This post is for anyone searching national open university courses and requirements because you want two clear things: what you can study at NOUN, and what you need to qualify for admission (without confusion).
A lot of people hear that NOUN is “easy to enter,” then they apply blindly and run into issues like missing O’level subjects, picking the wrong entry level, or choosing a programme that has extra conditions. That’s why this national open university courses and requirements guide is written in a practical way: courses first, then requirements, then examples, so you can match your results to a real programme.
Quick Overview: What NOUN is (and why people choose it)
The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) is Nigeria’s major open and distance learning university. The learning system is built for flexibility, meaning many students choose it because they want to combine schooling with work, business, family responsibilities, or living outside their campus state.
So when people search national open university courses and requirements, they’re often looking for programmes they can run with a flexible study pattern, plus the admission rules that won’t waste their time.
National Open University Requirements For Undergraduate Admission
For undergraduate admission, the general noun requirement is based on O’level results and relevance to the programme you want to study.
Requirements For 100 Level Entry
For 100 level entry, the common national open university requirements include:
- Five credit passes in SSCE/NECO/GCE/NABTEB (or equivalent) in subjects relevant to your proposed programme.
- Credits in English Language and Mathematics are required across faculties.
- Some programmes have extra subject expectations (for example, certain science-based and language-based programmes).
This is the main reason people search national open university courses and requirements: the courses are many, but the subject combinations and expectations can differ.
Requirements For 200 Level Entry (Direct Entry)
For direct entry (often 200 level), the national open university requirements generally include:
- Five O’level credits (including English Language and Mathematics), plus
- An accepted higher qualification such as National Diploma (ND) at Upper Credit, NCE (with the required merit/pass structure), or approved A-level equivalents like IJMB with relevant subjects.
Direct entry is important because it saves time for candidates who already have ND, NCE, or similar qualifications.
Programme-Specific Requirements You Should Not Ignore
This is where many applicants get surprised. Beyond the general noun requirement, some faculties have clear programme-specific conditions.
Faculty Of Arts
For Arts programmes, English Language is usually a must. For French, having French as part of your O’level subjects is commonly required to enter the French programme.
Faculty Of Science
For Science programmes, English Language and Mathematics are key, and science subjects matter depending on the programme. Some science programmes may consider a pass in Physics or Biology depending on whether the programme is biological-science-related or physical-science-related.
Environmental Science And Resource Management also has a clear subject mix expectation: beyond English and Mathematics, you need relevant science or geography-related subjects.
Faculty Of Health Sciences (Important)
Health programmes can come with stronger professional requirements.
For Nursing Science (B.NSc), the requirements can include:
- Five O’level credits including English Language, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
- Registered Nurse or Midwifery certificates (where applicable).
- A valid practice licence and evidence of experience/attestation, depending on the pathway.
This is why a general “five credits” summary is not enough for some applicants. If you are searching noun courses and requirement because of Nursing, you must treat Nursing as a professional programme with extra checks.
National Open University Requirements For Postgraduate Admission
Postgraduate requirements depend on the type of programme:
Postgraduate Diploma (PGD)
PGD programmes generally require:
- A bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) from a recognised institution, or
- HND (often with at least Lower Credit) depending on the programme.
Master’s Degree Programmes
Master’s programmes generally require:
- A first degree in a relevant field, often with at least Second Class Lower, or
- A PGD in a related field as an alternative pathway in some cases.
PhD Programmes
PhD programmes generally require:
- A relevant master’s degree with a strong academic performance standard,
- And additional steps such as transcripts and possible screening/interview sessions.
See Also:45 Best Schools of Nursing in Nigeria With Fees and Cut Off Marks
Complete List Of Faculties, Departments, And Courses Offered At NOUN
The list below covers the faculties, departments, and programmes published by NOUN, plus additional programmes shown in NOUN’s programmes/accreditation status document so that the national open university courses section is not missing key offerings.
If your goal is national open university courses and requirements, this is the part most people bookmark.
