, nutrition, and management. Nigeria needs more trained animal scientists to boost livestock production.
JAMB Requirements: English, Chemistry, Biology/Agricultural Science, Physics or Mathematics
Direct Entry: ND or NCE in Animal Science or Agriculture
Duration: 4 years UTME, 3 years Direct Entry
Mode of Study: Distance learning with practical sessions
The curriculum covers animal breeding, nutrition, health, production systems, and farm management. Students learn about poultry, cattle, goats, sheep, pigs, and fish farming.
B.Agric Crop Science
Crop Science deals with growing crops, improving yields, and managing plant diseases. It's essential for food security.
JAMB Requirements: English, Chemistry, Biology/Agricultural Science, Mathematics or Physics
Direct Entry: Relevant ND or NCE
Duration: 4 years standard, 3 years Direct Entry
Mode of Study: Distance learning
Topics include crop production, plant breeding, seed science, pest management, and post-harvest technology. The program suits farmers, agricultural officers, and aspiring agronomists.
B.Agric Soil and Land Resources Management
This specialized program teaches soil science, land use planning, and environmental management. Proper soil management determines agricultural success.
JAMB Requirements: English, Chemistry, Biology/Agricultural Science, Mathematics or Physics
Direct Entry: ND or NCE in relevant fields
Duration: 4 years or 3 years Direct Entry
Mode of Study: Distance learning with facilitation.
How to calculate your NOUN CGPA online
Faculty of Arts Courses
BA English
English remains one of the most popular courses at NOUN. It covers literature, language studies, and communication skills.
JAMB Requirements: English, Literature in English, and any two Arts or Social Science subjects
Direct Entry: NCE, ND in relevant fields with merit
Duration: 4 years standard, 3 years Direct Entry
Mode of Study: Distance learning
Students study poetry, drama, prose, phonetics, syntax, and creative writing. The program prepares graduates for teaching, media work, publishing, and corporate communication. FreshNote's NOUN CGPA calculator helps English students track their academic progress throughout the program.
MA English (Comparative Literature, Language, Literature in English)
NOUN offers three master's specializations in English. These programs suit teachers, writers, and communication professionals seeking advancement.
Requirements: Bachelor's degree in English or related field with minimum of second class lower
Duration: 2 years minimum
Mode of Study: Distance learning with research supervision
MPhil/PhD English Programs
NOUN provides MPhil/PhD options in Comparative Literature, Language, and Literature. These research-focused programs produce scholars and university lecturers.
Requirements: Master's degree in English with minimum CGPA of 3.5 on 5-point scale
Duration: 3-6 years depending on research progress
Mode of Study: Distance learning with regular supervisor meetings
BA Arabic, French, Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba
Language programs at NOUN preserve Nigerian languages and teach foreign languages. Each program follows similar structure but different content.
JAMB Requirements: English and the target language (if applicable), plus two other Arts or Social Science subjects. Check out our JAMB combination tool
Direct Entry: NCE, ND in Languages
Duration: 4 years or 3 years Direct Entry
Mode of Study: Distance learning
These programs produce language teachers, translators, cultural workers, and communication specialists. The Hausa, Igbo, and Yoruba programs help preserve Nigerian linguistic heritage.
BA Philosophy
Philosophy develops critical thinking, logic, and analytical skills. Students explore ethics, metaphysics, epistemology, and African philosophy.
JAMB Requirements: English and any three Arts or Social Science subjects
Direct Entry: Relevant NCE or ND
Duration: 4 years standard, 3 years Direct Entry
Mode of Study: Distance learning
BA Christian Theology and BA Islamic Studies
These religious studies programs train church workers, Islamic scholars, and religious educators.
JAMB Requirements: English, Christian Religious Studies or Islamic Studies, and two other subjects
Direct Entry: NCE, ND in Religious Studies
Duration: 4 years or 3 years Direct Entry
Mode of Study: Distance learning with occasional workshops
NOUN offers extensive postgraduate options in Christian Theology including MA and PhD in various specializations like Church History, Pastoral Theology, Systematic Theology, Old and New Testament studies, and African Traditional Religion. Each specialization requires relevant bachelor's degree and takes 2-6 years depending on level.
Faculty of Computing Courses
BSc Computer Science
Computer Science at NOUN covers programming, software development, databases, networks, and computer theory.
