Degree Programme:

The Department offers courses leading to the B.A Single and Combined Honors Degree in the Faculty of Arts. Courses in History are available for those taking the Courses in History are also available for those taking the degree of Bachelor of Education ( B.Ed.) Arts, and Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in the Social Sciences. Admission is offered to students in two ways: by entrance examination for the four-year programme and by direct entry for the three -year degree programme for the time being only. From the 1981/82 session, the four-year degree programme of the Department , although provision is still being made for the three-year degree programme.

Admission Requirements:

UME Option:

This is for those who gain concessional admission by entrance Examination through the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB),in addition to satisfying the University minimum entry requirements and the Faculty prescribed requirements which normally include the West African School certificate and General Certificate of Education . For admission into the Department , the candidate must have at least five Ordinary Level Credit passes in WASC , WAEC SSCE/GCE ,NECO SSCE or at least five merit-level passes in the Teachers Grade II (TC II) examinations or its recognized equivalent at not more than two sittings. The subjects should include English Language , History or Government, and any other Arts subject. Note that UME subjects are:(a)Use of English (b) History or Government (c)One Arts subject and (d) any other subject. 

Direct- Entry Option:

In addition to the above , candidates who possess any of the following qualifications may be considered for admission:

• At least two Advanced Level passes at the General Certificate of Education (G.C.E) or the Higher School Certificate (H.S.C) or a recognized eqivalent qualification in History or Government , and any other related subject.
• Nigerian Certificate of Education (NCE) with at least a credit level pass in History, Government or Social Studies from a recognized College of Education . In addition , candidates should have at least an overall credit-level pass.
• At least a credit-level pass in the University of Benin Diploma in any of the following : Diploma in Public Administration (DPA) Diploma in Social work (DSW), Diploma in Theatre Arts (DTA) Diploma in Law (DIL),Diploma in International Studies and Diplomacy (DISD) or equivalent qualifications (at least an upper credit-level pass) from any otherrecognized University.