– Graphic Design has always fascinated me but I haven’t had the opportunity previously to learn more or to do it myself.

Pauliina Viinikanoja is an online student at the two year online education programme Graphic Design at Noroff – School of Technology and Digital Media. Originally from Finland, Pauliina has lived and worked in China and California. She has been an online student while living in both China and California.

– I think without the online tutors this course wouldn’t work. I appreciate a lot their effort to answer all the questions – even the silliest ones or hurriedly written ones, she says.

– I found Noroff through a Norwegian friend who was also living in China at the time and did the Graphic Design online course. I needed something interesting to do that would benefit my career in the future as well.

I needed something interesting to do that would benefit my career.Pauliina Viinikanoja

– I’m a mother of three children and have a travelling husband, so I’m very much needed at home, but I love my projects and study-time whenever I’m able to squeeze in an hour or two.

– What was it about graphic design that triggered you?

– I have always been interested of semiotics and brands. I took a few courses in Graphic Design while I was studying at The University of Helsinki. I found it interesting, but in a couple of courses you don’t learn much. However, later I worked as a partner at a company that used graphic designers to create visual storyboards. I always admired their work and still do. They are so talented and everyone had their own style. I think it was just right time and place to be able to deepen the interest I have had for awhile already.

The article continues...

Online Studies

Photo: Adobe Stock.

Around the world

Pauliina and her family moved to China in 2014 and lived there for three years until they moved back to California in 2017. She started studying the part-time online course in Graphic Design while still in China.

– China was definitely an interesting time. It has a vivid culture and it gave us a unique opportunity to meet the people, learn aspects of their culture, learn the language and explore the beautiful country.

– However, it was a bit difficult to study there at first because most western webpages are restricted. It took forever to download the Lynda lessons and then try to look for necessary information without Google!

I would say go for it.Pauliina Viinikanoja

– What is it like studying on an online creative program?

– To be creative with three kids running around you can sometimes be overwhelming, but you learn to appreciate your time and to use it wisely and usually more effectively. I like that I can still be involved in things like my son’s hockey practice or my daughter's gymnastic lessons. You never know where you get inspiration if you just keep your eyes open.

– I usually do my assignments and activities on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays when I have the two older kids at school and preschool. Luckily the youngest takes long naps still and I have the mornings to myself.

– While in China we were ahead of time so I had plenty of time for assignments, but in California we are behind Norwegian-time and I have to remember to deliver the assignments a day earlier!

– What advice can you give to new online students?

– I would say go for it. It takes effort and you have to be committed to it to make it work, but you gain a lot from it as well. For me it has not only been a way to learn more, but also the ability to be part of a group while moving all around the world.

– Would you recommend online studies to others?

– It’s definitely a good choice if you need a flexible schedule and study options, Pauliina says.


Online study programs

All listed online programs are taught in English.

Bachelor in Cyber Security - study online

Bachelor in Cyber Security

The programme provides comprehensive training in securing digital systems against online attacks, cybercrime and digital warfare. It equips students for careers focused on strengthening digital defences and protecting data and information.

  3 years
  Online
  Online PLUS Oslo. Read more here.
  Kristiansand
  Bachelor's Degree upon completion
Read more
Bachelor in applied data science - study online

Bachelor in Applied Data Science

The programme equips you for a dynamic career, fostering collaboration with businesses to understand and harness the vast amounts of data at their disposal. It also cultivates skills in the field of intelligent AI systems.

  3 years
  Online
  Online PLUS Oslo. Read more here.
  Kristiansand
  Bachelor's Degree upon completion
Read more
Front-end-development study program in Oslo, Bergen and Kristiansand and online
 

Front-end Development

The technology education where visual design meets coding, web, and UX design. The high demand for front-end developers opens doors to a diverse career in IT and design.

  2 years
  Available online
  Higher Professional Degree upon completion
Read more
Bachelor of Digital Forensics and Incident Response - study program

Bachelor in Digital Forensics and Incident Response

The rise in cyber attacks, ransomware and hacking has created a critical need for skilled digital investigators with the ability to respond to cyber security incidents.

  3 years
  Online
  Online PLUS Oslo. Read more here.
  Kristiansand, Norway
  Bachelor's Degree, 180 ECTS
Read more
Bachelor of Interactive Media - animation

Bachelor in Interactive Media - Animation

This programme will equip you with the skills to design and animate 3D characters, an increasingly important skill in the entertainment and creative industries, opening the door to a wide range of exciting career opportunities.

  3 years
  Online
  Online PLUS Oslo. Read more here.
  Kristiansand
  Bachelor's Degree upon completion
Read more
Bachelor interactive media, games, university college

Bachelor in Interactive Media - Games

This programme will provide you with a diverse range of game design skills and the knowledge needed to succeed in the industry. You will have the opportunity to build a portfolio that will open doors in an exciting and ever-evolving field.

  3 years
  Online
  Online PLUS Oslo. Read more here.
  Kristiansand
  Bachelor's Degree upon completion
Read more
Network and IT Security, vocational study

Network and IT Security

This programme provides a pragmatic IT education specifically designed to equip individuals with the skills necessary to combat hacking and cybercrime. The acute demand for IT security expertise provides excellent employment opportunities.

  2 years
  Available online
  Higher Professional Degree upon completion
Read more
Digital Marketing study program in English

Digital Marketing

Enter the world of digital marketing and deliver measurable results through digital advertising, search engine optimisation, content marketing and analytics. This programme focuses on strategic and targeted online marketing and social media practices.

  1 year
  Available online
  Oslo, Bergen, Kristiansand, Stavanger
  Professional Degree upon completion
Read more
Graphic Design study programs in Norway
 

Graphic Design

The programme offers hands-on training that develops both creative and strategic visual communication skills. Through real-world projects, you'll gain practical experience that equips you for immediate entry into the workplace.

  2 years (or 1 year)
  Available online
  Higher Professional Degree upon completion
Read more
Network and System Administration

Network and System Administration

The need for network and systems administration skills has never been greater. The management, configuration and administration of data networks and servers has evolved from being the domain of IT companies to a pervasive influence across multiple industries.

  1 year
  Online Study Programme
  Professional Degree
Read more