– 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.
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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
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.
Online
Kristiansand
Online+ Oslo/Bergen
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Bachelor
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.
Online
Kristiansand
Online+ Oslo/Bergen
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Two-year programme
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.
Online
Oslo, Bergen
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Bachelor
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.
Online
Kristiansand
Online+ Oslo/Bergen
Read more
Bachelor
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.
Online
Kristiansand
Online+ Oslo/Bergen
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Bachelor
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.
Online
Kristiansand
Online+ Oslo/Bergen
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Two-year programme
Network and IT Security
Hands-on IT programme that teaches you how to combat hacking and cybercrime, while using AI tools to address security challenges. The growing demand for IT security offers excellent career opportunities.
Online
Oslo, Bergen, Stavanger
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One-year programme
Digital Marketing
Become a digital marketer and create measurable results through online ads, content marketing, SEO and AI tools. The programme focuses on strategic online marketing, analytics and social media.
Online
Oslo, Bergen
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Two-year programme
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.
Online
Oslo, Bergen, Stavanger, Kristiansand
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One-year programme
Network and System Administration
The demand for skilled system administrators has never been greater. You will learn how to manage and operate data networks and servers, and how to use AI tools to monitor networks, predict issues, and strengthen IT security.
Online
Oslo, Bergen, Stavanger
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