Das 42 Curriculum
At 42 Berlin, future software engineers gain both technical expertise and essential soft skills through a peer-to-peer, project-based learning method. Our curriculum is built on the École 42 model, launched in 2013 and now proven across 47+ campuses with over 20,000 students and alumni worldwide.
We accommodate students who have no prior coding experience, and strengthen the foundations of those who do. The program meets you where you are—laying strong foundations or deepening existing knowledge.
It is important to note that both the Piscine and the Curriculum have been created as full time commitments and we highly recommend approaching them as such.
Core Curriculum
12–18 months
First paid internship
4–6 months
Specialisation path
Up to 5 years
Final paid internship
Core Curriculum
12–18 months
First paid internship
4–6 months
Spezialisierung
path
Up to 5 years
Final paid internship
Core Curriculum
12–18 months
First paid internship
4–6 months
Specialisation path
Up to 5 years
Final paid internship
After the intensive Piscine, you’ll progress through the Core Curriculum, gradually building expertise and eventually specialising in a field of your choice—reaching the equivalent of a Master’s level.
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach—students tackle 100+ projects at their own pace, solving challenges in unique, hands-on ways.
Students choose the projects that will shape their learning. In this way, each student’s path will look a little different.
Instead of grades, students earn experience points (XP), with failure seen as a vital part of the learning process.
In its totality, our curriculum is a four-step journey, steering students through a comprehensive foundation of code and allowing them to gain expert knowledge in a field of choice.
CORE CURRICULUM
12–18 months
Das Core Curriculum hat zum Ziel, jedem Studierenden eine fundierte und stabile Grundlage zu bieten, die sowohl weiche als auch harte Fähigkeiten umfasst. Du wirst dich auf die Programmiersprachen C und C++ konzentrieren, mit klassischen Algorithmus-Software arbeiten, Dateisysteme entdecken und die UNIX-Prozesse verstehen. Zusätzlich wirst du Themen wie Netzwerktechnik, Systemadministration, objektorientierte Programmierung und Client-Server-Projekte behandeln.
Wir strukturieren unsere Projekte wie einen blühenden Baum. Sobald ein Projekt abgeschlossen ist, kannst du zum nächsten Ast weiterziehen, bis er sich verzweigt. Dadurch kannst du verschiedene Aspekte des Programmierens und der IT entdecken. Der Weg jedes Studierenden wird einzigartig sein, indem verschiedene Projekte und Spezialisierungsrichtungen ausprobiert werden.
Du wirst die folgenden Themen im Core Curriculum behandeln: Imperative Programmierung in C, Objektorientierte Programmierung in C++, Datenstrukturen & Algorithmen, Nebenläufige Programmierung, Netzwerkprogrammierung, Netzwerke und Systemadministration, Grafikprogrammierung, Webprogrammierung.
FIRST PAID INTERNSHIP
4–6 months
Once you finish the core part of the curriculum, you will get the chance to put all your newfound knowledge and skills into professional practice.
You will have direct access to the opportunities provided by our partner companies, including Microsoft, VW, CARIAD, Capgemini, T-Systems, SAP, and Bayer. However, no student is under any obligation to work with any partner company if you do not wish to.
We ensure that all internships uphold a certain standard to have true value and, by law, these internships are paid. This internship, which will include pair programming and mentorship, should provide you with a greater understanding of what you would like to further your career in.
With this knowledge, it will be the perfect time to come back to specialise in this chosen field.
SPECIALISATION
Up to 5 years
Hier wird es richtig spannend. Indem du dich in einem Bereich deiner Wahl spezialisierst, wirst du bis auf Master-Niveau ausgebildet. Unsere Spezialisierungen ändern sich und werden regelmäßig aktualisiert. Derzeit umfassen sie: Künstliche Intelligenz, Cybersicherheit, Web- und Mobile-App-Entwicklung, Betriebssysteme, grafische Programmierung, SEA:ME und mehr.
You will not be obligated to stick to one specialisations, or see it through the the finish line if you do not want; but rather you will be given the flexibility to choose the projects that interest you as and when they do.