JAMB Requirements: English, Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry or Biology
Direct Entry: ND in Computer Science or related field with upper credit
Duration: 4 years standard, 3 years Direct Entry
Mode of Study: Distance learning with online resources
Students learn programming languages, algorithms, data structures, artificial intelligence, and web development. The program produces software developers, system analysts, and IT consultants. FreshNote offers NOUN CBT practice materials specifically designed for Computer Science courses.
Step by step guide for passing NOUN exam with flying colors
BSc Information Technology
IT focuses on applying technology to solve business problems rather than pure programming. It's more practical than Computer Science.
JAMB Requirements: English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry or Biology
Direct Entry: Relevant ND with upper credit
Duration: 4 years or 3 years Direct Entry
Mode of Study: Distance learning
The curriculum covers network administration, database management, system security, project management, and IT consulting. Many working IT professionals choose this program for career advancement.
MSc, PGD, MPhil/PhD Information Technology
NOUN provides complete postgraduate pathway in IT from diploma to doctorate.
PGD Requirements: Bachelor's or HND in any field (for career switchers)
MSc Requirements: Bachelor's in IT or related field with second class lower minimum
PhD Requirements: Master's in IT with good grades
Duration: PGD 1 year, MSc 2 years, PhD 3-6 years
Mode of Study: Distance learning with project/thesis supervision
Faculty of Education Courses
BA(Ed) English and BA(Ed) French
Education programs combine subject mastery with teaching methodology. These programs produce qualified teachers.
JAMB Requirements: English, the target language, and two other subjects
Direct Entry: NCE in Languages
Duration: 4 years standard, 3 years Direct Entry through NCE
Mode of Study: Distance learning with teaching practice
BSc(Ed) Business Education
This program trains business subject teachers for secondary schools. It combines business concepts with pedagogy.
JAMB Requirements: English, Mathematics, Economics, and any other subject
Direct Entry: NCE Business Education
Duration: 4 years or 3 years Direct Entry
Mode of Study: Distance learning
BA(Ed) Early Childhood Education and BA(Ed) Primary Education
These programs train nursery and primary school teachers. Nigeria needs qualified early childhood educators.
JAMB Requirements: English, any three subjects (Early Childhood), English and any three subjects (Primary Education)
Direct Entry: NCE with merit or distinction
Duration: 4 years standard, 2-3 years for NCE holders
Mode of Study: Distance learning with teaching practice
The NOUN CGPA calculator on FreshNote helps education students monitor their progress toward meeting teaching certification requirements.
BSc(Ed) Health Education and BSc(Ed) Human Kinetics
These programs train health and physical education teachers.
JAMB Requirements: English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Mathematics
Direct Entry: NCE in relevant fields
Duration: 4 years or 3 years Direct Entry
Mode of Study: Distance learning with practicals
B.LIS Library and Information Science
This program trains librarians and information managers for schools, universities, and organizations.
JAMB Requirements: English and any three subjects
Direct Entry: ND in Library Science
Duration: 4 years or 3 years Direct Entry
Mode of Study: Distance learning
BSc(Ed) Science Subjects
NOUN offers education programs in Agricultural Science, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Integrated Science, Mathematics, and Physics. All follow similar patterns.
JAMB Requirements: English, Mathematics, the relevant science subject, and one other science subject
Direct Entry: NCE in science education
Duration: 4 years or 2-3 years for NCE holders
Mode of Study: Distance learning with laboratory sessions and teaching practice
M.Ed Programs
NOUN offers master's in Administration and Planning, Educational Technology, Guidance and Counselling, and Science Education.
Requirements: Bachelor's in Education or related field with second class lower minimum
Duration: 2 years minimum
Mode of Study: Distance learning with thesis
PGD Education
This diploma allows non-education graduates to become qualified teachers.
Requirements: Bachelor's degree in any field
Duration: 1 year minimum
Mode of Study: Distance learning with teaching practice.
PhD Programs in Education
NOUN offers doctorates in Educational Administration, Educational Planning, Educational Technology, Mathematics Education, and Science Education.
Requirements: Master's degree in education with good grades
Duration: 3-6 years
Mode of Study: Distance learning with intensive research
Faculty of Health Sciences Courses
BSc Environmental Health Science
This program trains environmental health officers who ensure public health through sanitation, water quality, and environmental monitoring.
