We provide a wide range of engagement programmes and initiatives throughout the academic year. These programmes aim to support the transition from school to higher education.
RGU’s ‘Access To’ and ‘ACES’ programmes run throughout the academic year.
Access To Programmes
Our Access To Programmes are a free, after school initiative, offering subject-focused sessions for students aspiring to study at University. The programme is delivered by RGU's academic teaching staff and the Widening Access Team.
The S6 Programme is a first-year like experience for students to engage in a course they are interested in pursuing after school, The Programme runs August to October 2024 for 7 weeks through a range of courses listed below. Applications are taken before summer break, this programme is currently only open to the partnered hub schools in Aberdeen City & Shire.
The S5 Programme is a taster experience and is due to begin in June 2025 and will run for 4 weeks- courses are still to be determined but will be of a similar nature to the subjects below. Applications are taken in term 3 and are open to the partnered hub schools in Aberdeen City & Shire.
Subject Areas 2024/2025
Access To provides pupils interested in studying the following subject areas, with practical experience and first-hand knowledge in:
Applied Social Sciences
Develop your knowledge of our Social Science courses through our collaborative environment. The Applied Social Sciences degree is built around the core disciplines of psychology and sociology and provides key transferable skills relevant to a wide range of fascinating careers.
Computing
Experience code development through the creative design process, development, and security testing of your finished product at our state-of-the-art facilities.
Health Professions & Sport
Develop your knowledge of the range in health professions & sport, while experiencing teaching and use of our fully equipped clinical learning environment. Follow a patient’s journey & learn how different health care professionals work together.
Media & Journalism
Learn about media and communication industries as you take part in practical projects on campus, using our state-of-the-art TV and radio studios.
Pharmacy & Life Sciences
Discover what science has to offer while taking part in practical projects researching DNA samples, blood analysis and bacteria. Working across our different research labs you will experience Blood analysis, Food & nutrition, DNA studies and Forensic testing.
Business
Participate in a series of challenges to learn core business skills, preparing you to become the next generation of innovating business entrepreneurs.
Engineering
Gain an understanding of the range of Engineering professions we offer and as future careers. Engage through practical workshops showcasing key skills to understand this area of Engineering and what is needed through those roles.
Law/Law & Management
Learn about different aspects of law and how it influences our daily lives. Develop skills required in legal profession through working on legal cases and mooting in mock court room.
Nursing, Midwifery & Paramedic Practice
Develop your knowledge of the nursing, midwife & paramedic professions. Grow your own skill sets and learn in our fully-equipped clinical environment and classrooms.
Social Work
Develop your knowledge of studying, supporting and working in Social Work through our collaborative environment.
Tourism, Hospitality and Events
Learn about different countries, their attractions, culture, food and more! Build towards a final showcase event where we will host an exhibition.
Benefits of Access To
- Gain knowledge in a variety of degree subjects
- Develop confidence in applying for degree courses at RGU
- Gain invaluable experience that can be used in UCAS application personal statements
- Develop an understanding of RGU courses ahead of starting university
- Achieve a certificate once you have completed the programme
- An introduction to the university environment and student life.
- Support to develop transferable skills – problem-solving, teamwork, communication, presentation.
- Independent study.
- Advice and support to make informed decisions about your future.
- Advice on careers, pathways and progression.
Testimonial
“I am so thankful that I got to take part in this experience and had the chance to meet so many lovely people as well as learn skills which will help prepare me for a future university course. It has also showed me that university isn’t as scary of a place as I thought it would be and I can’t wait to come back and study!”
Delivery
This programme will be delivered on campus.
Our sessions will take place on either a Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday evening depending which course you select to study, and run from 16:30-18:30 each week.
If you attend one of our partner schools in Aberdeenshire, a coach will be provided. If you attend one of our partner schools in Aberdeen City, please make your way to our campus via First Bus No.1 or No.2.
How to apply
Applications for both the S6 & S5 Programme are currently closed. The S6 Programme is completed for 2024/2025 and the S5 Programme is due to commence June 2025, applications for this will be open in Term 3. This programme is open to Aberdeen City & Shire Widening Access partner schools.
If you would like to discuss these programmes or need any further details please contact the Widening Access team, access@rgu.ac.uk.
ACES Programmes
Our ACES Programmes are a free after school initiative, offering subject-focused sessions for students aspiring to study at University. Delivered by RGU's academic teaching staff and the Widening Access Team.
The S6 Programme runs August to October 2024 for 7 weeks through a range of courses listed below. Applications are taken before summer break, this programme is currently only open to the partnered hub schools in Aberdeen City & Shire.
The S5 Programme is due to run for 4 weeks in June 2025 - courses are still to be determined but will be of a similar nature to the subjects below. Applications are taken in term 3 and are open to the partnered hub schools in Aberdeen City & Shire.
Subjects
Architecture and Built Environment
Are you interested in studying Architecture & Built Environment? Would you like to join a forward thinking and multidisciplinary school, where innovative design meets contemporary practice?
This programme will develop your creative ideas with support from architecture lecturers.
The programme is open to pupils who are passionate about architecture and who are considering making an application to:
Art & Design
Do you want to be an artist or a designer? Are you interested in studying creative courses at degree level?
This programme will provide you with an opportunity to develop your creative ideas with support from art and design lecturers. All materials are provided.
The programme is open to pupils who are passionate about art and design and who are considering making an application to:
Benefits of ACES
- Gain knowledge in art and design or architecture
- Develop confidence in applying for degree courses at RGU
- Gain invaluable experience that can be used in UCAS application personal statements
- Develop an understanding of RGU ahead of starting university
- Achieve a certificate once you have completed the programme
- An introduction to the university environment and student life.
- Support to develop transferable skills – problem-solving, teamwork, communication, presentation.
- Independent study.
- Advice and support to make informed decisions about your future.
- Advice on careers, pathways, and progression.
Delivery
This programme will be delivered on campus.
Our sessions will take place on either a Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday evening depending which course you select to study, and run from 16:30-18:30 each week.
If you attend one of our partner schools in Aberdeenshire, a coach will be provided. If you attend one of our partner schools in Aberdeen City, please make your way to our campus via First Bus No.1 or No.2.
How to apply
Applications for both the S6 & S5 Programme are currently closed. The S6 Programme is completed for 2024/2025 and the S5 Programme is due to commence June 2025, applications for this will be open in Term 3. This programme is open to Aberdeen City & Shire Widening Access partner schools.
If you would like to discuss these programmes or need any further details please contact the Widening Access team, access@rgu.ac.uk.
A Week in the Life of Art School
RGU - ACES, Gray's School of Art along with Look again, Engage and the Mobile Art school are excited to bring this brand-new Art & Design summer programme opportunity to the local region!
Our new, interactive programme invites *senior pupils from schools across the North East to engage. The programme aims to support pupils transition from school to University and provides a practical insight to what students experience in their first year of study at Gray’s School of Art.
Find out more
Read more out about all the workshops, options and application:
How to apply
Applications are currently closed. More information for Summer 2025 will be provided in the New Year.