The B.Sc. in Fine and Applied Arts provides you with a solid foundation in both the creative and technical aspects of the visual arts. The programme is designed to develop your artistic talent, creative thinking, and professional competence through a combination of studio practice, theory, and research.
At OOU, we view art as an essential part of human experience, a bridge between culture, technology, and innovation. The programme equips you to express ideas through various media while addressing contemporary issues in art, design, and society. You will explore both traditional and modern art forms, gaining the knowledge and versatility needed to thrive as a practising artist, designer, or creative entrepreneur.
Course Overview
The B.Sc. Fine and Applied Arts programme runs for four academic years (eight semesters) and follows the Core Curriculum and Minimum Academic Standards (CCMAS) prescribed by the National Universities Commission (NUC).
This degree combines theoretical study with hands-on studio experience in painting, sculpture, ceramics, textiles, graphics, printmaking, and digital design. You will develop your artistic identity through personal projects, workshops, exhibitions, and field trips that expose you to the realities of the creative industry.
The programme also integrates courses in entrepreneurship, design technology, and art management, preparing you to apply your creative skills to modern challenges in visual communication, product design, cultural promotion, and community development.
Course Curriculum
The curriculum is designed to progressively build your knowledge and skills, from fundamental design principles to advanced artistic practice and creative management.
- Introduction to Fine and Applied Arts
- Drawing and Design Fundamentals
- Elements and Principles of Design
- Basic Painting and Colour Studies
- Introduction to Art History and Aesthetics
- Sculpture and Modelling Techniques
- General Studies (Use of English, Communication Skills, Nigerian People and Culture)
- Life Drawing and Composition
- Painting Techniques and Materials
- Ceramics and Pottery Design
- Textile Design and Fabric Printing
- Graphic Design and Illustration
- Art Appreciation and Criticism
- Computer Applications in Art and Design
- Entrepreneurship and Innovation in Creative Arts
- Advanced Drawing and Studio Practice
- Sculpture and Metal Construction
- Printmaking and Graphic Reproduction
- Research Methods in Visual Arts
- Exhibition and Gallery Management
- Industrial Training (SIWES)
- Art, Culture, and Society
- Advanced Studio Practice (Major and Minor Options)
- Contemporary Nigerian and African Art
- Digital Art and Multimedia Design
- Art Theory and Criticism
- Research Project / Dissertation
- Professional Exhibition and Portfolio Presentation
This curriculum is structured to ensure you graduate as a confident, skilled, and adaptable artist who can compete and collaborate across diverse sectors of the global creative economy.
Entry Requirements
Admission into the B.Sc. Fine and Applied Arts programme is offered through either the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) or the Direct Entry route.
1. UTME Entry (Five-Year Programme)
- Candidates must possess five (5) credit passes at not more than two sittings in English Language, Mathematics, Fine Art, and any two (2) of Chemistry, Technical Drawing, Geography, Economics, Biology, or any Nigerian Language.
- Applicants must register for and sit the UTME conducted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).
- The required UTME subjects are English Language, Fine Art, and any two (2) of Chemistry, Geography, Economics, or Biology.
- Successful candidates must also pass the university’s Post-UTME screening exercise before being considered for admission.
2. Direct Entry (Four-Year Programme)
- Candidates must possess a National Diploma (ND) or Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) with at least Upper Credit or Merit in relevant disciplines such as Fine Art, Graphic Design, Textile Design, or Industrial Design.
- Advanced Level (A-Level) passes in relevant subjects may also be accepted.
- Direct Entry applicants will be admitted into the 200 Level of the programme after participating in the university’s Direct Entry screening exercise.
Why study at OOU?
At Olabisi Onabanjo University, we are proud to nurture a new generation of artists and designers who think critically, create innovatively, and act responsibly. When you study Fine and Applied Arts with us, you benefit from:
- A Modern and Inspiring Environment: Our studios and workshops are equipped for both traditional and digital art production, encouraging creativity and experimentation.
- Experienced Lecturers and Practising Artists: You will be mentored by professionals who are active in the contemporary art and design industries.
