Visual Communication

Visual Communication

Study Facts

    • Prog. Code
      GRA-120
    • NQF Level
      5.2
    • Credits
      120
    • Valid from
      H27
    • Version
      v1.0 (2026-06)
    • Study Mode
      Full-time, Part-time
    • Program Manager
      linki.brand@noroff.no
Learning Environment

The Digital Classroom  
All students at Noroff have access to a digital classroom, referred to as the learning platform. Here the student can access relevant academic and practical information about the study programme. The learning platform also contains learning content, activities, delivery deadlines, work requirements and assessments for every course.

Online
Online studies are flexible since students can study from anywhere and at their own pace according to the academic progression and scheduled deadlines. Students access their learning material for each course through the learning platform, and discussion forums are used for communication between fellow students and teachers. Lectures and live-stream sessions are not a part of the primary offer but may be provided as an additional activity depending on the course.

Campus 
As part of the campus community, students will have access to on-site teachers, guest lecturers, and other students during their learning journey. Students on campus study in modern working environments and have access to professional equipment for practical training.

After Graduation

Vocational education at Noroff can expand career opportunities and lay lifelong learning foundations. Throughout the programme, students will familiarise themselves with key competencies relevant to industry employment. 

Career opportunities 
After graduation, the candidate may qualify for work within these areas:

  • x
Overall Learning Outcomes

The Norwegian Qualifications Framework for lifelong learning (NQF) defines the levels of qualifications in the Norwegian educational system. These levels describe the knowledge, skills, and competence a learner is expected to achieve as a result of a learning process. Categories in NQF are defined as:

Knowledge: Understanding theories, facts, principles, procedures in the discipline, subject area and/or occupation.
Skills: Ability to utilise knowledge to solve problems or tasks (cognitive, practical, creative and communication skills).
General Competence: Ability to independently utilise knowledge and skills in different situations.

After graduation from this programme, students have acquired the following learning outcomes:

Knowledge

The candidate:

  • has knowledge of concepts, theories, models, processes, and tools used in graphic design and visual communication, including branding, packaging, UX/UI, motion design, and strategic design
  • has knowledge of methods for research, ideation, prototyping, and testing in design processes
  • has knowledge of applicable professional norms, client requirements, and industry standards for both print and digital media
  • can assess their own work in relation to applicable professional norms, client requirements and industry standards for print and digital media.
  • is familiar with the history, traditions, and distinctive nature of visual communication, and understands its role in culture, communication, and value creation
  • has knowledge of sustainable, ethical, and socially responsible design practices, including accessibility and inclusivity
  • has knowledge of project management methods relevant to design workflows and client communication
  • has insight into their own professional development, creative identity, and opportunities for further development and specialisation within the fields of graphic design and visual communication
  • can update their knowledge by using relevant guidance, research and professional sources, and by engaging with new tools and industry developments.
Skills

The candidate:

  • can explain their design choices in relation to design briefs, user needs and creative direction.
  • can reflect on their own practice and adjust their work under guidance, based on feedback from clients, peers or industry professionals where applicable.
  • can find, evaluate and reference relevant subject-related information, design theory and inspiration, and assess its relevance to specific design problems.
  • can explain their choice of industry-relevant design tools and production processes when developing deliverables for both digital and print media.
  • can assess a design situation, identify subject-related issues, and determine measures that need to be implemented to solve design challenges within visual communication.
General Competence

The candidate:
 

  • can plan and carry out design tasks and projects alone and as part of a group, from brief to final presentation, in accordance with ethical requirements and professional standards
  • can exchange points of view with others in the design field and participate actively in discussions about good practice, innovation and the development of the visual design profession.
  • can carry out visual communication projects based on the needs of selected target groups, users and clients.
  • can develop a professional portfolio that demonstrates readiness for employment, freelance work or entrepreneurship within the field of visual communication.
  • can contribute to organisational and industry development through reflective design practice, applied design projects and participation in professional networks, and by taking responsibility for lifelong learning and adapting to new tools, methods and industry developments.
  • can build relations with peers across disciplines and with external stakeholders through collaboration, professional communication and participation in relevant networks.
Course Overview
Course code Course name Semester Weeks Hours Credits
TBA Visual Design Foundations 1 7 294 10
TBA Design Thinking: User Research and Strategy 1 6 252 10
TBA Practical Project 1: User - Centred Design 1 6 252 10
TBA Interaction and Information Design 2 6 252 10
TBA Inclusive Design and Accessibility 2 6 252 10
TBA Practical Project 2: Accessible Prototyping  2 7 294 10
TBA Packaging Design 3 6 252 10
TBA Motion Design 3 7 294 10
TBA Design for Change 3 6 252 10
TBA Creative Autonomy 4 5 210 7.5
TBA Creative Direction 4 4 168 7.5
TBA Creative Industry Project and Portfolio 4 10 420 15
Total 76 3192 120
Course Models
Visual Communication
Learning Sessions and Activities

Noroff offers an engaging student-active learning experience that prepares students for professional working life through unique and industry-relevant learning activities, including flexible and independent self-study. Guidance and feedback from teachers support students' learning journey.

All learning activities are aligned with the current learning outcomes, designed to promote a holistic understanding of key issues and challenges within each subject area. By fostering critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and communication, students will develop lifelong learning skills. 

Learning activities can vary for campus and online delivery and are composed of theoretical and practical approaches, providing students with the best possible outcome for each course. 

For all online studies, English is the primary language for teaching. English can also be used as the teaching language on some campuses. 

Assessment

Assessment consists of compulsory activities and exams. These impact the student’s learning significantly and concludes if the student has achieved the intended learning outcome and, if so, at what level. Assessments include summative and formative methods depending on the content of the learning outcome of each course. Assessments for each course are described in the course descriptions.

Equipment Requirements

Information about equipment requirements is available on our webpage under Programme information. 

Online students are required to purchase and maintain their equipment.

Admission Requirements

There are three ways to meet the admission criteria and be enrolled as a student: 

  1. By upper secondary education (videregående skole) 
    • Higher education entrance qualification from Norway or abroad 
  2. By Norwegian vocational upper secondary education  

    • Documented relevant vocational qualifications diploma (yrkeskompetanse) within: Exposure Designer, Interior Consultant (interiørkonsulent, eksponeringsdesigner)

    • Documented relevant craft certificate (fag og svennebrev) within: Floral Decorator, Filigree Silversmith, Hairdresser, Plasterer, Graphic Production Technology (Skilled Operator), Engraver, Goldsmith, Men's Tailor, Horn, Bone, and Metal Duojár, Ceramist, Dress and Costume Tailor, Costume Maker, Media Designer, Media Technician, Plastics Technology (Skilled Operator), Sales Assistant, Screen Printer.

      (Blomsterdekoratør, filigranssølvsmed, frisør, gipsmaker, grafisk produksjonsteknikk (fagoperatør), gravør, gullsmed, herreskredder, horn-, bein- og metallduojár, keramiker, kjole- og draktsyer, kostymesyer, mediedesigner, medietekniker, plastfag (fagoperatør), salgsmedarbeider, serigraf)

  3. Prior learning and work experience   

More information about admission requirements is available on our webpage under Admission Requirements.