When looking for a computer science degree, many students find themselves at a crossroads: traditional universities with lectures and exams, or innovative models that focus on practical experience and personal responsibility. In Zurich, the 42 School offers an alternative that provides a fresh take on this very question.
Why 42 for a modern computer science degree?
A traditional computer science degree is often characterised by long series of lectures. The 42 Method takes a completely different approach: ‘learning by doing’. Students learn not by listening, but by working on projects that are relevant to the real world of industry. This is exactly what many employers today expect from a successful computer science degree.
Peer-to-peer learning instead of traditional classroom teaching
Collaborative work lies at the heart of the programme. Students work together in groups, review each other’s code and solve problems as a team. This approach not only develops technical skills but also soft skills such as communication and problem-solving – skills that are essential in a modern computer science degree.
No lecturers
Unlike a traditional degree programme, there are no permanent lecturers to guide the learning process. Instead, students support one another when they get stuck. Responsibility for their own learning progress lies entirely with the students. This provides the ideal preparation for working independently in the IT sector.
Why 42 Zurich?
The 42 Zurich campus offers direct links to the international tech scene. Students have access to a network of companies and innovators. This bridges the gap between education and career entry in a way that many traditional computer science degree programmes do not.
If you’re looking for a computer science course that doesn’t just teach theory but also encourages real-world experience and personal responsibility, the 42 method is an excellent choice. It isn’t a degree course in the traditional sense, but an intensive training programme that prepares you for the demands of tomorrow’s digital world.

