Bring digital characters to life in just one semester. This intensive 30 ECTS online programme gives you creative and technical foundations in 3D animation, modelling, and rigging using industry-standard tools.
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Online Studies |
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12 January 2026 |
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1/2 year full time |
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Full time: NOK 49.000,- per semester |
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State Educational Loan Fund (Lånekassen) |
Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming how digital animation is created, from rigging automation to AI-assisted motion capture and character performance. In this programme, you’ll explore how these technologies enhance the animator’s workflow while still requiring strong artistic judgment and creative control. Students use AI tools for concept generation, timing references, and production efficiency, learning where automation adds value and where the artist’s intuition remains essential.
By combining traditional principles of movement and storytelling with modern AI-powered methods, you will graduate prepared to work in a creative industry increasingly shaped by intelligent tools and hybrid human–AI collaboration.
Animation is the art of movement - the magic that makes digital worlds feel alive. This one-semester programme introduces you to the creative and technical foundations to animate 3D characters for film, games, and digital media. You will learn the core principles of modelling, rigging, and animation using industry-standard tools such as Maya and ZBrush, while developing an understanding of how movement, timing, and character performance create believable animation.
The programme is project-based, meaning you learn by doing. Every assignment contributes to your portfolio. Whether you want to start your journey toward a bachelor’s degree in animation, reskill as a creative professional, or simply expand your artistic toolbox, this compact 30 ECTS programme delivers real production experience and career-ready skills.
This programme provides a foundation in digital animation. On its own, it prepares you for junior or support functions, as well as further study or career advancement. When combined with additional education or experience, it can lead to roles such as:
After completing the programme, you will understand the fundamental principles of animation and be able to apply them in 3D environments. You will be skilled in modelling, rigging, and animating characters using professional software such as Maya and ZBrush. You will also learn the basics of collaborative production, feedback iteration, and portfolio development. These skills prepare you for entry-level creative roles or for further studies within 3D animation, game development, or visual effects at bachelor level.
Learn the principles of movement, timing, and storytelling to bring 3D characters to life through animation.
Understand the foundations of asset creation and manipulation by building the digital skeletons that make characters move.
Work collaboratively on creative projects in a studio-style environment, developing project management and production skills through hands-on practice.
This half-year programme provides a foundation in the field or serves as a valuable addition to a student’s academic journey. While it can be integrated into the Bachelor's Degrees in Interactive Media Animation or Games, it does not directly replace any single semester, as it includes courses from multiple academic levels. Students earn ECTS credits.
| School: | Noroff University College |
| Application deadline: | Continuous admission. Applications are processed in the order they are submitted. |
| Language of instruction: | English |
| Accreditations: | Approved for loans and grants from the Norwegian State Educational Loan Fund (Lånekassen). Accredited by NOKUT. |
| Unit: | Half-year Programme |
| Credits: | 30 ECTS |
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. 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.
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.
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.
Design game worlds, sculpt characters, and explore playable environments in one semester. This 30 ECTS online programme introduces the artistic creativity and technical production behind games and interactive media.
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|
Online Studies |
|
12 January 2026 |
|
|
1/2 year full time |
|
|
Full time: NOK 49.000,- per semester |
|
|
State Educational Loan Fund (Lånekassen) |
Artificial intelligence is transforming how games are designed, textured, and tested. In this programme, you’ll explore how AI assists in generating assets, enhancing textures, and even designing game environments. Students are introduced to AI-assisted workflows in concept generation, environment layout, and performance optimization, learning how to integrate these tools into real-world game pipelines.
By combining creative intuition with the efficiency of AI-powered design, you’ll understand how human imagination and machine learning work together to accelerate production and improve results. The goal is not to replace the artist, but to empower them to create faster, smarter, and better.
Every great game starts with a world that feels alive. This one-semester, 30 ECTS online programme introduces you to the artistic and technical foundations of game art and level design. You’ll learn how to create 3D models, textures, and environments using professional tools such as Maya, ZBrush, Substance Painter, and Unity.
Teaching is entirely project-based, so you learn by creating rather than memorising. Through hands-on tasks, you’ll begin to understand the workflows used in the games industry and start building a portfolio that demonstrates your developing skills.
This introductory programme is ideal if you want to explore further studies in games, animation, or digital art, or if you wish to prepare a portfolio for industry entry. Students who complete the programme may apply for admission to a full bachelor’s degree at Noroff University College, with the 30 ECTS credited towards the Bachelor in Interactive Media: Games.
This programme provides a foundation in game art and level design. On its own, it prepares you for junior or support functions, as well as further study or career advancement. When combined with additional education or experience, it can lead to roles such as:
After completing the programme, you will have an introductory understanding of the artistic and technical workflows behind modern 3D game production. You will learn the basics of modelling, sculpting, texturing, and level design, exploring how these elements can be used to create engaging and visually coherent game environments. You will also gain insight into real-time production pipelines, collaborative processes, and the early stages of building a professional portfolio.
These experiences provide a strong foundation for further study within game art, animation, or digital design at bachelor level. Students who complete the programme may apply for admission to a full bachelor’s degree at Noroff University College, with the 30 ECTS credited towards our bachelors in Interactive Media.
Learn professional workflows for 3D modelling, texturing, and lighting to create production-ready game assets.
Understand player experience, environmental storytelling, and spatial design to craft engaging and playable game levels.
Work collaboratively on creative projects, developing planning, production, and teamwork skills in a studio-style setting.
This half-year programme provides a foundation in the field or serves as a valuable addition to a student’s academic journey. While it can be integrated into the Bachelor's Degrees in Interactive Media Animation or Games, it does not directly replace any single semester, as it includes courses from multiple academic levels. Students earn ECTS credits.
| School: | Noroff University College |
| Application deadline: | Continuous admission. Applications are processed in the order they are submitted. |
| Language of instruction: | English |
| Accreditations: | Approved for loans and grants from the Norwegian State Educational Loan Fund (Lånekassen). Accredited by NOKUT. |
| Unit: | Half-year Programme |
| Credits: | 30 ECTS |
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. 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.
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.
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.