Grafisk design på Noroff

Higher Professional Degree

Graphic Design

Study Online or On Campus in Norway

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 Studies

6 January 2026 More startups

10 March 2026

11 August 2026

13 October 2026

2 year full time | 4 years part time

Full time: NOK 45.000,- per semester
Part time: NOK 22.500,- per semester

State Educational Loan Fund (Lånekassen)

Oslo, Bergen, Kristiansand

10 August 2026

2 years full time

NOK 62.000,- per semester
NOK 1.900,- registration fee

Accept within 31 Jan 2026:
NOK 0,- registration fee

State Educational Loan Fund (Lånekassen)

How is AI used in the Graphic Design programme?

AI is becoming an integral part of the design industry, and at Noroff you will learn how to use it thoughtfully and creatively. Throughout the Graphic Design programme, AI is explored through workshops and practical activities that help you understand how it can support your creative process.

You’ll discover how AI can assist with idea development, research, and production, while keeping your own originality and critical thinking at the centre. Our approach emphasises ethical and transparent use, ensuring that AI enhances creativity rather than replacing it.

By learning to balance human creativity with emerging technology, you’ll graduate with both the critical judgment and creative confidence needed to thrive in a changing design landscape.

How is AI being used in the workplace within Graphic Design?

 In the industry, AI is transforming graphic design by enhancing productivity and creativity. Image- and text-generating tools help designers automate repetitive tasks, and explore creative possibilities faster, freeing up time for conceptualisation and refinement.

We feel that a strong emphasis on human originality and skill should remain, with AI-generated content serving as a starting point rather than the final product. While AI can assist with many tasks, human-centred design, innovation, and real-world problem-solving skills remain irreplaceable and central to the designer’s role.

Why study Graphic Design?

As a graphic designer, you work with visual problem-solving across branding, illustration, layout, motion design, and digital communication. The field offers broad opportunities in agencies, media, production companies, and freelance work.

In this programme, you take on more advanced and strategic design challenges, work with real clients, and refine the skills needed for professional practice. You learn to make strong design decisions, communicate your ideas clearly, and build a portfolio that shows real industry readiness.

The goal is to develop confident, independent designers who can handle complex briefs, work across disciplines, and deliver creative solutions with impact.

One-year programme also available

The first year of this two-year programme is the same as the one-year programme in Graphic Design. However, you can apply directly to this two-year programme and secure your place for two years.

Career Opportunities

Upon completion of the Graphic Design programme, graduates can explore roles such as:

  • Graphic Designer
  • Brand Designer
  • Web or Digital Designer
  • Packaging Designer
  • Editorial or Book Designer
  • Marketing Designer
  • Motion Designer
  • Art Director
  • Entrepreneur / Freelance Designer

Nele Is Studying Graphic Design and Already Getting Work from Clients

Programme information

During your first year, you'll gain a practical insight into the principles, methods and techniques of effective visual communication across a range of media. This includes extensive training in design software and a solid understanding of industry standards. You'll unleash your creative potential through engaging visual projects.

The second year delves deeper into the discipline of design, focusing on identifying your unique design identity. This includes discovering your preferences, hidden talents and refining a personal style. The curriculum continues to integrate art, design and technology to encourage innovative expression.

Throughout the programme, you'll be encouraged to use AI tools to automate tasks, enhance images and generate ideas faster. This emphasis on the conceptual and strategic aspects of graphic design will better prepare you for industry.

Each semester concludes with an extensive study project, often for real clients, culminating in a portfolio presentation.

Read more about the study program in our course catalog.

First-year subjects include:

  • Graphic Design 1
  • Strategic Design 1
  • Photography 1
  • Graphic Design 2
  • Semester Assignment 1
  • Portfolio Assessment 1
  • UX Fundamentals
  • Photography 2
  • UI Fundamentals
  • Graphic Design 3
  • Project Exam 1
  • Portfolio Assessment 2

Second-year subjects include:

  • Screen-based Design
  • Strategic Design 2
  • Graphic Design 4
  • Photography 3
  • Semester Assignment 2
  • Portfolio Assessment 3
  • Graphic Design 5
  • Motion Design
  • Photography 4
  • Project Exam 2
  • Portfolio Assessment 4
School: Noroff Higher Vocational College (Noroff Fagskole)
Application deadline: Continuous admission. Applications are processed in the order they are submitted.
Language of instruction: English online. Norwegian/English on campus
Accreditations: Approved for loans and grants from the Norwegian State Educational Loan Fund (Lånekassen). Accredited by NOKUT.
Degree: Higher Professional Degree
Credits: 120 Credits

Hardware and software

Online students need the following for Graphic Design studies:

Computer:

  • Mac (recommended) or PC
  • 16 GB RAM
  • Intel or AMD Quad-Core Processor

Camera:

  • Entry Level DSLR or Mirrorless Camera (must have Manual settings)

Software:

  • Adobe Creative Cloud

Campus students have access to the required hardware on campus. Adobe Creative Cloud is included.

Noroff has ongoing admissions, and applications are processed in the order they are received. The earlier you apply, the earlier you can secure a study place.

To qualify for the program, you must have general study competence or vocational education with a professional certificate. It is also possible to apply based on recognized prior learning.

For international students, depending upon which country you have received your education from, the requirements will differ. Please use this website where you can find the specific requirements for your country at the bottom of the page.

You can read more about admission requirements here.

All our study programs are approved for loans and grants from the Norwegian State Educational Loan Fund (Lånekassen). You can apply to the Loan Fund for basic support (loan and grant; NOK 166.859) and tuition fees (NOK 79,432).

As an adult student, you can receive loans and grants from the State Educational Loan Fund. This also applies if you work while studying.

As a main rule, you must be a Norwegian citizen to receive support from the Norwegian State Educational Fund. However, foreign citizens may also be entitled to financial support. Check here to see if you are eligible.

You can read more about payment, loans, and grants here. 

Bachelor's Degree Abroad

After two years at Noroff, it is possible to study graphic design for a third year - abroad - and obtain a Bachelor's degree. Our international graphic design partners are Teesside University and Solent University in England and Deakin University in Australia. This option is also available to online students.

Bachelor abroad through Noroff

Watch livestream recording

Livestream recording June 2025 - Design Studies at Noroff
Få studieveiledning på Noroff

Get study guidance

Questions about our programs?
We're happy to help!

     
Top