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 S5 Programme is a taster experience for students to experience an introduction to an area they may be interested in pursuing. We have 10 courses to choose from, running for 4-weeks in the month of June. Applications for this programme are taken in term 3 and are open to the partnered hub schools in Aberdeen City & Shire.
The S6 Programme is a first-year like experience for students to engage in a course they are interested in pursuing after school. We have 12 courses to choose from, running for 7-weeks in August-October. Applications will be taken around May-June before the summer break and is open to the partnered hub schools in Aberdeen City & Shire.
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!"
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 S5 Programme is a taster experience for students to experience an introduction to either course: Art & Design, or Architecture & the built Environment - running for 4-weeks in the month of June. Applications for this programme are taken in term 3 and are open to the partnered hub schools in Aberdeen City & Shire.
The S6 Programme is a first-year like experience for students to engage in either course: Art & Design, or Architecture & the built Environment - this runs for 7-weeks in August-October. Applications will be taken around May-June before the summer break and is open to the partnered hub schools in Aberdeen City & Shire.
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.
S5 Subject Areas 2026-27
ACES
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.
Art & Design
This programme will provide an opportunity to develop your creative ideas through practical sessions and projects. You will learn and experience a range of creative skills and techniques to explore your creative potential.
Access To
Access To provides pupils interested in studying within a selection of subject areas, with practical experience and first-hand knowledge in:
Applied Social Sciences & Social Work
Gain an introduction to our Social Science & Social Work courses through our collaborative environment. The Applied Social Sciences degrees are built around the core disciplines of psychology and sociology and provides key transferable skills relevant to a wide range of fascinating careers. Get to know what studying and working in Social Work is really like.
Computing, Engineering & Technology
Experience an introduction to the dynamic worlds of computing & engineering through hands-on workshops at our state-of-the-art facilities. You will bring your projects to life from design to implementation and get the opportunity to explore graphics, robotics, mechanical, cyber security, renewables and programming.
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, Applied Sciences and Public Health
Discover what science has to offer while taking part in practical sessions involving analysis of bacteria, forensic analysis, colour chemistry and the science of disease.
Business & Management
Participate in a series of challenges to learn core business skills, preparing you to become the next generation of innovating business entrepreneurs.
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.
Health
Develop your knowledge of a range of health professions, while experiencing teaching & seeing our equipped clinical learning environments. Follow a patient’s journey & learn how different health care professionals work together:
- Diagnostic Radiography
- Midwifery
- Nursing
- Occupational Therapy
- Paramedic Practice
- Physiotherapy
Computing, Engineering & Technology
Experience an introduction to the dynamic worlds of computing & engineering through hands-on workshops at our state-of-the-art facilities. You will bring your projects to life from design to implementation and get the opportunity to explore graphics, robotics, mechanical, cyber security, renewables and programming.
Tourism, Events and Digital Marketing
Are you the next Destination Wedding Planner, Aberdeen Football Club Events Coordinator, Super Bowl Production Manager, Digital Marketing Strategist for Disney Cruises, New Tour Developer for Intrepid Travel or Experience Manager for Taylor Swift's next tour?
S6 Subject Areas 2026-27
ACES
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.
Art & Design
This programme will provide an opportunity to develop your creative ideas through practical sessions and projects. You will learn and experience a range of creative skills and techniques to explore your creative potential.
Access To
Access To provides pupils interested in studying within a selection of subject areas, with practical experience and first-hand knowledge in:
Accounting & Finance
Participate in a series of workshops to engage with accounting & finance techniques delivered by professional accountants. You will undertake hands-on activities & real-world scenarios using digital technology to experience the fundamentals of Accounting & Finance.
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, Engineering & Technology
Experience the dynamic worlds of computing & engineering through hands-on workshops at our state-of-the-art facilities. You will bring your projects to life from design to implementation and get the opportunity to explore graphics, robotics, mechanical, cyber security, renewables and programming.
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, Applied Sciences and Public Health
Discover what science has to offer while taking part in practical sessions involving analysis of bacteria, forensic analysis, colour chemistry and the science of disease.
Business & Management
Participate in a series of challenges to learn core business skills, preparing you to become the next generation of innovating business entrepreneurs.
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.
Health
Develop your knowledge of a range of health professions, while experiencing teaching & seeing our equipped clinical learning environments. Follow a patient’s journey & learn how different health care professionals work together:
- Diagnostic Radiography
- Midwifery
- Nursing
- Occupational Therapy
- Paramedic Practice
- Physiotherapy
Tourism, Events and Digital Marketing
Are you the next Destination Wedding Planner, Aberdeen Football Club Events Coordinator, Super Bowl Production Manager, Digital Marketing Strategist for Disney Cruises, New Tour Developer for Intrepid Travel or Experience Manager for Taylor Swift's next tour?
Delivery
This programme will be delivered on campus and online.
Our sessions will take place on either Tuesday or Wednesday evening depending which course you select to study, and run from 16:30-18:30 each week.
Weeks 1, 2 & 4 of the programme will be hosted on campus on your designated day. Week 3 of the programme will be online where you will access a session on what careers your field can lead to, learn exactly what study details are involved for your area at RGU and more information on general student and academic life at University.
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
We will be accepting applications for our S5 programmes in Terms 3 & 4.
Please use the online application form below, when this becomes available.
The S5 programme runs from week beginning 1st June, 1 evening a week, for 4 weeks. 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.