About Access Courses
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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?
Our brand-new Access Courses are part of our Fair Access initiative and are designed to support people who intend to apply to study at RCS and offer 40 credits at SCQF Level 6. Fair Access at RCS is about ensuring that people from all backgrounds have the opportunity to study in performing or production arts education.
These Access Courses provide high quality training for students interested in studying our BA Arts with Community, BA Production Arts & Design, BA Production Technology & Management or Bachelor of Education (Music) degree programmes.
As a student on our Access Courses you will:
- Develop practical skills to improve your artform
- Be guided to reflect on your learning, allowing for both artistic growth and personal development
- Take part in regular artform training, group work activities, and audition and interview preparation
- Work on a community arts project that culminates in a performance
- Receive 1:1 life coaching
- Deepen your understanding of the creative industries
- Build essential skills in collaboration, problem-solving, self-evaluation, teamwork and independent learning
In preparation for application for undergraduate study, you will also 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.
Who Are Our Access Courses For?
Our Access Courses are designed for individuals aged 17+ 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
- Estranged, and receiving 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
We will prioritise learners between the ages of 17 and 25.
Access Course Pathways
Access to Arts with Community
For students interested in studying our BA Arts with Community degree programme.
Access to Production
For students interested in studying our BA Production Arts & Design or BA Production Technology & Management degree programmes.
Access to Music Education
For students interested in studying our Bachelor of Education (Music) with Honours degree programme.
About Fair Access
In 2014, the Scottish Government created a group called the Commission on Widening Access (CoWA). Its job 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. As a result of CoWA, all Higher Education institutions in Scotland must remove barriers for students who are underrepresented in higher education.
At RCS, Fair Access is a strategic priority and we are deeply committed to it. 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, alongside our Access Courses, which includes:
- 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.