What is 42?

At 42 Barcelona, you can undertake the best programming course currently available. Thanks to its disruptive methodology, you’ll learn everything you need to become one of the most sought-after professionals in the tech sector, without needing any prior technical knowledge whatsoever.

You’ll learn everything you need to be able to work with ease in any programming language and/or technology that exists or will exist.

Located in the Barcelona Activa technology park in Nou Barris is the free 42 Barcelona programming campus, which forms part of an international network of over 50 centres worldwide, considered to be the third most innovative university in the world, ahead of institutions such as Princeton and Harvard, according to the WURI 2026 ranking.

Its facilities, open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, have over 100 computers available for you to use whenever you need them. Here, you can train to become a programmer proficient in multiple technologies and languages through its programming course.

Free, practical and at your own pace…

42’s learning method differs from the traditional educational model as it is built on an innovative and disruptive methodology based on four pillars:

1. 100% free and flexible: The training is completely free and the campus is open 24 hours a day, every day of the year, so you can decide for yourself how and when you study.
2. 100% Hands-on and Up2You: 42 is entirely project-based, giving you considerable freedom in how you develop your projects
3. Collaborative & Gamification: 42’s methodology is primarily collaborative; on many occasions, your projects will be assessed by your fellow students, just as you will have to assess theirs using gamified methods such as points, experience and levels…
4. No prior knowledge or training required: the only requirement for studying at 42 Barcelona is to be over 18 years of age. No prior training or technical knowledge is necessary. At 42, you learn to code from scratch.

But what’s more, at 42 you’ll also develop other skills that are equally sought after in the job market, such as: independence, teamwork, resilience, critical thinking, communication, innovation, leadership, etc.

Training programme

The training at 42 Barcelona is divided into two blocks:

1. Fundamentals: The first block, known as the Common Core, will prepare you over a period of 12 to a maximum of 18 months to tackle any challenge you may face in your professional life.
2. Specialisation: The second block, known as the Outer Core, consists of a wide range of projects across different areas of technology and programming, so that you can decide for yourself what you want to specialise in.
3. Experience the ‘Piscina’ and succeed.

And if you’re now wondering what ‘La Piscina’ is, here’s a clue. It’s a 26-day consecutive in-person challenge, completely free of charge at 42 Barcelona, and serves as the final step in the selection process. Through daily projects, candidates have the opportunity to build a solid foundation whilst learning to work with 42’s methodology and learning approach.

La Piscina is an immersive programming experience that takes place every day of the week, both during the day and in the evening. During this period, you’ll work in teams with others, facing and overcoming moments of frustration, developing communication and programming skills, and writing lots of code.