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Fair Access

The Fair Access department run two programmes: Transitions and Widening Access to the Creative Industries. We also have a Fair Access Outreach and Partnership programme

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.

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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:

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! 

Email Us

There are three main RCS Fair Access initiatives:

The Fair Access Outreach Programme


Works closely with communities to provide open-access workshops and opportunities for people to engage in drama, dance, music, production and film.

Fair Access Films

Calendar

View our latest events and opportunities on our microsite 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: 

  • Be 16+ if interested in either drama, film or production
  • Be 7+ if interested in music or ballet
  • Not have completed a higher education programme

And are one or more of the following:

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:

Visit our website 

Email the team

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:

Visit our website

Email the team

WACI Pupil Stories

Fair Access Publications