The program
No previous programming experience? Don’t worry. We start with the basics and progress, through working on real-world projects, towards an in-depth understanding of technology development.
The program
WHAT WILL YOU LEARN?
This model helps you learn to code from scratch. And if you already have some coding experience, 42 is for you too. You’ll be able to take your skills to the next level.
42’s curriculum, known as the Cursus, will enable you to apply your knowledge in a practical and collaborative way. The learning pathway consists of 21 levels. The first part, called ‘Common Core’, comprises seven layers of knowledge and development through projects and exams, where you’ll primarily learn C, JavaScript and Python.
Once you have passed the seventh level, you’ll be eligible for your first work placement with companies.
The second part of the curriculum focuses on the areas of specialisation that each individual wishes to pursue.
Furthermore, at Campus 42 you will acquire not only technical skills, but also transferable skills:
Teamwork Creativity Communication Resilience Adaptability to change Innovation Critical thinking Time management Leadership skills
HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE YOU TO LEARN?
Not everyone learns at the same pace, so why impose one?
At 42, the programme doesn’t follow any university calendar. Enrolment is open throughout the year. You choose when to start.
The curriculum is divided into two parts:
1) The core curriculum, known as the ‘Common Core’, which provides a broad foundation in computer programming. Recommended duration: 12 to 18 months
2) This module lasts for approximately a further 2 to 4.5 years, during which you can specialise in the areas of technology that interest you most, with no time limits.
CURRICULUM I ‘COMMON CORE’: 12 TO 18 MONTHS TO LEARN THE BASICS
The starting point is the same for everyone and provides a foundation of digital and cross-curricular skills. This experience lays the groundwork for a set of core competencies, both personal and technical. This is known as the ‘Common Core’, the basic introductory programme consisting of seven stages of core project development, and it is recommended that you complete it over a period of 12 to a maximum of 18 months, at your own pace.
During this time, you will learn to:
Program in C, JavaScript and Python, which will help you understand the fundamentals and programme efficiently and confidently in any other language. You will explore general-purpose artificial intelligence, RAG and intelligent agents.
The ‘Common Core’ is the same across all campuses in the 42 network.
STUDY PLAN II: CHOOSE A SPECIALISATION AND SET YOUR OWN PACE
Here, you’ll tackle classic digital and programming fields such as:
Web and mobile development,Software development ,Operations Development (DevOps) ,Systems ,Artificial Intelligence and Big Data,Cybersecurity ,Graphics and gaming ,Cryptography
This module lasts for approximately a further 2 to 4.5 years and consists of a range of projects organised by theme, in which you will have complete freedom to decide what you want to learn.
It focuses on group work and collaboration on projects, as well as being brand-, technology- and language-neutral, with the aim of developing your adaptability to help you avoid the obsolescence that characterises the digital market.
You’ll be free to choose the field you wish to explore. You’ll be able to broaden your skills and knowledge. Your learning journey will be unique; experiment with different projects and various specialisation paths.
Completing this second part of the curriculum may take longer depending on the specialisations you choose.
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Frequently asked questions
This kind of learning increases knowledge of a subject by means of active exploration of real-world challenges and problems. You learn by doing and thinking critically, rather than by following instructions and memorising.
There are two compulsory internships. The first one has to be completed once the common core has been passed and it can take place at all kinds of companies, ranging from technology companies to startups, and in any position or job profile. The second one must be completed in a position or profile related to technology and the learning at 42. Most importantly, each student decides at which company and when he/she wants to complete them.
The projects are evaluated by the students by using a mark sheet and the general guidelines provided by the teaching staff. The students should be able to explain their code to the evaluator in a way that the latter will understand it, even if he/she has no knowledge of it prior to the evaluation. The mark will be determined by how well your code works and how well you can explain it.
Finding the internships required to validate the course forms a crucial part of the learning process. The campus provides a way of acquiring knowledge and confidence and gaining access to companies and institutions by means of talks, workshops and other events. However, it’s ultimately up to each individual to make the decision and take up the challenge.
Once students have passed the ‘pool’ stage, they follow a core curriculum across all campuses worldwide, alongside a technical specialisation component. The learning pathway consists of 21 levels.
The first part, the ‘Common Core’, comprises seven layers of projects and exams, focusing primarily on learning C, Python and JavaScript. Once the final layer has been completed, students become eligible for their first work placement. From this point onwards, it is up to the student to decide when to undertake it.
The second part focuses on the areas of specialisation that each student wishes to develop at their campus. Topics covered include: cybersecurity, web development, programming, AI, blockchain, DevOps, etc. This content is constantly updated to keep pace with developments in the technology sector.
During the ‘Common Core’, you will learn C, Python and JavaScript, and you will explore general-purpose artificial intelligence, RAG and intelligent agents.
In the specialisation, the programming languages depend entirely on the projects you are working on.
It is a universally applicable programming language, highly compatible with hardware compared to others. By working with C, you develop a deep understanding of computers and their operating systems and learn how applications affect these systems. With the knowledge and insight gained from programming in C, it is often easier to learn other languages later on.
Artificial Intelligence is not an optional extra or a mere add-on; rather, it is woven throughout 42’s learning curriculum, ranging from fundamental concepts to the creation of architectures for fully autonomous systems. AI is integrated by design and in a progressive manner, not simply to follow a trend. The aim is that, upon completing your studies, you will be able to design, develop and critically evaluate AI-integrated solutions to address the current challenges facing the industry.
You progress through the study plan by completing projects and earning points. With these points you go up through the levels and unlock more projects and branches of specialisation. You can also master different skills and complete missions and achievements.
The original curriculum was created in 2013 by the Campus 42 Paris team, a group of veterans in the field of IT education in France. Since then, it has evolved thanks to contributions from teaching staff across the global network of campuses, cooperation with companies, and even input from students. Every quarter, the teaching committee—made up of teaching staff from all campuses—meets to discuss and implement updates to the curriculum based on current industry trends.
