The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland (RCS) has once again retained its position as one of the world’s top ten institutions to study the performing arts, according to prestigious global rankings published today (Wednesday 12 March 2025).

RCS holds its number six spot in the QS World University Rankings by Subject.

It’s the ninth time it has been placed in the top ten since the ranking was established in 2016.

Established in 1847, the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland is a global leader in performing arts education and one of only a few institutions worldwide to offer degree programmes across the performing and production arts.

The variety of artistic disciplines at RCS, and a vibrant global community of students from around 60 countries, cultivates creativity and collaboration, where the next generation develops its craft in everything from classical and traditional music, opera, jazz and musical theatre to acting, ballet, film, education and production arts, management and technology.

Professor Jeffrey Sharkey, Principal of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, said: “In an era where the arts and arts education face increasing challenges, this recognition celebrates the commitment of our students, staff, supporters and alumni who contribute so much to the life and success of RCS.

“I deeply appreciate RCS being recognised by peers worldwide as one of the top ten institutions for performing arts education.

“This reflects the respect and influence Scotland’s national conservatoire has within and outwith its borders as well as the extraordinary talent, dedication and creativity that define our community.

“RCS champions artistic excellence, innovation and inclusion and finds creative ways to knit these strands together. We strongly believe that the arts are not a luxury, but that they are vital to the fabric of society – they inspire, challenge and transcend boundaries.”

Professor Dorothy Miell OBE, Chair of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, said: “To maintain our world top ten position emphasises the exceptional learning and teaching environment at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.

“My congratulations to Principal Sharkey and everyone at RCS – it’s testament to the passion and creativity of the students, staff and alumni who have built a vibrant global community where artistry and innovation thrive.

“Scotland has a conservatoire of international stature that is shaping the artistic landscape for generations to come, both here and around the world.”

The QS World University Rankings portfolio is the world’s most popular source of comparative data about university performance.

QS uses five key metrics to compile the subject rankings including reputation, which is based on the responses of more than 240,000 employers and academics.

Highlights from the last year at RCS include:

Actor and alumnus James McAvoy returned to RCS to meet Junior Conservatoire acting and film students this month, including the actors who receive the James McAvoy Drama Scholarship.

James spent an afternoon with the students, sharing invaluable insights and advice. James established the scholarship in 2015, which supports applicants who would otherwise find meeting the cost of tuition fees a barrier to accessing pre-higher education drama training at RCS.

Game of Thrones and Star Wars actor Kate Dickie became a Patron of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland’s Junior Conservatoire of Stage and Screen in December 2024 where she’s a champion and positive force for the next generation of actors, filmmakers and production artists, aged 11 to 18.

Elaine C Smith established a ten-year prize in October 2024 to support and celebrate new female voices in comedy.

The Scottish actor, comedian and legendary panto queen is helping to pave the way for aspiring comedy actors to follow in her footsteps. The £500 prize will be presented annually to a final-year drama student across RCS’s BA Acting, BA Performance and BA Musical Theatre degree programmes.

In the space of just a few weeks, BA Modern Ballet student Antonia Cramb won the gold medal at the Margot Fonteyn International Ballet competition in London in September and was offered a contract with Scottish Ballet.

She’s now combining her final-year studies at RCS with professional life.

Graduates from the BA Acting programme joined forces for an RCS Creative Conversation about their play, The Fifth Step, during the Edinburgh Festivals.

Actor Jack Lowden, writer David Ireland and director Finn den Hertog offered insights into the creative process and talked about how their time studying at RCS has shaped their work.

A trio of internationally acclaimed artists received honorary doctorates from RCS in July 2024: Akram Khan MBE, a dancer and choreographer described as one of the most visionary artists of his generation; RCS alumnus Ivan Heng, a boundary-breaking actor, director and activist celebrated for a fearless approach to theatre-making and creating a space for diverse voices to be heard; and Vashti Bunyan, a celebrated singer-songwriter who achieved a cult following and critical acclaim after her music was rediscovered.

Graduate and tenor Matthew McKinney won first prize in the 2024 Kathleen Ferrier Awards competition in Wigmore Hall in April, one of the UK’s most prestigious singing contests. Matthew follows in the footsteps of previous winners, RCS graduates Gemma Summerfield and Karen Cargill.

His Majesty King Charles III retained his patronage of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. His Majesty, formerly The Duke of Rothesay, was appointed Patron of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in 2003.

The Creative Enterprise Development Office (CEDO) was launched to support creative business development and artistic innovation for students, staff and alumni. It offers one-to-one clinics, workshops and funding to help with company, career and project development and to bring ideas to life. RCS graduates are ten times more likely to be self-employed or to start-up a company than most UK graduates. (HESA Graduate Outcomes Surveys 2019-22).

Stuart Patrick CBE, Chief Executive of Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, commented: “The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland’s recognition on the global stage is a reflection of the city’s dynamic cultural and creative landscape.

“The RCS is instrumental in reinforcing Glasgow’s standing as an international leader in innovation, arts and creative industries.

“This ranking not only highlights the RCS’s exceptional talent and contributions but demonstrates the crucial role that education and the arts play in Glasgow’s economic prosperity, drawing talent and investment to the city.”

Students of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland train and work alongside award-winning faculty and visiting artists, including violinist Nicola Benedetti CBE (RCS’s Honorary President); Master of the King’s Music Errollyn Wallen CBE, Visiting Professor of Composition; voice teacher Nadine George; actor Giles Havergal CBE; television writer and director Jed Mercurio OBE; composer Sir James MacMillan OBE and Visiting Professor of Conducting, Martyn Brabbins.

Partnerships at local, national and international levels advance the experience and knowledge of students and RCS works with a wide range of professional and strategic partners, including the BBC, all of Scotland’s national performing arts companies, Gleneagles, The King’s Foundation at Dumfries House and Shakespeare’s Globe.

In addition, RCS teaches more than 3,000 part-time learners every year through its Junior Conservatoire and lifelong learning departments.

The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland is committed to making performing and production arts education accessible to people from all backgrounds by breaking down barriers and challenging boundaries through award-winning Fair Access initiatives and community partnerships.

RCS is also an important and active part of the cultural landscape of Scotland, delivering a high-quality programme of more than 500 performances a year, making it one of Scotland’s busiest performance venues.

View the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025.