Fair Access
The Fair Access department runs two programmes: Transitions and Widening Access to the Creative Industries. We also have a Fair Access Outreach and Partnership programme
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Welcome to Fair Access
Listen to Jesse Paul, our Head of Fair Access, and Andrew Comrie, our former Director of Fair Access, chat about what Fair Access means here at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.
What is Fair Access?
Fair Access at RCS is about ensuring that people from all backgrounds have the opportunity to study in performing or production arts education. We are specifically funded to promote and improve access to Higher Education at RCS. We prioritise working with people who are one or more of the following:
- Living in a SIMD-1 postcode
- Care experienced
- Estranged from parents or carers
We provide you with opportunities – from taster sessions to more advanced activities – to prepare for higher education courses taught by some of the best artists and teachers across the UK.
We believe that the performing and production arts need voices from different backgrounds. We need the whole of society to be reflected in our industries.
If you’re not sure how we can help you, get in touch!
There are three main RCS Fair Access initiatives:
The Fair Access Outreach Programme
Works closely with communities to provide open-access workshops, CLPL for teachers and opportunities for people to engage in drama, dance, music, production and film.
Widening Access to the Creative Industries (WACI)
WACI offer free training for Scottish widening access people aged 15 – 19 who are looking to apply to study drama, dance, music, production or film at college, university or conservatoire level.
Transitions
Transitions is our fair access initiative offering an industry-leading arts education programme for young people who want to excel in the performing and production arts. Funded by the Scottish Funding Council to specifically support students from SIMD20 postcodes and those who are care experienced and/or estranged. Auditions are required.
Access Courses
Our brand-new Access Courses are designed to support people who intend to apply to study at RCS and offer 40 credits at SCQF Level 6. They provide high-quality training for students who meet Fair Access criteria and are interested in certain RCS undergraduate programmes.
On the course, you will develop practical skills to improve your artform, take part in regular training and audition and interview preparation, and receive expert advice which helps you navigate the UCAS system, personal statement writing and the audition/interview process. The courses are structured to sit alongside school, college or work and are delivered using a mixture of in person and online teaching.
Fair Access Films
Positive Stories for Negative Times
A collaboration between St Roch’s Secondary School, Wonder Fools theatre company and BA Performance in British Sign Language and English alumni
Stories and Spaces
A Scottish Youth Theatre and Fair Accessproject on the Isle of Mull
Calendar
View our latest events and opportunities on our calendar:
Transitions
I remember being so inspired by an older transitions flautist and seeing his success really did inspire me to push on to where I am today.” — Molly Gribbon
What is Transitions?
Our Transitions activities focus on creative learning designed to nurture your understanding of art training at the RCS. We aim to equip you with the transferable skills and qualities needed to excel as a student and beyond. We offer a variety of funded opportunities including tuition, coaching, masterclasses, and personal development activities.
To apply for Transitions, you must:
- Have a passion for the performing and production arts
- Not have completed a higher education programme
And are one or more of the following:
- Living in a SIMD-1 postcode
- Care experienced and/or estranged
Or are living in a SMID-1 or SIMD-2 postcode and:
- Living rurally
- Are Black, Indigenous, People of Colour (BIPOC)
- A young carer
Find out more:
Transitions Films and Student Stories
Widening Access to the Creative Industries
WACI is a really fun, educational experience where I got the chance to improve my skills, play games, and talk with people who have the same interests as me.”
What is WACI?
Widening Access to Creative Industries – affectionately known as WACI – is run by the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and is part of their Fair Access provision. It is funded by the Scottish Funding Council.
We support pupils in their journey to study the performing and production arts at college, university or conservatoire level offering taster workshops, short courses, performance trips and preparation classes to get you ready for the next steps.
Eligibility
We offer a wide variety of fully-funded opportunities for young people in Scotland. We prioritise working with people who are:
- Living in a SIMD-20 postcode and/or
- Care experienced and/or
- Estranged from parents or carers and/or
- Black, Indigenous and/or a Person of Colour (BIPOC) living in a SIMD-20 postcode or SIMD-40 postcode
Find out more:
WACI Pupil Stories
Fair Access Publications
Let's Talk About... Working with Care Experienced and Estranged People in the Performing/Production Arts
The Impact of Digital Learning on Fair Access Students at RCS
