Next year, a completely new kind of higher education level coding school will open in the district of Kallio in Helsinki. At Hive Helsinki, there are no classes, no teachers, no textbooks and no tuition fee. Instead, the students will work in teams, learn by doing and solve real-world problems. . The study program will provide students with future-proof skills to help them secure employment in the field of digital technology.
Supercell, a Finnish mobile game development company, launches a new school – and a revolutionary proven learning concept – in Finland. Together with its partners, Supercell is seeking out to provide an answer to the urgent need for coding talent in Finland and an alternative education path for the youth.
Moreover, the cluster of enterprises believe that coding is a future-proof career option for young people living in a world full of uncertainty. Coders are needed not only in the setting up of website user interface and user experience, but in almost all operations throughout industries from health to fashion.
“There is a growing demand for skilled coders in Finland. Companies and societies need coders to solve problems that we all face. Therefore, Hive Helsinki is looking for students with as diverse backgrounds as possible. Whatever your aspiration, your path to a future-proof career starts at Hive”, says Ilkka Paananen, CEO of Supercell.
No classes, no teachers, no textbooks
Hive Helsinki brings to Finland an unprecedented school and learning concept: the three-year study program is based on peer-to-peer learning, peer evaluation and project-based learning. The model has been pioneered by French school, École 42, in 2013. It’s now used in ten other locations abroad. Examples include 42 in Silicon Valley in the United States and Codam in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. . Hive Helsinki is the first of its kind in the Nordics.
The school premises will be located in the trendy district of Kallio in Helsinki. The study program consists of over 100 projects that cover many areas of computer science, from web to AI & algorithms, graphics programming and more. Through anindividual, gamified curriculum, studentsacquire skills through teamwork in projects. Projects are focused on solving real-world problems and increase in complexity as the student progresses in the program.
All talents are welcome
Hive Helsinki aims to be the most diverse coding school in the world. Hive Helsinki wants to challenge perceptions on coders and coding and is looking for talents from all walks of life, all genders, and all backgrounds. No degree is required from applicants.
“An applicant’s previous track record is irrelevant to us. The only restrictions are as follows: Applicants must be over 18 or prove that they have passed comprehensive education in Finland or EU. They also must complete an online logic test. Successful applicants are invited to the selection Piscine, a 4-week immersive training period, where final student selections are made. To succeed, students need to be open, motivated and be able to work in teams”, says Head of Hive, Minna Kivihalme.
The curriculum is designed to support employment. Therefore, students can take a break from their studies and come back whenever they find it necessary.
Hive Helsinki will open its doors for the first Piscine in July 2019. Around 100 students are expected to begin their studies in fall 2019. The application period begins in January.