- Comprehensive Curriculum: The blend of fine art, design, technology, and entrepreneurship ensures that your education is both creative and career-focused.
- Industry and Community Exposure: Through exhibitions, internships, and collaborative projects, you gain real-world experience that prepares you for self-employment or professional practice.
- Strong Research and Cultural Relevance: Our approach to art education reflects Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage while embracing global artistic trends.
Research Project
In your final year, you will undertake a research project that demonstrates your creative and analytical abilities. The project combines studio work and a written dissertation, allowing you to explore a topic of interest within the broad fields of fine art, design, or visual communication.
Supervised by experienced lecturers, you will:
- Identify and develop an original concept or problem.
- Conduct research into materials, techniques, and artistic themes.
- Produce a professional studio work or exhibition piece.
- Submit a well-documented report analysing your creative process and findings.
This final project showcases your readiness for the professional art world or postgraduate study, marking the culmination of your academic journey at OOU.
Graduation Requirements
To be awarded the Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) Degree in Fine and Applied Arts, you must meet the following requirements:
Academic requirements
- Complete and pass all core, elective, and general studies courses prescribed in the approved curriculum.
- Accumulate a minimum of 120 credit units for UTME entrants and at least 90 credit units for Direct Entry students.
- Maintain a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of not less than 1.50 on a 5.00 scale.
- Complete the Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES).
- Present and defend a final-year project consisting of a studio exhibition and written research report.
Degree Classification
Your final classification is determined by your Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA), as follows:
Meeting these requirements signifies that you have attained the creative competence, academic rigour, and professional discipline expected of graduates of Fine and Applied Arts from the university.
Career Opportunities
A degree in Fine and Applied Arts opens doors to a wide variety of rewarding career paths in both the creative industry and the public sector. Graduates of this programme can work as:
- Professional Artists and Designers (painters, sculptors, printmakers, illustrators)
- Graphic and Multimedia Designers
- Textile and Fashion Designers
- Ceramic and Product Designers
- Interior and Environmental Designers
- Art Educators or Lecturers in schools, colleges, and universities
- Curators, Art Administrators, or Cultural Officers in museums and galleries
- Creative Directors and Art Consultants in advertising, publishing, or media organisations
- Entrepreneurs and Freelance Practitioners within Nigeria’s growing creative economy
Additionally, graduates may pursue advanced studies in areas such as visual arts, design technology, art education, art history, or cultural studies, positioning themselves for global opportunities in the creative sector.
How to Apply?
1. UTME Entry (Five-Year Programme)
- Register for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) through the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).
- Select Fine and Applied Arts as your preferred course of study and Olabisi Onabanjo University as your first choice.
- Sit for the UTME with the required subject combination: English Language, Fine Art, and any two (2) of Chemistry, Geography, Economics, or Biology.
- Apply for and pass the University’s Post-UTME Screening Exercise.
- Complete your admission and registration through the official University Admission Portal.
2. Direct Entry (Four-Year Programme)
- Apply through the JAMB Direct Entry portal and select Fine and Applied Arts as your course of study.
- Upload your A-Level, ND, or NCE qualifications in relevant disciplines such as Fine Art, Industrial Design, or Graphic Design.
- Participate in the University’s Direct Entry Screening Exercise.
- Successful candidates are admitted into the 200 Level and complete the programme in four academic sessions.
By applying for this programme, you are taking a meaningful step towards developing your creative vision and contributing to the advancement of Nigeria’s cultural and visual identity.
Course Coordinator
The programme is coordinated by a team of distinguished academics and practising artists within the Department of Fine and Applied Arts, Faculty of Environmental Studies.
The department is committed to nurturing creative excellence, academic integrity, and practical competence among its students.
Contact Information:
- Email: faa.dept@oouagoiwoye.edu.ng
Course Overview
- Next Admission Process
- Current Academic Year
- Associated programmes = Undergraduate
- Course Duration = 5 Years
- Degree = Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.)
- Department = Fine and Applied Arts
- Course Type = Full Time
- Course Delivery = On campus
- Location = Faculty of Environmental Studies, CEES, Ibogun Campus
- Scholarship opportunities