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FAQ

General FAQ — The NODE Institute

How do I know which course is right for my level?
Each course page clearly states the expected prior knowledge and experience level. As a general guide: if you’re brand new to a tool or topic, look for courses marked as beginner-friendly. If you already have hands-on experience and have completed at least one project independently, an intermediate or specialized course is likely the right next step. If you’re still unsure, just write to us at info@thenodeinstitute.org and we’ll provide individual guidance.

I’ve been self-teaching from YouTube or other online resources — is that enough to join?
Absolutely. We don’t require you to have learned through any specific course or institution. What matters is your actual level of comfort with the subject matter. If you’ve built something on your own — however simple — you’re likely ready for the next step. When in doubt, reach out and describe where you are; we’ll give you an honest answer.

What if I miss a live session?
Life happens. Recordings of each session are made available the day after the live lesson, so you won’t fall behind.

Because participants join from all over the world and across very different time zones, our hybrid format is designed so that learning through recordings is not a compromise but an equally valid path. The course structure ensures that you can follow and complete all content just as effectively via the recordings and workshop files as you can in the live sessions.

Live sessions are especially valuable for interaction, feedback, and community exchange. At the same time, the recordings and accompanying materials are fully comprehensive, allowing you to work independently at your own pace. Additional support is also available through our Discord channels.

How long do I have access to recordings after a course ends?
Recordings and workshop files are guaranteed to be available for at least three years after purchase.

In practice, many participants return to the materials long after completing the course, and we do our best to keep access available for as long as possible. However, we do not advertise “lifetime access,” as this cannot be reliably guaranteed and is often used as a misleading marketing claim.

Can I join mid-course, or do I need to start from the beginning?
You can join at any point during a running semester and still receive access to all recordings and materials from the start. That said, joining from the beginning gives you the full live experience and the chance to build relationships with your peers from day one.

How much time should I expect to commit outside of the live sessions?
The sessions are designed to be self-contained, so there is no mandatory homework. However, participants who spend a few additional hours each week experimenting with the workshop materials and applying the concepts to their own projects typically get significantly more out of the course.

A notable exception are our Creative Masterclasses, which include structured project development. In these formats, you are expected to work continuously on your own project, present weekly progress in group critique sessions, and receive dedicated feedback from the instructors.

A central goal of our courses is not simply to teach fixed techniques, but to strengthen your ability to solve problems independently and combine tools, methods, and workflows in creative and meaningful ways. The most valuable learning often happens when you apply these principles to challenges drawn from your own creative or professional practice.

In practical terms, this means building the confidence and flexibility to approach unfamiliar problems and develop your own solutions. Rather than following predefined “recipes,” the focus is on learning how to design new approaches when needed and how to research and acquire the knowledge required for each specific project.

What software do I need, and which version?
Each course page specifies exactly which software is required and any relevant version considerations. In most cases we recommend using the latest stable release of the tool in question. If you’re unsure what to install before the course starts, check the course page, ask in our Discord community or send us an email.

Do I need a paid or commercial software license?
In general, we design our courses to work with freely available software (e.g. TouchDesigner free version).
Where a paid license is relevant, the course page will make that clear.
Some of our course tiers also include access to software discounts — check the individual course page for details.

I heard Derivative gives a discount on a TouchDesigner license if you’ve taken courses — how does that work?
Yes. Derivative’s Training Investment Discount gives you $200 USD off a TouchDesigner Commercial or Pro license (Regular or Floating Cloud) if you have spent at least $600 USD (roughly €550) on TouchDesigner training at an approved provider within the past five months. The NODE Institute is one of the approved providers, so any of our TouchDesigner classes, bundles and professional modules count towards that amount — you can combine several invoices.

The fine print: the discount is for first-time Derivative customers only, once per person, on new licenses (not renewals or upgrades). Educational and Player licenses are excluded. You need to claim it within 30 days of reaching the $600 threshold.

To claim it, write to info@thenodeinstitute.org with the subject “TD Discount”. We’ll send you the link to Derivative’s discount form, where you enter your derivative.ca username, select “The NODE Institute” as your training provider and upload your course invoices (PDF). You’ll find your invoices in your NODE account under Orders, or in your order confirmation emails. Derivative usually processes requests within three business days. More details on our license discount page.

What are the minimum hardware requirements?
Hardware requirements vary depending on the course and software involved. Courses involving real-time graphics or generative systems typically require a computer with a dedicated GPU. Specific requirements are listed on each course page. A 3-button mouse is recommended for most of our courses, and a second monitor, while not required, makes a noticeable difference during live sessions.

What’s the difference between the Student, Professional, and Company pricing tiers?
The Student tier is intended for individuals enrolled in full-time education or those working on personal, non-commercial projects. It is also designed to make participation more accessible for people from economically disadvantaged regions.

If you are a freelancer using TouchDesigner professionally, the Professional tier is the appropriate choice. The Company tier is intended for individuals whose employer is covering the cost, as well as for company-sponsored participants.

We operate on a fair pricing model and trust you to choose the tier that honestly reflects your situation while helping to support participants with fewer financial resources whenever possible.