When you would like to finish your studies to become an alumni is totally in your hands and it is not uncommon that students leave us earlier than expected due to the acquisition of their desired job. You will have the option to undertake this part of the program in any other 42 campus in the world.
FINAL INTERNSHIP
The final internship is a 6 month internship that will incorporate all that has been learned thus far.
By this time, you will be extremely qualified and more than ready to work in-projects that will take your skills to the next level.
CORE CURRICULUM
12–18 months
Das Core Curriculum hat zum Ziel, jedem Studierenden eine fundierte und stabile Grundlage zu bieten, die sowohl weiche als auch harte Fähigkeiten umfasst. Du wirst dich auf die Programmiersprachen C und C++ konzentrieren, mit klassischen Algorithmus-Software arbeiten, Dateisysteme entdecken und die UNIX-Prozesse verstehen. Zusätzlich wirst du Themen wie Netzwerktechnik, Systemadministration, objektorientierte Programmierung und Client-Server-Projekte behandeln.
Wir strukturieren unsere Projekte wie einen blühenden Baum. Sobald ein Projekt abgeschlossen ist, kannst du zum nächsten Ast weiterziehen, bis er sich verzweigt. Dadurch kannst du verschiedene Aspekte des Programmierens und der IT entdecken. Der Weg jedes Studierenden wird einzigartig sein, indem verschiedene Projekte und Spezialisierungsrichtungen ausprobiert werden.
Du wirst die folgenden Themen im Core Curriculum behandeln: Imperative Programmierung in C, Objektorientierte Programmierung in C++, Datenstrukturen & Algorithmen, Nebenläufige Programmierung, Netzwerkprogrammierung, Netzwerke und Systemadministration, Grafikprogrammierung, Webprogrammierung.
FIRST PAYED INTERNSHIP
4–6 months
Once you finish the core part of the curriculum, you will get the chance to put all your newfound knowledge and skills into professional practice.
You will have direct access to the opportunities provided by our partner companies, including Microsoft, VW, CARIAD, Capgemini, T-Systems, SAP, and Bayer. However, no student is under any obligation to work with any partner company if you do not wish to.
We ensure that all internships uphold a certain standard to have true value and, by law, these internships are paid. This internship, which will include pair programming and mentorship, should provide you with a greater understanding of what you would like to further your career in.
With this knowledge, it will be the perfect time to come back to specialise in this chosen field.
SPECIALISATION
Up to 5 years
Hier wird es richtig spannend. Indem du dich in einem Bereich deiner Wahl spezialisierst, wirst du bis auf Master-Niveau ausgebildet. Unsere Spezialisierungen ändern sich und werden regelmäßig aktualisiert. Derzeit umfassen sie: Künstliche Intelligenz, Cybersicherheit, Web- und Mobile-App-Entwicklung, Betriebssysteme, grafische Programmierung, SEA:ME und mehr.
You will not be obligated to stick to one specialisations, or see it through the the finish line if you do not want; but rather you will be given the flexibility to choose the projects that interest you as and when they do.
When you would like to finish your studies to become an alumni is totally in your hands and it is not uncommon that students leave us earlier than expected due to the acquisition of their desired job. You will have the option to undertake this part of the program in any other 42 campus in the world.
FINAL INTERNSHIP
The final internship is a 6 month internship that will incorporate all that has been learned thus far.
By this time, you will be extremely qualified and more than ready to work in-projects that will take your skills to the next level.
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN
Level 0
Learn languages: C
Learn basics: linux, git
Libft Project: get a deep understanding of how standard C functions work by programming a simple C library from scratch.
Level 1
Learn languages: C
Printf Project: create a custom implementation of the printf function in C.
GetNextLine Project: implement a function in C that reads a line from a file descriptor.
Born2BeRoot Project: setting up and administering a Linux-based Virtual Machine.
Level 2
Learn languages: C
Push_swap Project: develop efficient sorting algorithm.
Pipex Project: simulate the behavior of a pipe in the terminal.
Minitalk Project: develop a small communication program using Unix signals.
FractOl / Fdf / So_long Projects: create a 2D graphical project usind a simplified graphics library.
