Conservatoire Foundations
New credit-rated programme for S5 and S6 pupils, or people age 16+.
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Overview
Are you passionate about pursuing a career in the Creative Industries and Community Arts Sector? Apply to Conservatoire Foundations to find out what it really takes, and how we can help you do it.
- For S5 or S6 pupils or those aged 16 when the course begins
- Gain 30 credits at SCQF Level 6, accredited by Royal Conservatoire of Scotland
This opportunity is for young people who meet our Fair Access criteria – you can find out about this below.
Build your confidence, knowledge and skills as you complete two modules in a creative community of like-minded people:
Exploring Careers in the Creative Industries
Through practical activities, group work, discussions and creative tasks, explore the world of the creative industries. Find career options linked to what you’re most interested in and discover jobs you didn’t even know existed! Identify the skills and personal strengths needed to succeed and be supported to develop these.
Developing Multi-Arts Skills
Explore creative areas, such as lighting, sound, props, set design, experimenting with music and creating written and performed stories. You’ll work in groups with lots of support to respond to creative challenges, come up with ideas and present your work to others.
The important details
When:
Tues and Thurs, 2 - 4pm: September 2026 to March 2027
Where:
Theatre Royal, Glasgow
Why Take Part in Conservatoire Foundations?
Conservatoire Foundations provides:
- Great teaching from industry professionals
- Structured support
- Useful feedback
- The chance to be part of the Fair Access community at RCS
- A great stepping stone to our Access Courses
Bring your best self and let’s see what happens!
Student Testimonials
“I feel like I’ve gained a lot more confidence. I’ve put myself out there and done some things I wouldn’t usually think about doing. I’ve gained new friends that hopefully are friends for life. It’s been a great experience, and I’ve got to meet so many cool people.”
“I feel as if it’s a group where there’s definitely no judgement. It’s a very safe space…I feel like I’ve been accepted.”
How to Get Involved
Want To Get Involved?
You just need to fill out our application form and provide evidence of taking part in performance, production or community arts of any sort, at school or in your own time.
This might be choosing creative arts and technology subjects as a National Progression Award, Higher or Advanced Higher or taking part in creative activities, classes and groups outside the curriculum, in your community or at home.
You can also sign up to our mailing list to receive information and news about the Fair Access programme at RCS.
Eligibility
To be eligible for Conservatoire Foundations, you must be aged 16 or over and meet one or more of our fair access eligibility criteria below:
- Living in an SIMD20 or SIMD40 postcode*
- Care-experienced
- Estranged and receiving no support from your family (whether biological or adoptive or wider family members)
We will prioritise people aged 16 – 21 who are living in an SIMD20 postcode, identify as Global Majority, are a refugee, or seeking asylum in Scotland. We occasionally work with people age up to 25 who meet the other eligibility criteria.
*SIMD is the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation as defined by the Scottish Government
About Fair Access
The purpose of Fair Access is to help people from the most deprived communities in Scotland have the same chance at entering Higher Education as someone from the least deprived areas. We mainly work with those aged 16-21+ who are statistically less likely to attend university.
We provide eligible individuals, schools, communities and professionals with a wide range of activity, including:
- Outreach
- Professional development for teachers
- Supportive artist and partnership projects
Our main aim is to help young people from a Fair Access background prepare for Higher Education at RCS. This helps us to ensure wider societal representation at our institution and in the creative industries.