For college applications, you will usually apply directly to the college(s) via their websites.
For degree-level training, there are 2 different websites that you need to be familiar with:
UCAS
UCAS Conservatoires
You have to submit your applications through these websites but they also provide lots of useful advice and guidance which we recommend you look through at an early stage. You will also find step-by-step guides to help you prepare and submit your application.
In addition to these websites, you should always:
- Look at the detailed information about your course contained on the Institution’s own website
- Check the closing dates for the courses that you want to apply to – Conservatoires often have different dates from Universities. You can find all of that information both on UCAS/UCAS Conservatoires and on the websites of the Institutions.
- Contact the Institution itself at an early stage if you have any questions or concerns and you can’t find the answers on either the UCAS websites or the Institution website. In the case of RCS Transitions students can direct these through the Transitions team as we may already know the answer or can perhaps find it out for you quite quickly.
- Attend any open or information days – there is nothing like getting an in-person feel of the facilities
- Conservatoires and Universities may use something called ‘contextualised entry’ where they may accept slightly lower academic grades or recognise relevant experience in place of academic requirements for Fair Access applicants. This can vary between Institutions so do your research. In the case of RCS, you can usually see this on the relevant course pages but get in touch with us if you need further information.
- If you are care experienced or estranged, a named person can support you with your application process. Ticking the box to show you are care experienced or estranged will get you more help.
- If you have a disability and have access needs, you should make the admissions team aware of this. They can make adjustments for your interview/audition if appropriate.
For the purposes of this resource, we will focus on the UCAS Conservatoires process. However, we hope that you will find all of the information useful for any University applications.
