
Access Courses
Arts with Community / Production / Music Education
Please note, this programme is subject to validation.
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Overview
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 interested in the BA Arts with Community, Production or Music Education degree programmes.
The programme is split into three areas of study:
– Access to Arts with Community
– Access to Production
– Access to Music Education
You will develop practical skills to improve your artform and be guided to reflect on your learning, allowing for both artistic growth and personal development.
All students will take part in regular artform training, group work activity, audition and interview preparation and a collaborative community arts project which works towards a performance.
You will also receive 1:1 life coaching, deepen your understanding of the creative industries, and build essential skills in collaboration, problem-solving, self-evaluation, teamwork and independent learning.
In preparation for application for undergraduate study, you’ll 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. They start with an intensive two-week module in July/August 2025 followed by weekly evening classes and a number of weekend sessions each term. You will also need to complete 15-20 hours of independent learning each month.
If you would like to discuss your eligibility or readiness for this course, please email our Fair Access team: fairaccess@rcs.ac.uk
The important details
Application Deadline:
14 March 2025
Audition/Interview:
April – June 2025
Course Dates:
July 2025 – March 2026
Late Applications:
If the application deadline has passed, please email fairaccess@rcs.ac.uk for advice.
Welcome
Watch our short video for an introduction to our new Access Courses and our Fair Access department.
Edward McGurn, Access Courses Curriculum Developer, talks about what the courses offer students, our Fair Access initiative, and the different pathways available for study.
What Is An Access Course and Who Are They For?
Our brand-new Access Courses are part of our Fair Access initiative. Fair Access at RCS is about ensuring that people from all backgrounds have the opportunity to study in performing or production arts education.
They are designed for individuals 17 years or older who are planning to apply for an eligible undergraduate programme at RCS for the academic year 2026/27 and meet one or more of the following criteria:
- Living in an SIMD1 postcode
- Care-experienced and/or estranged from, and receive no support from, family or carers
- Living in an SIMD1 or SIMD2 postcode and belong to one of the following groups:
- Living rurally (please contact us if you think this applies to you)
- Black, Indigenous, People of Colour (BIPOC)
- D/deaf or Hard of Hearing
Students will also be required to show they are on track to acquire the relevant academic qualifications for entry into their chosen programme. More information is available in the Entry Requirements section.

