Tips on how to choose the right study program for you

Details: Published: 19 March 2024

Choosing an education path is for many the biggest and most challenging decision in life so far. We have gathered some tips to help you choose the right study program for you.

For most people, the choice of education will be crucial for what they will do for the rest of their lives. At the same time it is about finding oneself. Fortunately, no one demands that you have all the answers right away. We have collected some good tips on how to choose the education that is right for you.

Where do you start?

Today's students have more choices than ever before. Consequently, there are greater opportunities to formalize one's skills and interests through higher education, and to gain the right expertise to land the dream job after completing the education. But, where do you actually start when you want to figure out what you want to study?

– A good place to start if you're unsure about what to study is to get an overview of the fields of study available, says Guro Rønning, Digital Content Editor at studentum.no.She mentions online research and education fairs as examples of good sources for such information.

– You can also explore various professional fields. It would be beneficial to read job descriptions and interviews about the positions. It's a good idea to think about what you are good at and enjoy doing, whether you are more inclined towards theory or practical work, the duration of the education you want, the professions that will be in demand in the future, but also what you don't want to work with, Rønning continues.

Should you follow your head or your heart?

It would be wise to consider what you are good at and enjoy doing.Guro Rønning, Studentum

Choosing an education is one of the biggest decisions you will make, and it can have an impact on your life for many years to come. It's enough to make many people nervous. Rønning believes there are many factors to consider when choosing an education.

– Some choose their education based on salary levels or job security, while others follow their heart and ignore challenging prospects. It can be a good idea to research how the job market will look in the future, which allows you to make a more informed decision about your studies, she says.

An example of a good starting point is NHO's competence barometer,which is NHO's annual survey of companies' competence needs.

–On the other hand, it's important to include your heart in the decision. Several research reports show a correlation between internal motivation, performance, and reward. Therefore, we encourage finding out what your motivations and passions are before choosing a study program. Salary is important, but it won't come if you're not motivated, says Rønning.

Guro Rønning, Digital Content Editor at studentum.no.

Specialist or Generalist?

There is a need for both general and specialized skills in the job market, and what is needed will vary from company to company. Rønning believes there are advantages and disadvantages to both.

– Generalists have knowledge of various topics, as well as various skills and interests, so they have greater flexibility in their careers. However, there can be a risk as they can be easier to replace, she says, adding:

–Specialists, on the other hand, have in-depth knowledge in a narrower field. The advantage here is that there is less competition, and they often get better pay. But there is a risk of low demand for these skills, leading to fewer career opportunities.

Which of these competence variants you should focus on, according to Rønning, entirely depends on your personal qualities and preferences.

– My advice is to evaluate your interests, how dedicated you are to them, and think about whether you would like to work on varied tasks or in-depth within a specific area.

Campus or Online?

This mix makes the teaching exciting, with different approaches to solving tasks.Linda Stiberg-Jamt

In today's technological society, online studies are no longer a distant concept, and Noroff has more online students than ever before. However, some prefer to study in person on campus. What suits you best will be an individual assessment.

– On campus, you become part of a physical learning environment with lecturers and fellow students. You participate in lectures, group work, and social activities that happen on and around the school, explains Linda Stiberg-Jamt, Head of Admissions and Student Recruitment at Noroff.

She continues:

– Campus studies are particularly suitable for those who need structure in their daily lives, such as showing up at a fixed time every day for lectures and group work. We have students coming directly from high school, but also students who have studied something before and are a bit older. This mix makes the teaching exciting, with different approaches to solving tasks.

As an online student, you naturally do not have the same physical student environment. However, online studies are excellent for those who want to combine their studies with work, family life, or other commitments.

– Online studies can be easily combined with work and family by allowing you to schedule studies in the evenings and weekends if that suits you best. Online studies are suitable for those who have the self-discipline to work independently and systematically with the subject, ensuring that assignments are completed and submitted on time, explains Stiberg-Jamt.

Online studies at Noroff do not require physical attendance, so you can live wherever you want, as long as you have access to a computer and the internet.

– The typical online student is of all ages with a wide range of education and work experience, says Stiberg-Jamt..

Noroff offers university and vocational studies online or in classrooms, with campuses in Oslo, Bergen, Stavanger og Kristiansand. All study programs have a strong digital focus and include paths within IT, 3D, sound and film, marketing, design, and machine learning.

Do you find it difficult to choose between campus and online studies? Fear not, you can choose Online PLUS, allowing online students at Noroff University College to participate in the physical learning environment at Campus Oslo and Campus Bergen.

IT study programmes

Bachelor

Digital Assurance and Security Management

Get involved in management of security and protection of valuable digital assets. This Bachelor's degree covers IT skills ranging from business processes to database systems, management and IT architecture.

Online

Online+ Oslo/Bergen

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

Applied Machine Learning

There are few aspects of our digital lives that are untouched by machine learning. With this programme, you'll teach systems to learn from data. You'll be highly qualified for jobs in AI and can start working straight after graduation.

Online

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

Half-year programme

Python for Finance

The programme gives you the opportunity to combine financial expertise with Python skills, enabling you to contribute to the development of new software products for the financial industry.

Online

Two-year programme

Data Analyst

Become a sought-after data analyst with advanced skills in databases, cloud services and big data, helping organisations make informed decisions with relevant and up-to-date information.

Online

One-year programme

Data Analyst

As a data analyst, you will be one of the most sought-after professionals in today's job market. Your ability to help business leaders make informed decisions using relevant and up-to-date data-driven information will make you a valuable asset.

Online

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.

This programme provides practical skills and insight into understanding the needs and limitations of users of digital products. There is a high demand for UX designers with expertise in relevant processes, tools and techniques.

Online

Oslo

One-year programme

User Interface Design

An education that provides practical expertise in developing user-friendly designs. As the demand for well-designed digital products grows, so does the need for this expertise.

Online

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.

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

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

Two-year programme

Sound and Music Production

Hands-on programme for individuals passionate about working with music and sound, as artists, composers, producers, sound engineers, or in film and media. Explore how AI enhances production with automated adjustments and creative tools.

Oslo, Bergen

Two-year programme

Film Production

A hands-on programme for individuals aiming to work in the film industry, with a focus on in-depth training in professional equipment. Learn to use AI tools to streamline student productions and prepare for technological innovations.

Oslo, Bergen

Top

Tips on how to choose the right study program for you

Where do you start?

Should you follow your head or your heart?

Specialist or Generalist?

Campus or Online?

IT study programmes

Bachelor

Bachelor

One-year programme

Two-year programme

One-year programme

Two-year programme

One-year programme

Bachelor

Half-year programme

Two-year programme

One-year programme

Bachelor

Two-year programme

One-year programme

Design, Marketing, and Tech Management

One-year programme

One-year programme

One-year programme

One-year programme

One-year programme

Two-year programme

One-year programme

One-year programme

One-year programme

Two-year programme

3D and Interactive Media

One-year programme

Two-year programme

Two-year programme

Bachelor

Bachelor

Music and Film

Two-year programme

Two-year programme

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