B.Sc. (Ed.) Social Studies

Colleges and Faculties > Independent Faculties > Faculty of Education > Department of Arts and Social Sciences Education (ASSED) > B.Sc. (Ed.) Social Studies

The B.Sc. (Ed.) Social Studies programme prepares you to understand and teach the social, cultural, economic and political forces that shape human relationships and society. The programme gives you a broad interdisciplinary foundation drawn from Sociology, Geography, Economics, Political Science, History, Anthropology and Civic Education, while equipping you with the professional teaching skills required to educate learners at the basic and secondary school levels.

Through this training, you will develop strong communication, critical thinking, problem-solving and citizenship skills that enable you to guide students toward responsible participation in society and community development.

Course Overview

The programme integrates social science content with essential education and pedagogy courses. You will study diverse aspects of human behaviour, social structures, cultural diversity, civic responsibilities, governance, economic systems and environmental issues. Alongside this, you will receive training in curriculum design, instructional strategies, assessment and educational technology to prepare you for effective teaching.

The degree runs for four years through UTME and three years through Direct Entry. Throughout your study, you will gain practical experience through fieldwork, micro-teaching, school observation and full teaching practice. By the end of the programme, you will be equipped to teach Social Studies in ways that promote unity, social awareness, ethical values and national development.

Course Curriculum

The curriculum spans 100–400 levels, combining interdisciplinary Social Studies content with teacher education courses.

You will be introduced to foundational concepts through courses such as:

  1. Introduction to Social Studies
  2. Elements of Sociology
  3. Introduction to Geography
  4. Nigerian Peoples and Culture
  5. Communication in English
  6. Study Skills
  7. Foundations of Education

You begin to explore the social sciences more deeply through courses such as:

  1. Citizenship Education
  2. Social Problems
  3. Sociology of Education
  4. Environmental Education
  5. Curriculum Studies
  6. Educational Technology
  7. Introduction to Psychology

Your analytical and teaching abilities deepen through courses such as:

  1. Social Change and Development
  2. Culture and Behaviour
  3. Peace and Conflict Studies
  4. Methods of Teaching Social Studies
  5. Measurement and Evaluation
  6. Educational Research Methods

In your final year, you integrate your knowledge with professional experience through courses such as:

  1. Contemporary Social Issues
  2. Human Rights Education
  3. Community Development
  4. Teaching Practice
  5. Seminar in Social Studies Education
  6. Research Project

Entry Requirements

To gain admission into the B.Sc. (Ed.) Social Studies programme, you must satisfy one of the following entry pathways:

1. UTME Admission (Four-Year Programme)

  1. You must have at least five credit passes in English Language, Mathematics, and any combination of relevant Arts or Social Science subjects, obtained in not more than two sittings.
  2. Sit for the UTME with English Language and other relevant subjects.
  3. Meet the departmental and university cut-off marks.
  4. Demonstrate interest and aptitude for social science concepts, human development and teaching.
  5. Satisfy all other general admission requirements of the University.

2. Direct Entry Admission (Three-Year Programme)

  1. You must have five credit passes, including English Language, Mathematics and other relevant subjects, obtained in not more than two sittings.
  2. Possess NCE, ND or equivalent qualifications in Social Studies, Sociology, Political Science, Geography or related fields with at least a merit or credit grade.
  3. Hold Advanced Level passes in relevant Arts or Social Science subjects.
  4. Provide academic transcripts and supporting documents during the application.
  5. Meet the University’s general Direct Entry admission regulations.

Why study at OOU?

Studying Social Studies Education at Olabisi Onabanjo University gives you a broad, interdisciplinary foundation that enables you to engage with social realities and teach young learners how society works. The programme helps you develop the knowledge and professional competence needed to shape informed, responsible and socially aware citizens. You will benefit from:

  1. A curriculum that integrates Sociology, Geography, Political Science, Economics, History and Civic Education.
  2. Practical field experiences that expose you to community life, social issues and cultural diversity.
  3. Professional training in lesson planning, classroom management, teaching strategies and assessment.
  4. Lecturers with expertise across multiple social science and education disciplines.
  5. Opportunities to study contemporary social issues such as conflict, human rights, culture and national development.
  6. Skills that prepare you for roles in education, community service, public administration, social advocacy and research.