Pathways

BA Production Arts & Design
Meet the Staff
The course is delivered by expert staff from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, alongside professional artists specialising in arts with community, music education and theatre production.
Fair Access Team
How to Apply
Applicants should check they are eligible per Entry Requirements and then complete the online application form.
The deadline to apply is 14 March 2025. It is free to apply and audition for these courses for all students who meet the eligibility criteria.
You will be invited to attend an audition and interview in Spring 2025 which takes place in person at RCS. This process is designed to help the interview panel find out more about interest in and suitability for the programme.
Before attending we will send you detailed guidance on how to prepare, including tips for selecting material to perform or compiling items for your portfolio (for the Production pathway). If you have specific needs or require adjustments for your audition, you can contact the support team in advance, and they will ensure accommodations are made.
We will also be running online Q&A sessions which you can come to before attending the audition/interview. Staff will give an overview of what to expect on the day and provide advice on areas such as calming nerves and good interview practises.
If you are offered a space on the course, you will be required to provide a reference before we can confirm your space. This can be someone who knows you well like a teacher, lecturer, youth leader, etc.
Entry Requirements
This course is designed for individuals planning to apply for an undergraduate programme at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland for the academic year 2026/27.
You must be 17 or older when the course starts and meet one or more of the following criteria:
- Living in an SIMD1 postcode
- Care-experienced and/or estranged from, and receive no support from, family or carers
- Living in an SIMD1 or SIMD2 postcode and belong to one of the following groups:
- Living rurally (please contact us if you think this applies to you)
- Black, Indigenous, People of Colour (BIPOC)
- D/deaf or Hard of Hearing
Qualifications
Please note that applicants to the Access Courses will be required to demonstrate that they are on track to acquire the relevant qualifications for the degree programme of their choice, as listed below. If you are concerned about not meeting this criteria, please contact us on fairaccess@rcs.ac.uk for advice.
Bachelor of Education (Music): Scottish Highers – A in Higher Music plus three others at BBC, one of which must be English. Maths at either National 5 (grade C) or Intermediate 2 at grade C or above
BA Arts with Community: Scottish Highers – 3 passes (grade C or above)
BA Production Arts & Design or BA Production Technology & Management: Scottish Highers – 3 passes (grade C or above)
English language requirements
The language of study at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland (RCS) is English. All applicants whose first language is not English will be required to provide evidence that their English language level meets the entrance requirements.
The required IELTS level for this programme is 6.5. Full details of all the English tests we can accept can be found on our English Language Requirements page.
Fees & Funding
The course and audition/interview are free of charge for all students who meet the eligibility criteria listed in the Entry Requirements section.
Students will also receive financial support for travel to attend classes and performances, materials and equipment required for the course.
FAQs
- Course Content and Structure
- Learning, Teaching and Qualification
- Application and Interview Process
- Student Support
Can I balance this course with my school or college studies?
Yes, the course is designed for students who are also studying elsewhere. You will receive support to help balance your course workload with other studies.
Will I need to attend all sessions?
Yes, attendance at all sessions is strongly encouraged. Missing sessions may affect your progress in the course.
Is there a placement for students on the Music pathway?
Yes, students on the Music pathway will complete a placement in a primary school or community music venue during the course.
What will the community arts production involve?
The community arts production will involve students from all pathways—music education, performance, production, and arts with community—working together to create a project that engages with a specific community or audience. You will utilise all of the skills within your group to make a unique and dynamic production for your target audience.
Who will teach the course?
The course is taught by staff from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, along with professional artists working in music education, performance, production, and arts with community.
What kind of independent learning is required?
Independent learning tasks include completing online activities, keeping a reflective journal, and working on tasks related to your RCS undergraduate applications. You will receive guidance on how to manage these tasks.
What will I achieve by the end of the course?
You will earn 40 credits at SCQF Level 6, equivalent to a “Higher” qualification in Scotland. You will gain practical skills, theoretical knowledge, and valuable audition/interview experience.
For students on the Arts with Community pathway, passing this course may qualify you for an unconditional place in the BA Arts with Community degree programme.
What happens if I’m not accepted into the access programme?
If you’re not accepted into this programme, you can seek feedback and explore other options, such as F.E. colleges and other Higher Education institutions offering performance, production, or arts courses.
What are my chances of getting into the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland after completing this course?
While this course will significantly improve your skills, please note that admission to the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland is highly competitive. Some courses have over 2,000 applicants for only 24 places. However, this course will strengthen your future applications to RCS.
What if I don’t get into the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland after completing the course?
If you don’t secure a place at RCS, you will still be better prepared for applying to other universities or Further Education (F.E.) colleges offering Performing or Production Arts courses. This course will enhance your skills and improve your chances in future auditions and interviews.
Is there support available if I need help managing the workload?
Yes, you will receive support throughout the course, including individual life coaching sessions, group discussions, and online resources to help manage your studies
Is there any financial support for students on these courses?
Yes, as a student on the Access Courses you can receive financial support for travel and course materials.
What other kind of support will I get?
At the beginning of the course you will have the opportunity to create a Learning Agreement which ensures that you get relevant support for any access or learning needs that you may have, and reasonable adjustments are put in place. If you would like to speak to us about this in advance of applying, please contact us on fairaccess@rcs.ac.uk
Case Studies
Our Access Courses are a great way to help you take the next step towards undergraduate study.
At RCS we have many students who have had interesting journeys to their final course of study. Read more about them here:
More about Fair Access at RCS
Why RCS?
We are the only place in Europe where you can study all of the performing arts on the one campus. There is a distinctive creative energy at RCS and you’ll be made to feel part of our inclusive and diverse environment from the very beginning of your studies.
Our graduates are resourceful, highly employable and members of a dynamic community of artists who make a significant impact across the globe.
At RCS, students develop not just their art but their power to use it.

World Top Ten
We were voted one of the world’s Top Ten destinations to study the performing arts (QS Rankings) in 2024, the eighth time we have been placed in the top ten since the ranking was established in 2016.

Perform & Collaborate
Our curriculum is built around performance and collaboration and we hold professional partnerships with all of Scotland’s National Companies. Join forces across artforms and be part of the 500+ performances we give each year.

Outstanding Alumni
Our graduates are employed across the world and we take pride in the impact they have on their art forms. We’ll equip you with the skills to thrive as a professional and join their ranks.

Learn from the Best
More than 1,000 lecturers, tutors, artists, technicians, co-ordinators and support staff work at RCS across all our art forms. Study with some of the finest educators and performing and production artists in the UK.

A Campus Built for You
Our facilities are world-class. From rehearsal rooms and recording studios to our five professional performance venues, we have a campus to showcase and develop emerging artists to the highest standards.