JAMB Requirements: English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Mathematics
Direct Entry: ND in Environmental Health or related field
Duration: 4 years or 3 years Direct Entry
Mode of Study: Distance learning with practical attachments
B.NSc Nursing Science
NOUN's nursing program suits registered nurses seeking degree qualification for career advancement.
Requirements: Registered Nurse/Midwife certificate with minimum of lower credit
Duration: 3-4 years depending on entry qualifications
Mode of Study: Distance learning with clinical attachments
This program does not train new nurses from scratch. Only qualified nurses can apply.
BSc, MSc, PhD Public Health
Public health programs train health educators, epidemiologists, and health program managers.
BSc JAMB Requirements: English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Mathematics
BSc Direct Entry: ND in health-related field
MSc Requirements: Bachelor's in health sciences or related field
PhD Requirements: Master's in Public Health with good grades
Duration: BSc 4 years (3 years Direct Entry), MSc 2 years, PhD 3-6 years
Mode of Study: Distance learning with fieldwork for postgraduate programs
FreshNote's NOUN CBT practice system includes health sciences questions to help students prepare for examinations.
Faculty of Law Courses
LLB Law
NOUN's law program produces qualified lawyers who can proceed to Nigerian Law School.
JAMB Requirements: English, Literature in English, and any two Arts or Social Science subjects
Direct Entry: NCE, ND with merit in relevant fields
Duration: 5 years standard, 4 years Direct Entry
Mode of Study: Distance learning with mandatory physical classes for some courses
Students study constitutional law, criminal law, contract law, property law, equity, jurisprudence, and legal practice. After completing LLB, graduates attend Nigerian Law School before being called to bar.
LLM Law
Master of Laws suits practicing lawyers and law graduates seeking specialization.
Requirements: LLB with second class lower minimum
Duration: 2 years minimum
Mode of Study: Distance learning with thesis
PGD Legislative Drafting
This specialized diploma trains legislative drafters for National Assembly, State Houses of Assembly, and legal departments.
Requirements: LLB or related degree
Duration: 1 year minimum
Mode of Study: Distance learning
PhD Law
NOUN's law doctorate produces legal scholars and university lecturers.
Requirements: LLM with good grades
Duration: 3-6 years
Mode of Study: Distance learning with intensive research
Faculty of Management Sciences Courses
BSc Business Administration and BSc Marketing
These programs train business managers and marketing professionals. Business Administration provides broad management training while Marketing focuses on sales, advertising, and customer relations.
JAMB Requirements: English, Mathematics, Economics, and any other Social Science subject
Direct Entry: ND, NCE in business or related fields with upper credit
Duration: 4 years standard, 3 years Direct Entry
Mode of Study: Distance learning
Students study management principles, organizational behavior, financial management, marketing strategies, and business law. Many working professionals choose these programs for career advancement.
MBA Business Administration
The MBA suits working professionals with several years experience seeking senior management positions.
Requirements: Bachelor's degree in any field with second class lower minimum, preferably with work experience
Duration: 2 years minimum
Mode of Study: Distance learning with intensive workshops
CEMBA and CEMPA
Commonwealth Executive MBA and Commonwealth Executive MPA are prestigious programs for senior professionals.
Requirements: Bachelor's degree plus minimum 5 years relevant work experience in management positions
Duration: 2 years minimum
Mode of Study: Distance learning with executive workshops
These programs cost more than regular MBA/MPA but offer international recognition through Commonwealth certification.
BSc Accounting
Accounting program trains accountants, auditors, and financial managers. Graduates can proceed to professional qualifications like ICAN, ACCA.
JAMB Requirements: English, Mathematics, Economics, and any other Social Science subject
Direct Entry: ND in Accountancy with upper credit
Duration: 4 years or 3 years Direct Entry
Mode of Study: Distance learning
The curriculum covers financial accounting, cost accounting, taxation, auditing, and management accounting. FreshNote provides course materials and CGPA calculator for Accounting students.
BSc Banking and Finance
This program suits bank workers and finance professionals. It covers banking operations, corporate finance, investment analysis, and financial markets.
JAMB Requirements: English, Mathematics, Economics, and one other subject
Direct Entry: ND in Banking, Finance, or Accounting
Duration: 4 years or 3 years Direct Entry
Mode of Study: Distance learning
BSc, MPA, MSc, PGD, MPhil/PhD Public Administration
Public Administration programs train civil servants, local government workers, and public sector managers.
