A UNIQUE CONCEPT
The position of 42 is unique in the world of higher education: it is based on strong values for long-term employability in the job market. Since its establishment in 2013, 42 represents the best in computer science education. Innovative, distinct, and open, the program emphasizes projects and group work rather than theoretical teaching. A concentration of pedagogical innovations to allow the talents of tomorrow to shine.
OUR VISION
PROVIDING TRAINING TODAY FOR TOMORROW
Since its creation in 2013, 42 has always been committed to offering the best IT education to as many people as possible with innovative working methods. Our unique position in the world of higher education is based on strong values, such as real openness to all, free and excellence. The ultimate goal is to achieve sustainable professional integration into the job market.
OUR VALUES
TAKING A STAND FOR A BETTER FUTURE
FREE
One should not have to pay in order to establish themselves firmly in the job market. At 42, there are no application fees, registration fees, material costs, or hidden fees at the end of the program. Selection is not based on financial means. This strong commitment allows us to attract talent from diverse backgrounds, regardless of their life journey and reasons for choosing computer science as their profession.
FOR ALL
Anyone can learn to code and make it their profession. We reject gender stereotypes, make it easier for individuals with unique backgrounds or disabilities, those in career transitions, or from disadvantaged backgrounds to join us, and we actively combat discrimination every day. Diversity is a strength that will enable us to tackle ever greater challenges together. Beyond being of legal age, there is no age limit to join 42.
NO DIPLOMA REQUIRED
The admission selection process at 42 is a placement test that does not rely on academic records, standard tests, or whether one has obtained diplomas or not. Instead, we offer candidates who have passed the initial admission steps the opportunity to spend a month with us to discover how our program operates. This time allows them to see for themselves if 42 is the right fit for their education. While we aim to help individuals who have disengaged from formal education find their way back, we do not encourage dropping out of school: for candidates who have not reached the legal age of majority, 42 requires a high school diploma or its equivalent.
NO LESSONS. NO TEACHERS. NO CLASSES
Thanks to its innovative pedagogy, 42 is able to offer excellent training without relying on traditional lectures. The teaching team supports students in finding their own solutions. To make progress at 42, one must work in groups, draw on the community to push themselves to the limit, and then share their knowledge with their peers. Learning computer science by taking notes in front of a board and writing programs on paper is out of the question!
A GLOBAL NETWORK OF EXCELLENCE
To better take advantage of opportunities wherever they may be, 42 expands internationally through its network of partner campuses in France and around the world. All campuses are interconnected to share programs, learning, and pathways. After completing the core curriculum, it is possible to continue one’s education at one of the network’s campuses to gain international experience. The diversity of profiles, nationalities, and cultures widens one’s horizons.
NO NEED TO BE ABLE TO CODE
The training at 42 starts from scratch for all students. It is not necessary to have prior programming experience to apply to 42. The program, ambitious and covering all areas of computer science, enables all individuals involved to build a career.
THREE YEARS, OR LONGER, OR SHORTER
42 offers a single training program, but one that adapts to the pace of everyone. There are no time limits on the requested projects: you can take more time or progress faster without restrictions. The most engaged individuals do not have to wait for the rest of the cohort. No one is ever behind at 42. It is even possible to take a break from the curriculum for personal reasons.
NOT JUST A JOB, BUT A LIFETIME CAREER
The training at 42 is not limited to preparing for a job; it allows you to prepare for all current and future computer science professions. 42 is about learning to learn, so you can continually progress professionally. Rather than offering a series of short courses on specific technologies or languages that quickly become obsolete, the unique training provided by 42 teaches you how to learn throughout your life, adapt to new technologies, and pursue well-paying roles.
A HUMAN TRAINING
42 understands that each person is unique. Diversity and inclusivity are strengths both during the learning process and in professional life. The training encourages exchanges, rewards sharing, and integrates a concern for others. It adapts to the pace of each individual. Through the education received at 42, students develop their social skills to become more than just experts.
THE 42 NETWORK
A GLOBAL NETWORK IN FULL EXPANSION
42 is the world’s largest network of free, innovative, and open-to-all computer schools. Each campus is founded, in partnership with others, on the model of 42 Paris, the first school opened in 2013. They contribute to spreading the proven 42 methods worldwide. Each campus builds strong connections with local ecosystems to offer 42’s pedagogy to students everywhere, all the time.
GEEK CULTURE
BUT WHY 42?
In Douglas Adams’ book “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy,” a highly advanced race of extraterrestrials decides to build a supercomputer. Its mission: to find the answer to the ultimate question of life, the universe, and everything. After over seven million years of calculation, the computer delivers its answer: 42. In geek pop culture, the number 42 is often used as the ultimate answer to an seemingly insurmountable problem. That’s why 42 is called 42: it’s our response to what computer education today and in the future should be like.