Do you offer a payment plan?
The recommended option is PayPal’s “Pay Later” feature, as it allows for flexible installment payments and provides a seamless experience for both you and us, provided the service is available in your country of residence. If this option is not available to you, please contact us at info@thenodeinstitute.org, and we will be happy to find an individual solution.

Can I get a proper invoice for my employer, and do I have to pay with PayPal?
Yes. Every purchase comes with a proper invoice as a PDF, whichever payment method you choose. The invoice is made out to the details in your user profile and at checkout, so create your profile first and enter your company’s name, address and VAT ID before you buy.

Companies in Germany
Our invoices meet the German requirements for a Rechnung under §14 UStG, so your employer can claim the input VAT (Vorsteuerabzug). Each one shows our full name and address, a sequential invoice number, the invoice date, our tax number/VAT ID, the course and service period, the net amount, VAT rate, VAT amount and gross total. If your employer needs an internal contact person or order reference on the invoice (e.g. for a Bildungsbudget), add it to your profile’s company details.

Companies elsewhere in the EU and internationally
Our invoices are equally valid for company buyers outside Germany.

  • Online courses, EU companies: if your company is VAT-registered in another EU country, enter its VAT ID at checkout. Once it’s validated, the invoice is issued without German VAT under the reverse-charge procedure, and your company accounts for the VAT in its own country.
  • Online courses, outside the EU: buyers outside the EU never pay German VAT on online courses. The invoice works as a standard commercial invoice for your accounts.
  • Anything that takes place in person (workshops, events and other sessions at a physical location, in Germany, elsewhere in Europe or beyond): the price always includes the VAT that applies where it takes place. This applies to everyone, including EU companies with a VAT ID and buyers from outside the EU.

Payment methods: no PayPal account needed

  • Debit & Credit Cards: processed through PayPal’s gateway, but any card works without a PayPal account.
  • PayPal
  • Pay by Invoice: shown once you’re logged in. You receive the invoice first and settle it by bank transfer, which many companies prefer. It takes a little longer.

Card and PayPal payments go through immediately and result in the same invoice.

Use your own email address for your account, not your company’s invoicing address, because all course communication goes to that email. You can forward the PDF invoice to your accounts department. If anything is missing or you need help, write to info@thenodeinstitute.org.

What is the refund policy?
If you’re unsure whether a course is right for you before purchasing, we strongly encourage you to reach out first — we’d rather help you make the right decision than deal with a refund afterward. For refund requests, please contact us at info@thenodeinstitute.org and we’ll handle each situation individually and fairly.

The courses are in English — how accessible are they for non-native speakers?
Our instructors teach clearly and at a considered pace, and the international makeup of our classes means the language level is generally accessible to non-native English speakers. All course materials, workshop files, and Discord support are in English. If you’re unsure whether your English level is sufficient, we recommend attending a live Q&A session before enrolling where available — it’s the best way to get a feel for the teaching style and pace.

Who typically joins NODE courses?
Our courses bring together a genuinely diverse mix of people — visual artists, musicians, architects, event technicians, scientists, software developers, VJs, designers, and students, from complete beginners to working professionals. That diversity is one of the most valuable aspects of learning with us. You’ll consistently find that the community around the course is as enriching as the curriculum itself.

How does the Discord community work, and how long do I have access?
Each course has a dedicated Discord channel where you can ask questions, share work, and connect with peers and instructors. Your access continues beyond the course itself, so you remain part of the broader NODE community even after your semester ends. The Discord is actively monitored and is the fastest way to get support during a running course.

Will I receive a certificate upon completion?
Yes, the NODE Institute provides a certificate of completion. It is a meaningful credential within the creative technology community, where NODE’s courses are well regarded. However, it does not assess how well you have mastered the course content; it simply confirms your participation. This is often useful for participants applying for funding to support their enrollment, or as proof of participation for an employer.

To unlock the download of the certificate, you have to mark all lessons, topics and quizzes as completed, so the course progress shows 100%.

Do your courses connect to each other — is there a learning pathway?
Yes, broadly speaking. For our core tools like TouchDesigner and vvvv, we offer courses from beginner through to intermediate level, complemented by specialized workshops that let you go deeper into specific topics. Many students return semester after semester to keep building their skills. If you’d like a personal recommendation on what to take next, just reach out — we’re happy to help you plan your learning journey.

After logging in, go to “My Courses” via the menu under your username in the upper right corner. Inside each course page, you’ll find the list of lessons on the right-hand side.

Lesson materials are linked from the first lesson or the relevant lessons within each course.At the top of the lesson page, you will find two tabs: Lesson, which is open by default, and Lesson Materials, which contains the download links for the files associated with that lesson. Please download the lesson materials before starting the lesson.

The Zoom link is included in the relevant lesson and is automatically replaced by the recording once it becomes available (usually within 24 hours).

Will you send a Zoom link before the course?
Usually no. You will find the link to the live Zoom session directly on the lesson page, in the same place where the recording will be embedded after each session. However, we often send on-boarding emails including relevant information for first time users to avoid confusion. All lessons are listed on the right-hand side of the course page for easy access.

Didn’t find the answer to your question?

Please email us at info@thenodeinstitute.org, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.