BSc JAMB Requirements: English, Mathematics, Economics or Government, and any other subject
BSc Direct Entry: ND, NCE in relevant fields
MPA/MSc Requirements: Bachelor's degree with second class lower minimum
PGD Requirements: Bachelor's in any field
PhD Requirements: Master's in Public Administration with good grades
Duration: BSc 4 years (3 years Direct Entry), PGD 1 year, Masters 2 years, PhD 3-6 years
Mode of Study: Distance learning
BSc, MSc, PGD, MPhil/PhD Entrepreneurship
Entrepreneurship programs teach business creation, innovation, and small business management.
BSc JAMB Requirements: English, Mathematics, Economics, and any other subject
Direct Entry: Relevant ND, NCE
Postgraduate Requirements: Bachelor's degree for PGD, bachelor's with good grades for MSc, master's for PhD
Duration: BSc 4 years (3 years Direct Entry), PGD 1 year, MSc 2 years, PhD 3-6 years
Mode of Study: Distance learning
BSc Cooperative and Rural Development
This unique program trains cooperative society managers and rural development workers.
JAMB Requirements: English, Mathematics, Economics, and any other subject
Direct Entry: ND in related fields
Duration: 4 years or 3 years Direct Entry
Mode of Study: Distance learning
Faculty of Science Courses
BSc Biology
Biology program suits laboratory scientists, teachers, and those pursuing health-related careers.
JAMB Requirements: English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Mathematics
Direct Entry: ND in Biological Sciences
Duration: 4 years or 3 years Direct Entry
Mode of Study: Distance learning with laboratory practicals
BSc Chemistry
Chemistry produces industrial chemists, quality control officers, and chemistry teachers.
JAMB Requirements: English, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics or Biology
Direct Entry: ND in Chemistry or related field
Duration: 4 years or 3 years Direct Entry
Mode of Study: Distance learning with lab sessions
BSc Physics
Physics program trains physicists for research, industry, and teaching.
JAMB Requirements: English, Physics, Mathematics, Chemistry or Biology
Direct Entry: ND in Physics or related field
Duration: 4 years or 3 years Direct Entry
Mode of Study: Distance learning with practicals
BSc Mathematics and BSc Mathematics and Computer Science
Mathematics programs produce mathematicians, statisticians, and quantitative analysts.
JAMB Requirements: English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry or Biology
Direct Entry: ND in Mathematics or related field
Duration: 4 years or 3 years Direct Entry
Mode of Study: Distance learning
Mathematics and Computer Science combines both disciplines for careers in data science and computational mathematics.
BSc Environmental Science and Resource Management
This program addresses environmental conservation, pollution control, and resource management.
JAMB Requirements: English, Chemistry, Biology/Agricultural Science, Physics or Mathematics
Direct Entry: ND in environmental studies or sciences
Duration: 4 years or 3 years Direct Entry
Mode of Study: Distance learning with fieldwork
Faculty of Social Sciences Courses
BSc, MSc, PGD, MPhil/PhD Criminology and Security Studies
These programs train security professionals, criminologists, and law enforcement officers.
BSc JAMB Requirements: English and any three Social Science subjects
Direct Entry: ND, NCE in relevant fields
Postgraduate Requirements: Bachelor's for PGD/MSc, Master's for PhD
Duration: BSc 4 years (3 years Direct Entry), PGD 1 year, MSc 2 years, PhD 3-6 years
Mode of Study: Distance learning
BSc Development Studies
Development Studies examines poverty, inequality, and development interventions. It suits NGO workers and development practitioners.
JAMB Requirements: English and any three Social Science or Arts subjects
Direct Entry: Relevant ND or NCE
Duration: 4 years or 3 years Direct Entry
Mode of Study: Distance learning
BSc, MSc, PGD, MPhil/PhD Economics
Economics programs train economists, policy analysts, and financial consultants.
BSc JAMB Requirements: English, Mathematics, Economics, and any other subject
BSc Direct Entry: ND in Economics or related field
MSc Requirements: Bachelor's in Economics with second class lower
PGD Requirements: Bachelor's in any field
PhD Requirements: Master's in Economics
Duration: BSc 4 years (3 years Direct Entry), PGD 1 year, MSc 2 years, PhD 3-6 years
Mode of Study: Distance learning
BSc Mass Communication, BSc Broadcast Journalism, BSc Film Production
Media programs train journalists, broadcasters, filmmakers, and communication professionals.
