Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions about 42 and the London Campus. If you have any other questions that have not been answered, you can contact us at info@42london.com
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
42 London is currently unable to offer visa support. If you are not a UK citizen or resident, please check your visa requirements independently. Our unique, practical approach to learning means we aren't recognized as a traditional accredited institution, which might influence your ability to obtain a student visa.
We happily provide an enrollment certificate, but please understand we cannot ensure its effectiveness in the visa process.
While we issue a certificate of enrollment, we cannot assure that it will facilitate the visa acquisition process.
THE 42 PEDAGOGY
Yes, we are part of a worldwide network of over 54 campuses in 31 countries, with more than 21,000+ students studying across the world.
LEARNING MODEL
All 42 Network campuses share very similar project trees, with more than 200 projects structured on a graph we call the galaxy. When you complete a project, move on to the next one on the trail, until you can choose between different paths, to acquire different skills. Each student has their own unique experience.
You progress in the curriculum by completing projects and gaining experience points. With these points, you level up and unlock projects and specialization trails. You are also recognised for mastering specific skills and completing missions or contributing to the wider community. Levels range from 0 to 21.
The original curriculum was created in 2013 by the 42 Paris team, which consists of veterans of computing and pedagogy in France. Since then it has evolved according to the cooperation of staff from Paris and other campuses, as well as companies and even students themselves, who can suggest and develop projects together with the pedagogical team.
At 42, the progression in the program happens by obtaining points, as if it were a game. With these points, you level up and unlock new projects and learning paths. Your level defines how far you have progressed through the program, so the more points you earn, the further you get. After level 7, you enroll in your first internship and then you can start choosing your specialisation path, on your way to level 21!
Peer-to-peer learning, or peer learning, is a learning model in which participants learn from each other rather than from a single teacher. This exercises critical thinking, group work, communication and a sense of community. Members also evaluate each other and learn more from each feedback given or received from their peers.
In project-based learning, students gain a deeper understanding of a subject through active exploration of real-world challenges. You learn by doing and critically evaluating the result, instead of simply following instructions and memorising.
The core curriculum takes an average of 18 months of full-time study to complete. However, this varies depending on how much time one dedicates to it. The maximum amount of time that can be spent on the curriculum is 24 months. 42 accommodates flexibility in schedule and pace. However, we strongly recommend prioritising your studies over other activities while you’re here, as a certain amount of momentum is needed to progress well. The advanced track can take anywhere up to 5 years, again depending on individual time commitments.
The Admission Process
From time to time, we open registrations and notify you through our website and social networks. The candidate must register and complete two games online, totalling a little more than two hours. It is important to remember that this test should not be done by cell phone, but on a computer. Not only because it takes time, but if you fail there is no way back and you can waste the chance. If you pass, you will be invited for a physical check-in to meet the staff and learn more about 42. Finally, you will cross the final frontier, the famous Piscine (pool) – an immersive training that lasts 28 days, super intensive programming that defines who becomes a lifelong member of the community 42. 42 only requires candidates to pass tests online and come to a check-in meeting before signing up for a piscine.
You must be18+, know how to use a mouse and keyboard.
The determination and willingness to learn cannot be lacking either.
Online tests can be taken from anywhere in the world. During the Check in and the Piscine “Swimming Pool” phase, you must come to the Campus in person. This will be stepped out for you on our applications portal.
No way! There is no coding experience required to be successful at 42. Globally our campus statistics tell us that about 50% of our “42 students” had no prior programming experience. And there is no evidence that those who already knew how to program do better than those who did not.
42 offers a world-class curriculum that challenges students with projects of exponentially increasing complexity. Each problem is unique and requires you to think outside the box with your peers. Everyone, programmer or not, can find a very meaningful and rewarding path within 42.
"THE PISCINE POOL"
The word “Piscine” is the French word for “swimming pool”, meaning that everyone should jump into the water and learn to swim together while having fun.
It is a month of immersion, everyone dives deep into new challenges each day, many are “floating”, and if they don’t want to drown, you will have to learn to swim together.
The selection pool, or just the pool, is a test period that lasts 28 (twenty-eight) days. During the pool, you will discover the basics of programming, from scratch. There are no prerequisites of any kind: you do not need prior experience, you do not need a diploma, as long as you are over 18 years of age. The pool is extremely stressful, challenging, frustrating, fun, and very, very intense. Don’t expect a break on weekends. There is no fixed number of candidates to be selected. This means that there is no competition between candidates, and anyone can be selected – as long as they learn to swim.
Our pools run for 28 days (and yes it is 7 days a week). At 42 London we will be running pools at least 3 times a year. When you are participating in a pool our campus is open 24/7 so we can arrive and leave at any time you prefer.
The pool is designed in such a way that both you and 42 can validate whether this learning model is right for you. If you are not accepted at 42 London after the pool, this format may not be for you – and that’s fine! There are many different ways to learn programming, and we recommend that you try other styles as well. In addition, you may be taking the place of someone who has never tried.
No problem. Candidates are free to leave the process at any time. The pedagogical staff would only be very grateful if you shared your reasons. Who knows? Sometimes talking straight to someone about it can change your mind.
We will have 1 or 2 intakes into 42 London each year after the Piscine or “Pool”. It is best for you to start your studies with us as soon as possible, for the best results. It is much better for you if you do not interrupt your learning process.
That being said, we do not prevent you from entering later if you are not be able to start your journey right after the pool, it might be fairer to leave the place open for someone who is ready to start.
To be successful at 42, you will need to invest a large amount of time in your activities on campus (during the pool it is, on average, over 60 hours a week and during the normal day it is on average 40 hours). Because of this, working and attending 42 at the same time can be exhausting, so keep this in mind.