Level 3
Learn languages: C
Minishell Project: create a shell interpreter based on the Unix bash shell that can execute commands, manage environment variables, handle redirections and pipes, and respond to user signals.
Philosophers Project: solve the commensal philosophers problem using concurrent and parallel programming.
Level 4
Learn languages: C, C++
Cub3D Project: create a 3D maze game using raycasting and a simplified graphics library
MiniRT Project: develop a rendering engine, allowing the creation of realistic threedimensional images.
NetPractice Project: learn fundamental networking concepts, including IP addressing, subnet masks, and routing.
Level 5
Learn languages: C++, HTML, CSS
Webserv project: build an HTTP server from scratch.
IRC project: implement a chat server based on the IRC protocol.
Inception project: set up a complete web development environment using Docker containers.
Level 6
Learn languages: Python or Ruby, HTML, CSS, Javascript
Transcendence project: develop a complete single-page web application.
This project integrates multiple technologies and addresses both the frontend and the backend, providing a complete experience in fullstack web development.
SKILLS
IMPERATIVE PROGRAMMING IN C
• Develop a strong foundation in procedural programming.
• Build increasingly challenging projects to enhance problem-solving and coding efficiency.
OBJECT-ORIENTED PROGRAMMING IN C++
• Gain a solid understanding of object-oriented programming concepts such as classes, inheritance, polymorphism, and encapsulation.
DATA STRUCTURES & ALGORITHMS
• Understand how to design and implement efficient algorithms.
• Learn to solve complex problems and optimize program performance.
SYSTEM ADMINISTRATION
• Learn the essentials of managing and maintaining computer systems, including user management, system configurations, process handling, and automation.
NETWORKS AND SECURITY
• Develop a strong foundation in networking concepts, communication protocols, and securing systems against vulnerabilities.
GRAPHICAL PROGRAMMING
• Work with graphics libraries to create interactive 2D and 3D projects, including games or visualization tools.
FULL-STACK AND WEB DEVELOPMENT
• Build dynamic web applications by mastering front-end frameworks and back-end technologies.
• Create complete, interactive web solutions.
COLLABORATIVE PROBLEM-SOLVING
• Learn to approach challenges as part of a team, emphasizing clear communication, and achieve project goals effectively.
IMPERATIVE
PROGRAMMING IN C
PROGRAMMING IN C
• Develop a strong foundation in procedural programming.
• Build increasingly challenging projects to enhance problem-solving and coding efficiency.
OBJECT-ORIENTED PROGRAMMING IN C++
• Gain a solid understanding of object-oriented programming concepts such as classes, inheritance, polymorphism, and encapsulation.
DATA STRUCTURES
& ALGORITHMS
& ALGORITHMS
• Understand how to design and implement efficient algorithms.
• Learn to solve complex problems and optimize program performance.
SYSTEM ADMINISTRATION
• Learn the essentials of managing and maintaining computer systems, including user management, system configurations, process handling, and automation.
NETWORKS AND SECURITY
• Develop a strong foundation in networking concepts, communication protocols, and securing systems against vulnerabilities.
GRAPHICAL
PROGRAMMING
PROGRAMMING
• Work with graphics libraries to create interactive 2D and 3D projects, including games or visualization tools.
FULL-STACK
& WEB DEVELOPMENT
& WEB DEVELOPMENT
• Build dynamic web applications by mastering front-end frameworks and back-end technologies.
• Create complete, interactive web solutions.
COLLABORATIVE
PROBLEM-SOLVING
PROBLEM-SOLVING
• Learn to approach challenges as part of a team, emphasizing clear communication, and achieve project goals effectively.
Projects
All projects are written in C programming language
‘Fract-ol’ Project
A simple programm to calculate and draw fractals
Student: Alexandra Roux
FUNDING YOUR STUDIES
42 Berlin’s program is tuition-free. To support your living expenses during the full-time Core Curriculum, eligible students may use the Bildungsgutschein, a government education voucher granted by the Federal Employment Agency (Agentur für Arbeit) or Jobcenter.
This voucher typically covers the Core phase duration of 12–18 months. Erfahre mehr.