This programme equips you to promote positive social values, unity, citizenship and national development through effective Social Studies education.

Research Project

In your final year, you will undertake a research project that allows you to investigate a relevant issue in Social Studies, human behaviour, citizenship education, social problems or teaching methods. This project demonstrates your ability to analyse social issues, interpret data and apply educational strategies to real-world challenges. Working with your supervisor, you will:

  1. Select a topic in areas such as social problems, community development, civic education, peace studies, culture or instructional methods.
  2. Apply appropriate research methods, including surveys, interviews, content analysis or case studies.
  3. Analyse data and develop findings that reflect critical thinking and academic rigour.
  4. Present your research in a well-structured and coherent project report.

Your research project serves as the capstone of your training, preparing you for professional roles in teaching, community development, social research, public service and advocacy.

Graduation Requirements

To qualify for the award of the Bachelor of Science in Education (Social Studies), you must fulfil the graduation requirements approved by the National Universities Commission (NUC) and Olabisi Onabanjo University.

Academic Requirements

  1. Complete and pass all compulsory and elective courses in the programme.
  2. Earn the minimum credit units prescribed for the four-year degree (UTME) or three-year degree (Direct Entry).
  3. Maintain a minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 1.00.
  4. Complete and defend your final-year research project.
  5. Fulfil all teaching practice, micro-teaching and school-based experience requirements.

Grading and Degree Classification

Your final classification is determined by your Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA), as follows:

Upon satisfying these requirements, you will be awarded the B.Sc. (Ed.) Social Studies, a degree that prepares you to cultivate responsible citizenship, promote social awareness and contribute meaningfully to societal development.

Career Opportunities

A degree in Social Studies Education gives you versatile skills to work across educational, social and community-focused sectors. Your interdisciplinary training prepares you to engage with social issues, foster civic responsibility and support community development.

You may pursue careers such as:

  1. Social Studies teacher
  2. Civic education instructor
  3. Community development officer
  4. NGO project officer
  5. Social welfare support assistant
  6. Human rights educator
  7. Guidance and youth counsellor (non-clinical)
  8. Research assistant (social or educational research)
  9. School administrator
  10. Public relations or community liaison officer

You may find employment in:

  1. Public and private secondary schools
  2. Community development agencies
  3. Ministries and bodies (Education, Youth, Social Development, Women’s Affairs)
  4. NGOs and international development organisations
  5. Human rights and advocacy groups
  6. Research institutes
  7. Local government and civic engagement centres

The programme also provides a strong foundation for postgraduate studies in Social Studies Education, Sociology, Anthropology, Development Studies, Political Science, Peace and Conflict Studies and related fields.

How to Apply?

1. UTME Entry (Four-Year Programme)

  1. Select Olabisi Onabanjo University as your first choice and Social Studies Education as your preferred programme.
  2. Sit for the UTME with English Language and other relevant Arts or Social Science subjects.
  3. Possess at least five O-Level credit passes including English Language, Mathematics and other relevant subjects.
  4. Participate in the OOU Post-UTME screening exercise and meet the departmental cut-off mark.

2. Direct Entry (Three-Year Programme)

  1. Possess NCE, ND or equivalent qualifications in Social Studies, Sociology, Geography, Political Science or related fields with at least a merit or credit grade.
  2. Possess the required O-Level credit passes.
  3. Upload your academic transcripts and supporting documents through the OOU Undergraduate Admissions Portal.

You may begin your application or check your admission status through the University’s official admissions portal.

Course Coordinator

The B.Sc. (Ed.) Social Studies programme is managed by a team of dedicated academics and experienced researchers within the Department of Social Science Education, Faculty of Education.

The current programme coordinator is:

Dr [Full Name]

Contact Information:

  • Email:  
  • Phone: 
  • Office: 

Course Overview

  1. Next Admission Process
  2. Current Academic Year
  3. Associated programmes = Undergraduate
  4. Course Duration = 4 Years
  5. Degree = Bachelor of Science Education (B.Sc. (Ed.))
  6. Faculty = Education
  7. Course Type = Full Time
  8. Course Delivery = On campus.
  9. Location = Faculty of Education, Main Campus.
  10. Scholarship opportunities