The 42 Curriculum

At 42 Wolfsburg, the core curriculum lays the groundwork for your programming journey, equipping you with essential hard and soft skills. Spanning on average of 18 months, you’ll learn C and C++ programming, develop simple software using classic algorithms, explore file systems, and gain a solid understanding of UNIX processes. You’ll also be introduced to network architecture, system administration, object-oriented programming, and client-server projects.

To truly master programming, hands-on practice is key. At 42 Wolfsburg, students complete 16 projects and 5 exams, practising daily and showcasing their work on their public GitHub pages or resumes. The core curriculum emphasizes programming fundamentals and vital soft skills, such as teamwork, collaboration, and learning to learn.

You’ll cover the following topics in the core curriculum:

1. Imperative Programming in C
2. Object-Oriented Programming in C++
3. Data Structures & Algorithms
4. Concurrent programming
5. Network programming
6. Networks and Systems administration
7. Graphics programming
8. Web programming
   
   

Why C? This low-level general-purpose language is “close” to hardware compared to others like JavaScript. Often used in embedded or operating systems development, C allows for greater control over memory and I/O usage. As a result, C developers gain a deeper understanding of computers, operating systems, and application interactions, making it easier for them to learn other languages.

In the final project of the core curriculum, ft_transcendence, students take a leap into the unknown. Instead of playing it safe, we challenge you to master a completely new programming language. Why? Because at 42 Wolfsburg, we believe that mastering the intricacies of C and C++ equips you with a versatile skill set, priming you to conquer any higher-level language with ease.

This project isn’t just about learning a new language; it’s a testament to your adaptability and eagerness to learn – qualities that are invaluable in the ever-evolving world of tech. It’s our way of ensuring you’re not just prepared for the industry today but are ready to navigate the transformations of tomorrow.

While the curriculum demands around 2,000 hours, the duration varies based on your commitment. On average, full-time students finish in 18 months. However, the program’s flexibility lets you adjust the duration of your studies between 12 to 24 months. Consistency is key; while juggling your studies at 42 Wolfsburg with a part-time job might be feasible, treating them as a side activity isn’t recommended. If you reduce your study hours, expect a proportional increase in duration, but aim to wrap up within the 2-year mark.

The core curriculum is consistent across all 42 campuses worldwide, allowing you to join a different campus and specialise in various programming areas after completion.

The first internship offers the perfect opportunity to apply your newfound skills in a professional setting. During this 4-6 month experience, you’ll gain valuable insights into the tech world and identify your preferred career path. As part of the program, 42 Wolfsburg students embark on paid internships at various companies, enriching their learning journey.

Crucially, our graduates are not required to work (either as interns or employees) for our partner companies.

We guarantee all internships meet a set quality to truly benefit you, and they’re legally paid. These experiences include pair-programming and mentorship, enriching your understanding of your career interests. Armed with this insight, you can return and specialize in your chosen field.

In this part of the program, you’ll have the freedom to explore your interests and dive into various digital and programming fields, including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, web and mobile app development, operating systems, graphical programming, and more. This stage focuses on team collaboration, neutrality towards brands, technologies, and languages, and helps you diversify your skill sets to become a well-rounded and versatile professional.

Structured like a branching tree, you’ll progress from one project to the next, discovering multiple aspects of coding and IT, making your learning journey unique. At 42 Wolfsburg, we not only offer the complete 42 programming stack, but also our distinct specialisation track called ‘42 Mobility,’ where you can immerse yourself in the future of automotive and smart-city solutions, exploring topics like autonomous driving, IoT, and enterprise solutions.

Focusing on project-based group work, this stage of the curriculum fosters adaptability to navigate the ever-changing tech industry. You can choose the subfields you want to explore, participate in projects with exclusive partners, other schools, or even entrepreneurial programs. The decision of when to graduate and become an alumnus is entirely up to you.

Our curriculum culminates in a comprehensive final 6-month internship program that gives you opportunities to work on real-world projects.

During this final stage, you’ll gain valuable exposure to the challenges and complexities of the tech industry, which will help you build practical skills and confidence needed to thrive after graduation. Our internship program is designed to challenge you to apply what you’ve learned throughout your studies, and to work in diverse teams with individuals from different backgrounds and skill sets.

By participating in this final internship project, you’ll gain a competitive advantage in the job market and be well-prepared to launch your career in the tech industry.