Funding & Support

For: Students & Staff

Awards of up to £1k for very early-stage ideas/concepts or up to £4k for projects that have already begun initial development. Accepting applications twice a year, this fund helps to create space for play, experimentation, and innovation.

For: Students

The Student Ideas Fund supports RCS students to develop new ideas outside of their coursework. Ideas can be big or small, artistic, social, community-based, or career-focused. Two £1,000 prizes are available each month during term time.

For: Alumni

The Make It Happen Fund gives alumni who are within 3 years of graduation access to a competitive pot of seed funding. There are 25 awards of £1,500 available each year. The next round opens for applications in spring 2027.

For: Staff

The Athenaeum Engagement Award supports and strengthens partnerships between staff and external collaborators with awards of up to £1k or up to £5k. Awards are made three times during the academic year.

For: Staff

The Athenaeum Research Award offers up to £3k for academic staff to develop and broaden their research, arts practice, and networks, and lay the groundwork for ambitious and scalable research projects. Awards are made three times during the academic year.

For: Staff

The Athenaeum Conference Presentation Award offers contributions of up to £500 towards the cost of attending and presenting research and engagement projects at conferences. Applications for this award are assessed on a rolling basis.

For: Staff

The Athenaeum Sabbatical Award offers staff the opportunity to pursue professional development outside of their regular employment at RCS. The award can offset the costs of staff cover while you are on Sabbatical for up to 3 months.

For: Students & Staff

Awards of up to £1k for very early-stage ideas and concepts or up to £4k for projects that have already begun initial development. Accepting applications twice a year, this fund helps to create space for play, experimentation, and innovation.

For: Staff

Open to academic staff and tutors looking to extend the impact of their research or practice. The fund offers £10,000 plus bespoke training and support for innovation projects in the creative arts and humanities. Applications are accepted once a year, usually in January.

For: Students & Alumni

SHIFT is a weeklong intensive programme that helps students and recent graduates acquire the practical and professional skills needed to transition from higher education into a career in the Arts and Creative Industries. SHIFT takes place once a year, usually in September.

For: Students & Alumni

SHIFT is a weeklong intensive programme that helps students and recent graduates acquire the practical and professional skills needed to transition from higher education into a career in the Arts and Creative Industries. SHIFT takes place once a year, usually in September.

For: Students, Staff & Alumni

Take One Step is a digital tool designed to help members of the RCS community work out the next step for their projects or careers. Based on simple questions, the tool provides clear advice and examples along the way. It will be available for use in early 2025.

For: Students, Staff & Alumni

CEDO facilitates individual sessions with industry experts that can provide guidance on career development, freelancing, starting and running a business, legal matters, finances, and other specialist topics. These clinics are open to all RCS students, staff and alumni.

For: Students, Staff & Alumni

Throughout the academic year, CEDO and the Students’ Union jointly deliver a series of online workshops that address the most vital topics for a career in the arts landscape. These welcoming, warm and casual sessions are open to all, no previous experience necessary.