JAMB Requirements: English, Literature in English, and any two Arts or Social Science subjects
Direct Entry: ND in Mass Communication or related field
Duration: 4 years or 3 years Direct Entry
Mode of Study: Distance learning with studio practice
Mass Communication provides broad training while Broadcast Journalism focuses on radio/TV news and Film Production covers movie making. NOUN offers complete postgraduate pathway including MSc, PGD, MPhil/PhD in Mass Communication.
BSc, MSc, PGD, MPhil/PhD Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution
These programs suit humanitarian workers, peacekeepers, and conflict mediators.
BSc JAMB Requirements: English and any three subjects
Direct Entry: Relevant ND or NCE
Postgraduate Requirements: Bachelor's for PGD/MSc, Master's for PhD
Duration: BSc 4 years (3 years Direct Entry), PGD 1 year, MSc 2 years, PhD 3-6 years
Mode of Study: Distance learning
BSc Political Science and BSc International Relations
These programs train diplomats, political analysts, and public servants.
JAMB Requirements: English, Government or History, and any two Social Science subjects
Direct Entry: ND, NCE in Social Sciences
Duration: 4 years or 3 years Direct Entry
Mode of Study: Distance learning
BSc Tourism Studies
Tourism program trains tour operators, hotel managers, and tourism development officers.
JAMB Requirements: English and any three subjects
Direct Entry: ND in Tourism or Hospitality
Duration: 4 years or 3 years Direct Entry
Mode of Study: Distance learning with industry attachment
Certificate Programs
Centre for Human Resource Development
NOUN offers short certificate courses through CHRD. These include Advanced Drivers Training, Air Conditioning System, Automotive Excellence, Electric Vehicles and Auto Diagnostics, Car Pre-purchase Inspection, Solar Installation, Tech-savvy with Cars, Tyre Technology, and Professional Child Care.
Requirements: SSCE or equivalent, some programs need no formal qualification
Duration: Few weeks to 6 months
Mode of Study: Practical training at designated centers
Entrepreneurship Education and Vocational Training Certificates
These short programs teach entrepreneurship basics and various vocational skills.
Requirements: Minimal, sometimes just interest
Duration: Few weeks to months
Mode of Study: Distance learning with some practicals
How NOUN Study Works
NOUN uses mixed delivery methods. Students receive course materials online and in print. Most studying happens at home or workplace according to your schedule. The university provides online platforms for accessing materials, submitting assignments, and taking tests.
Each semester includes facilitation periods where students attend study centers for face-to-face sessions with facilitators. Attendance is encouraged but not always mandatory. Science courses require laboratory practicals held at designated centers.
Examinations happen at NOUN centers nationwide. Students register courses, study independently, attend facilitation, and write exams. The CBT practice system on FreshNote helps students prepare for computer-based exams.
The university admits students three times yearly, giving flexibility unlike conventional universities. You can start in any semester based on when you complete admission requirements.
Using FreshNote for NOUN Success
FreshNote provides valuable tools for NOUN students. The NOUN CGPA calculator helps you track academic performance throughout your program. You input course grades and credit units, and it calculates your semester and cumulative GPA automatically.
The NOUN CBT practice system prepares you for computer-based examinations. It contains practice questions from various courses across different faculties. Regular practice familiarizes you with exam format and improves performance.
FreshNote also offers course materials, past questions, and study guides for NOUN courses. These resources supplement official materials and help you understand difficult concepts.
Conclusion
NOUN offers extensive program options from certificates to doctorates across multiple disciplines. The flexible admission requirements and study mode make higher education accessible to working Nigerians who cannot attend conventional universities.
Most undergraduate programs require five O'level credits with specific subject combinations depending on the course. JAMB is required for UTME entry while Direct Entry candidates need ND or NCE with good grades. Postgraduate programs require bachelor's degree with minimum second class lower.
Study duration ranges from few weeks for certificates to 4 years for undergraduate degrees and up to 6 years for doctorates. The distance learning mode allows you to study while working or managing other responsibilities.
Whether you want to study law, nursing, engineering, arts, or business, NOUN probably has a program for you. The university continues expanding course offerings to meet Nigeria's educational needs.