Faculty Of Agricultural Sciences
Department: Agricultural Economics And Extension
- B Agric, Agricultural Economics and Agro-Business
- B Agric, Agricultural Extension and Rural Development
- PGD, Agricultural Extension Management
Department: Animal Science And Fisheries
- B Agric, Animal Science
Department: Crop And Soil Science
- B Agric, Crop Science
- B Agric, Soil and Land Resources Management
Additional Undergraduate Programmes Listed In NOUN Academic Programme Status
- B.Sc. Agricultural Extension and Management
- B.Fisheries & Aquaculture
- B.Sc. Hotel & Catering Management
Faculty Of Arts
Department: English
- BA, English
- M A, English (Comparative Literature)
- M A, English (Language)
- M A, English (Literature In English)
- MPhil/PhD, English – Comparative Literature
- MPhil/PhD, English – Language Specialisation
- MPhil/PhD, English – Literature
- PhD, English – Comparative Literature
- PhD, English – Language
- PhD, English – Literature
Department: Linguistics, Foreign And Nigerian Languages
- BA, Arabic
- BA, French
- BA, Hausa
- BA, Igbo
- BA, Yoruba
Department: Philosophy
- BA, Philosophy
Department: Religious Studies
- BA, Christian Theology
- BA, Islamic Studies
Postgraduate (Christian Religious Studies) specialisations:
- M A, Christian Religious Studies – African Traditional Religion
- M A, Christian Religious Studies – Church History
- M A, Christian Religious Studies – New Testament
- M A, Christian Religious Studies – Old Testament
- M A, Christian Religious Studies – Pastoral Theology
- M A, Christian Religious Studies – Philosophy of Religion
- M A, Christian Religious Studies – Religion and Society
- M A, Christian Religious Studies – Systematic Theology
- M A, Islamic Studies
- PGD, Christian Religious Studies
PhD (Christian Theology) specialisations:
- PhD, Christian Theology – African Christian Theology
- PhD, Christian Theology – African Traditional Religion
- PhD, Christian Theology – Church History
- PhD, Christian Theology – New Testament
- PhD, Christian Theology – Old Testament
- PhD, Christian Theology – Pastoral Theology
- PhD, Christian Theology – Philosophy of Religion
- PhD, Christian Theology – Systematic Theology
Faculty Of Computing
Department: Computer Science
- BSc, Computer Science
- BSc, Information Technology
- PGD, Information Technology
- MSc, Information Technology
- MPhil/PhD, Information Technology
- PhD, Information Technology
Faculty Of Education
Department: Arts And Social Science Education
- B A (Ed) English
- B A (Ed) French
- B Sc (Ed) Business Education
Department: Educational Foundations
- B A (Ed) Early Childhood Education
- B A (Ed) Primary Education
- M Ed, Administration and Planning
- M Ed, Educational Technology
- M Ed, Guidance and Counselling
- PGD, Education
- PhD, Educational Administration
- PhD, Educational Planning
- PhD, Educational Technology
Additional Postgraduate Programme Listed In NOUN Academic Programme Status
- PGDDE
Department: Health And Human Kinetics
- B Sc (Ed) Health Education
- B Sc (Ed) Human Kinetics
Additional Undergraduate Programme Title Listed In NOUN Academic Programme Status
- B.Sc.(Ed) Physical & Health Education
Department: Library And Information Sciences
- B LIS, Library and Information Science
Department: Science Education
- B Sc (Ed) Agricultural Science
- B Sc (Ed) Biology
- B Sc (Ed) Chemistry
- B Sc (Ed) Computer Science
- B Sc (Ed) Integrated Science
- B Sc (Ed) Mathematics
- B Sc (Ed) Physics
- M Ed, Science Education
- PhD, Mathematics Education
- PhD, Science Education
Faculty Of Health Sciences
Department: Environmental Health Science
- BSc, Environmental Health Science
Department: Nursing Science
- B NSc, Nursing Science
Department: Public Health
- BSc, Public Health
- MSc, Public Health
- PhD, Public Health
Additional Postgraduate Programme Listed In NOUN Academic Programme Status
- PGD, Public Health
Faculty Of Law
Department: Law
- LLB, Law
- LLM, Law
- PGD, Legislative Drafting
- PhD, Law
Faculty Of Management Sciences
Department: Business Administration
- BSc, Business Administration
- BSc, Marketing
- PGD, Business Administration
- MBA, Business Administration
- MSc, Business Administration
- MPhil/PhD, Business Administration
- PhD, Business Administration
Department: CEMBA / CEMPA
- CEMBA, Business Administration (CEMBA)
- CEMPA, Public Administration (CEMPA)
Department: Entrepreneurial Studies
