Royal College of Music

Funding for an SpLD assessment

Can a student be referred for a Specific Learning Differences (SpLD) support with a Specialist teacher through the University?

Students who do not have a prior diagnosis, but who think they may have a Specific Learning Difference, can have an initial screening with Student Services, and may be eligible for financial assistance to pay for a full diagnostic assessment, depending on their circumstances. Please contact Student Services in confidence. You can do this at any time during the year.

Student Services can also offer advice and guidance on applying for Disabled Students' Allowances and accessing any specialist study skills provision. International students and those not eligible for the Disabled Students’ Allowance are strongly encouraged to contact Student Services to discuss their support needs. Your discussion will take place in complete confidence.

Disability Adviser available

Are there specialist staff available to talk to within the service?  Is there a disability officer or a disability adviser for students to talk to?

Specialist disability support and advice can be accessed via RCM's Student Services team. Disabled students will be invited to discuss and set up a Learning Agreement, which details potential barriers to learning, and any reasonable adjustments that are required, such as extra time for exams or flexible deadlines for coursework. This confidential document is shared with the student’s consent with those who need to know. It can be reviewed at any time. Contact Student Services to discuss any support requirements.

Students with mobility support requirements who may need assistance exiting the building during an emergency evacuation are encouraged to set up a Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan or ‘PEEP’ via Student Services.

Support from academic staff

Is advice and support available from academic staff within the faculties of the University? How do students access this advice and support?

Academic advice and support is available from a range of sources, including your Personal Adviser, seminar leaders, module leaders, or programme leaders, as appropriate. For principal study matters, your principal study professor or your Head of Faculty will be able to give advice and guidance. Students also have access to careers advice and professional development, including performance opportunities, through the RCM Creative Careers Centre and other opportunities across College.

Staff continuity and understanding individual needs

Are the specialist disability staff in the team able to offer a personalised, bespoke response to a student’s needs? Where possible, is continuity provided for the student in meeting the same Disability Adviser and/or mentor so the student can get to know them over time?

Disabled students will be invited to meet to discuss their individual support requirements with a member of the Student Services team. A bespoke Learning Agreement can be drawn up in consultation with the student, to provide any relevant information for teaching staff, where necessary, and detail any reasonable adjustments. Students are able to meet with the same Student Services team member to ensure continuity and to enable us to support you in the best possible way. 

Where relevant, to ensure a holistic and individualised approach to support, students may also be signposted to a wider range of services and resources such as our Counselling service, the Togetherall platform (free to all our students), the Imperial College Health Centre and Multi-Faith Chaplaincy. 

One to one mentoring support

Are there any additional services available such as mentoring, counselling services or a buddy scheme to help a new student to settle in if needed?

The RCM Counsellors offer short term, focussed counselling, (usually 6 x 50-minute sessions). If you require longer term, ongoing therapy or psychological support Student Services can provide information about alternative providers and specialist agencies.

The Student Services Manager can offer appointments to discuss any personal, health or emotional issues that may be impacting you and can support you in accessing a range of self-help resources and specialist support. Get in touch with the Student Services Manager if you would like to have a chat, in confidence.

One to one / group study skills

Does the institution provide support with arranging One to one/Group study skills sessions?

All Undergraduate students undertake a Study Skills Module in their first year, which enables them to understand some of the demands of UK Higher Education studies. The module equips students with basic skills to assist their individual and collaborative learning. Students will attend four sessions in small groups. Undergraduate students are also able to access guidance from their Personal Advisor, who can support students in all aspects of their studies. They can assist students in personal organisation, helping you to navigate the assessments required during the academic year and evaluate any needs in terms of self-confidence and wellbeing.

Currently there are no Non-Medical Helper registered tutors on site. Students are supported by Student Services to access specialist study skills support, where eligible, via Disabled Students' Allowance. Those who are not eligible for Disabled Students' Allowances are encouraged to discuss their support requirements with Student Services.