FAQs

Frequently asked questions

General

 

How do I get to the RSAMD?
The RSAMD is situated at the corner of Hope Street and Renfrew Street, which runs parallel with Glasgow's famous Sauchiehall Street. We are 10-15 minutes walk from Glasgow's two main train stations, Queen Street and Glasgow Central. The RSAMD is easily accessible from all major approach roads and Glasgow International Airport is a 20 minute journey by taxi or bus.

 

 
M ap showing directions to the RSAMD .
 

Rail
Both Glasgow Central Station and Queen Street Station are less than 15 minutes walk from the RSAMD.

Bus
Buchanan Bus Station is just a 5 minute walk from the RSAMD. The following bus services stop outside the RSAMD on Hope Street: 20, 23, 23A, 41, 50, 54, 55, 66, 75, 801 and 803. Bus services 17 and 20 stop outside the RSAMD on Renfrew Street.

Underground
Cowcaddens underground station is just a few minutes walk from the RSAMD.

Road
The RSAMD is located close to the M8 motorway:
from the South, exit at Junction 17 (Dumbarton/Kelvinside)
from the West, exit at Junction 17 (Dumbarton/Kelvinside), keeping to the right fork
from the East, exit at Junction 16 (Cowcaddens)

Car Parking
Multi-storey parking facilities can be found at Cambridge Street, Buchanan Street and Buchanan Galleries. 


Applying

 

How do I apply?
Prospective Music students should apply through CUKAS (Conservatoires UK Admissions Service) .

Applications are made directly through the RSAMD for Drama courses. Application forms can be downloaded from the "How to Apply" page. A hard copy can be requested by email on registry@rsamd.ac.uk or by telephone on 0141 332 8901. Please download the associated Guide to Applicants to assist in filling out your application.

What are the entry requirements?
In general we require you to have passed three subjects at AS or Higher level or two subjects at Advanced Higher or A level. There are recommended subjects within the specific course descriptions. In exceptional cases applicants whose qualifications do not match, or fall short of the normal requirements, but who clearly satisfy the audition panel may be admitted under the Non Standard Entry procedure. The only case where this does not apply is the requirement to have a pass in English (AS, Higher or A level) for the BEd Music course.

When are application deadlines?

School of Drama:
The deadline for all SoD undergraduate applications is 15 January 2009
The deadline for all SoD postgraduate applications is 31 May 2009

Research:
The deadline for applications is 30 January 2009

School of Music:
All applications for the School of Music should be made via CUKAS .
The deadline is 1 October 2008 for entry in Session 2009/10

What are the entry requirements for overseas students?
There is not one answer to this question as different countries have different qualifications. We recommend that you put in all examinations that your home country universities would look for and we will make the required translation to the UK system. If your first language is not English you will be required to show evidence of proficiency. Level 6.5 of the IELTS is required for courses in the School of Music and Technical and Production Arts while a level of 7.5 is required for other School of Drama courses.

Is Grade 8 required for entrance into the Music courses?
No, this is a guideline only. All applicants are auditioned and the panel will look for potential talent as well as experience and grades.

Do you allow deferred entry?
No, all applicants must complete the application process and be auditioned for entry in the following September.

Is accommodation available for students?
Yes, accommodation is offered to all first year students (Undergraduate and Postgraduate). Specific details and cost information on the accommodation will be provided once an applicant has been offered a place on a course. 


Studying 

 

How can I order a prospectus?
You can download a copy of the prospectus from the " Prospectus" page . Alternatively, uou can request a prospectus by email on registry@rsamd.ac.uk or telephone on 0141 332 8901.

How much will studying at the RSAMD cost?
Information on fees

Are there international students at the RSAMD?
There are currently over 30 nations represented in the student body of the RSAMD. The City of Glasgow is home to three large Universities and an internationally renowned Art School so the city as a whole attracts large numbers of students from across the world.

As an international student, will I be able to work part-time in Scotland?
Many international students are permitted to work part-time in term-time and full-time during holidays.  However, you must check what it says on your passport sticker (entry clearance or residence permit) or on your identity card.  If you would like further information, please contact Jill Carberry, Welfare and International Student Advisor, by email on j.carberry@rsamd.ac.uk or telephone on 0141 270 8281.


Performances

 

How do I find out about performances?
You can call us to be added onto the mailing list for our events brochure and also regularly check our website. To join the mailing list please telephone 0141 270 8283.

How much are tickets?
This depends on the performance, but tickets are usually between £4 and £8.

How can I purchase tickets?
Call the box office on 0141 332 5057

What are facilities like for the disabled?
There is level access for people with disabilities available on the ground floor.  A lift serves all floors, and wheelchair spaces are provided in all venues.  Please advise Box Office at the time of booking and staff will be happy to assist. Accessible toilets are provided and there are parking spaces for the disabled nearby.

For certain events a sign language or audio-described service will be available.  For a small deposit, headphones are available from the Box Office. For exact dates and times please contact the Box Office.

All RSAMD venues are fitted with an induction loop.  Patrons who are hard of hearing and fitted with a hearing aid should use their T-switch.


Frequently asked questions on RSAMD research programmes  
Here are answers to our most common queries about the RSAMD research degree programme. You’ll find more information in the Guide to Applicants or the Code of Practice.

Can I talk through my proposal informally before I apply?
Yes, we encourage you to discuss your proposal before applying with a member of RSAMD research staff.

Can I study part-time?
Yes. Many of our students study part-time.

Can I start at any time in the year?
No, all research students start at the beginning of the academic session in late September. This is to keep all students’ annual progress reviews in step.

Can research programmes be undertaken at a distance?
No. The RSAMD’s research programmes are not designed to be undertaken via distance learning. You need to be resident in, or within reasonable access of, Glasgow in order to meet regularly with your supervisors and take part in weekly sessions for research students.

Are there opportunities to teach to supplement my income?
There may be such opportunities for suitably qualified students, but not on the scale of, for example, Graduate Teaching Assistant schemes in US universities. You shouldn’t plan to rely on teaching at RSAMD to make ends meet while you study.

Are there any scholarships available?
RSAMD Trust funding is available to continuing students, but there are no scholarships for new students. More details of funding opportunities are available from the Head of Research. Many of our students are self-financing.

Do I have to do any taught courses?
No, not as such. RSAMD research programmes are undertaken via independent study. However, we organise weekly sessions for all research students that mix skills and methods training, the opportunity to present and discuss your research with others and hear from visiting speakers. If you need specific training as part of your research (for example in interviewing skills, or a particular software package) this will be arranged separately.

Will my degree be from the University of St Andrews?
Yes, as our validating university, research programmes offered by RSAMD lead to awards of the University of St Andrews. Research students matriculate at both the Academy and the University and have access to the facilities of both institutions. Programmes of study will be undertaken at, and administered by, RSAMD and all fees will be payable to RSAMD.

Does one supervisor have to be from St Andrews?
No. Each student normally has one internal RSAMD supervisor and one external supervisor. The external supervisor does not have to be from the University of St Andrews.

How long does the research programme take?
For PhD, normally, 3 years full-time, 6 years part-time.


It’s possible, but it depends upon the nature of your Masters degree. A full research Masters is the most likely to qualify you for exemptions.