- BSc, Cooperative and Rural Development
- BSc, Entrepreneurship
- PGD, Entrepreneurship
- MSc, Entrepreneurship
- MPhil/PhD, Entrepreneurship
- PhD, Entrepreneurship
Department: Financial Studies
- BSc, Accounting
- BSc, Banking and Finance
Department: Public Administration
Faculty Of Science
Department: Biology
- BSc, Biology
Department: Chemistry
- BSc, Chemistry
Department: Environmental Science
- BSc, Environmental Science and Resource Management
Department: Mathematics
- BSc, Mathematics
- BSc, Mathematics and Computer Science
Department: Physics
- BSc, Physics
Faculty Of Social Sciences
Department: Criminology And Security Studies
- BSc, Criminology and Security Studies
- PGD, Criminology and Security Studies
- MSc, Criminology and Security Studies
- MPhil/PhD, Criminology and Security Studies
- PhD, Criminology and Security Studies
Department: Development Studies
- BSc, Development Studies
Department: Economics
- BSc, Economics
- PGD, Economics
- MSc, Economics
- MPhil/PhD, Economics
- PhD, Economics
Department: Mass Communication
- BSc, Broadcast Journalism
- BSc, Film Production
- BSc, Mass Communication
- PGD, Mass Communication
- MSc, Mass Communication
- MPhil/PhD, Mass Communication
- PhD, Mass Communication
Additional Postgraduate Programme Listed In NOUN Academic Programme Status
- PGD, Journalism
Department: Peace Studies And Conflict Resolution
- BSc, Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution
- PGD, Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution
- MSc, Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution
- MPhil/PhD, Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution
- PhD, Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution
Department: Political Science
- BSc, International Relations
- BSc, Political Science
Department: Tourism Studies
- BSc, Tourism Studies
How To Use This List The Smart Way
If you are using this national open university courses and requirements guide to make a decision:
- Pick the faculty and programme first (not just a course name you heard online).
- Check your O’level subjects against the programme-specific requirements.
- Decide your entry level (100 level or direct entry).
- If you are applying for a professional programme like Nursing, treat the extra professional requirements as non-negotiable.
That approach protects you from choosing a programme you cannot be cleared for at screening.
Important Notes Candidates Should Know Before Applying
Here are the common things that cause problems for applicants, even when they think they’ve met national open university requirements:
- Missing Mathematics or English credit
Many applicants assume they can skip Mathematics. For most programmes, English and Mathematics are part of the baseline requirement. - Wrong subject mix
You may have five credits, but not the correct combination for your programme. - Choosing the wrong entry level
Some people with NCE/OND still apply as 100 level applicants, which can waste time. - Not confirming the official programme title
Some programme names look similar. Always select the exact programme title as listed officially.
These issues are why the phrase national open university courses and requirements keeps trending every year.
FAQs
Is NOUN admission through JAMB?
NOUN has its own admission process structure and application system, and applicants typically follow NOUN’s admission portal instructions for their chosen programme and entry level.
Can I study at NOUN with only NECO?
Yes, if your NECO result contains the required credits and subjects for your programme.
Does NOUN accept two sittings?
Many programme requirements mention credits obtained in not more than two sittings, but you should confirm this under your exact programme.
What is the most important noun requirement for undergraduates?
Five O’level credits including English Language and Mathematics is the baseline noun requirement for many programmes, then programme-specific subjects may apply.
Conclusion
National open university courses and requirements can look overwhelming because the programme list is wide and the entry rules are not identical across all faculties. But once you understand the baseline national open university requirements (five credits including English and Mathematics) and then pay attention to programme-specific conditions, the whole process becomes straightforward.