We welcome applications from people with disabilities. There are many disabled students who have successfully completed courses at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and many who are studying here now, including students with dyslexia, visual and hearing impairments, epilepsy, asthma and ME.
Come and visit
If you are wondering whether or not to apply to RCS, why not come for a preliminary visit? We encourage all applicants to come and look round and talk to staff and students in order to see if you feel it is the right place for you. You may also want to check that we have sufficient facilities in place to study here or discuss your needs so that we can offer you maximum support. Just contact Derek Powell, RCS Disability Advisor on e-mail disabilityservice@rcs.ac.uk to arrange a visit.
Is support available for my audition or interview?
Yes, if there are adjustments that would be helpful for you at audition or interview, or there are things that you would like the panel to be aware of e.g. more time to process questions and prepare answers, please contact Derek Powell on disabilityservice@rcs.ac.uk.
What happens when I start my studies at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland?
When you start your studies at the Royal Conservatoire our Disability Advisor will contact you in the first term and arrange a meeting to discuss how we can best support you. A Learning Agreement stating the support you will receive will then be drawn up and signed. If you are dyslexic, you will need an up-to-date assessment don’t worry if you don’t have one as we can arrange for an assessment here at the Conservatoire. If you have a medical condition, you will need a letter from your GP.
I think I’m dyslexic but not sure
If you have always wondered if you might be dyslexic, but have never been assessed, we can arrange for you to have an assessment with an Educational Psychologist. Derek Powell, RCS Disability Adviser will be able to arrange this for you. Email disabilityservice@rcs.ac.uk. Derek can also assist with completing applications to your funding body (e.g. SAAS, Student Finance England, Wales or NI) for Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA).
What about accessibility?
The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland has level access on the ground floor and a lift suitable for a wheelchair serves all floors. The lecture theatres and auditoria have induction loops and vibrating pager fire alarms are available. The software packages Texthelp Read & Write and Inspiration have been installed in the Student IT Suite. For more details on facilities, click on the link to see Information for Students with Disabilities.
