Royal Conservatoire of Scotland
Select Program
Program Characteristics
No Prescreen
Audition Required
Interview Required
In-Person or Virtual
University App Required
Program Highlights
SCOTTISH BALLET PARTNERSHIP
•Delivered in partnership with Scottish Ballet — work with the company's artistic team and dancers
•Attend company class in final year with opportunity to perform on main-stage tours
•Recent tour performances: Cinders!, The Nutcracker, Swan Lake, Mayerling, The Stravinsky Season (Royal Opera House)
TRAINING & FACILITIES
•Purpose-built, award-winning dance studios at Wallace Studios, Speirs Locks
•Classical ballet and contemporary dance technique with internationally acclaimed teachers
•Guest workshops, masterclasses, and choreographic development throughout
COMPETITION & PERFORMANCE
•Students compete at Fonteyn International Ballet Competition, YAGP, Prix de Lausanne, Cecchetti Competition
•Performances at high-profile events including Buckingham Palace and Gleneagles
WELLBEING
•Scottish Ballet Performance Medicine team provides specialist physical and mental health support
•Body-positive approach with access to Gyrotonics, PIYO, pilates, yoga, and mindfulness
CAREER OUTCOMES
•Graduates at Scottish Ballet, Northern Ballet, Joffrey Ballet, Ballet Cymru, National Ballet of Portugal, Matthew Bourne's New Adventures, and more
Key Info
University AppApplication
Apply atUCAS
Deadlines
UCAS Deadline (UK)Jan 14, 2026
InternationalJan 30, 2026
Program Submission
Ballet
PRELIMINARY AUDITION — IN-PERSON
•Classical ballet class (~90 min): barre work, centre, and allegro
•Short pointe work section at end of class
•Taught by RCS ballet staff with live musician accompaniment
PRELIMINARY AUDITION — ONLINE (via Acceptd)
•Barre work: pliés (one side), battements tendus, fondus, grands battements (both sides)
•Centre practice: adage, pirouette enchainement (en dehors and en dedans, both sides)
•Allegro: petit allegro/warm-up jumps, allegro enchainement, one grand allegro
•Stretching: spine roll down, Achilles stretch, hamstring stretch, splits (right, box, left)
•Pointe work (if studied): échappés, relevés, simple pirouette enchainement
•Virtuosity (if studied): tours en l'air to both sides
•No music required for online video
Wildcard / Special Skill
N/A
Submission Specifications
ONLINE AUDITION VIDEO
•Phone or similar device suitable — no professional filming needed
•Camera positioned to show full range of movements
•Ideally between front and side for barre work, at front for centre work
•Wear plain leotard, ballet tights, and ballet shoes (no skirts or warm-up clothes)
Additional Materials
PHOTOGRAPHS (required — all applicants)
•Submit via Acceptd at least 5 days before audition
•Plain background, leotard and tights
•4 poses required:
-Demi-plié in 1st position en face
-Dégagé à la seconde
-Développé à la seconde en l'air
-Arabesque en l'air, facing de côté
Audition Requirements
Ballet
FINAL RECALL (RCS Glasgow)
•Classical ballet class including pointe work
•Contemporary class
•Medical screening by qualified physiotherapist
•Interview with Programme Team members
•Information session, buildings tour, and accommodation tour included
Good to Know
APPLICATION PROCESS
•Apply via UCAS Conservatoires (separate from main UCAS system)
•Create Acceptd account for audition scheduling and photo submission
•Institution code: R58 | Programme code: 201F
•No deferred entry — must reapply next year
FEES
•UCAS application fee: £28.95
•Audition assessment fee: £55 (paid via UCAS, non-refundable)
•Fee waivers available for financial hardship
DEADLINES
•UK applicants: 14 January 2026
•International applicants: 31 March 2026
•Late applications considered — email admissions@rcs.ac.uk first
What's The Process
TWO ROUNDS OF AUDITIONS
•Choose between in-person (Glasgow or London) or online audition
•In-person applicants do NOT need to submit video — but photos required via Acceptd
PRELIMINARY AUDITION
•In-person: 90-minute classical ballet class with live musician
•Online: submit ballet exercises via Acceptd (see requirements)
•London prelim: 30 January 2026
FINAL RECALL (RCS Glasgow)
•Classical ballet class + contemporary class
•Medical screening by physiotherapist
•Interview with Programme Team
•Information session and campus tour for applicants and families
Scholarship Info
•Audition fee waivers available for financial hardship
•Various scholarships and bursaries available — see RCS Fees & Funding page
Program info updated Today
