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Royal Roads University


About

For over 25 years, we’ve been doing things differently. From our online learning expertise to professors who know you by name, this is an education like no other. Our programs are created and led by industry experts and instructors with real-world experience, whose knowledge and teaching methods reflect the current demands of our global economy’s ever-changing landscape. Our innovative blended learning model combines intensive online learning with on-campus residencies, ensuring you receive in-person access to leading faculty and still meet the demands of your career and life.

About Royal Roads

We learn, work, and live on the traditional lands of the Xwsepsum (Esquimalt) and Lekwungen (Songhees) ancestors and families who have lived here for thousands of years. This land has been part of the fabric of the life of Indigenous communities long before Hatley Castle was built, and it will belong into the future. It is with gratitude that we now learn and work here, where the past, present and future of Indigenous and non-Indigenous students, faculty and staff come together.

Located in one of Canada’s most beautiful National Historic Sites, Royal Roads University has a long history of excellence. In 2015, we celebrated 75 years of leadership and learning - 55 years as a military college and 20 years as a public applied for a research university.

We understand the needs and aspirations of our students, and we’ve created options to deliver an educational experience that fits your lifestyle. Our cohort model features group-based coursework, providing a resource of like-minded peers for you to share, challenge and grow with throughout your program. Even after graduation, these groups continue to support your aspirations to ensure your life-changing experience with us has enabled not only professional transformation but a personal one as well.

Learning, Teaching & Research Model (LTRM)

The Learning, Teaching, and Research Model (LTRM), updated in 2019, is a cornerstone of Royal Roads University's success. Royal Roads University aims to provide learning, teaching and research that help people transform careers and lives by solving problems and creating opportunities in the world. As set out in our original Learning and Teaching Model (LTM) in 2013, we focus on producing citizens of the world who are passionate, determined and confident lifelong learners, integrated into a broad network of like-minded learners, and who can confidently manage and resolve complex, real-life problems.

A Sustainable Future

At Royal Roads University, we understand that environmental leadership is required and we’re proud that our students, faculty, and staff support this direction. Climate change is one of the most critical challenges of our time, and we are focused on initiatives that support campus sustainability. Environmental sustainability is not only intrinsically linked to our teaching and research mandate, it’s a challenge that calls for the kind of interdisciplinary and collaborative problem-solving at which we excel.

Changemaking

Changemaking is part of our DNA. We pioneered the blended learning model in Canada and designed something completely different on the post-secondary landscape. We created a unique learning experience through digital delivery that allows students to stay connected to their communities and combined it with an unparalleled natural and historic environment for research and study in Victoria, B.C. Royal Roads University’s role as a leader for change and social innovation has been recognized with its designation as an Ashoka U Changemaker Campus.

Expert Leadership

Our programs are created and led by industry experts and instructors with real-world experience, whose knowledge and teaching methods reflect the current demands of our global economy’s ever-changing landscape.

Learning Excellence

Our innovative blended learning model combines intensive online learning with on-campus residencies, ensuring you receive in-person access to leading faculty and still meet the demands of your career and life.

Real-World Education

We provide real-world challenges with a focus on practical outcomes that make a difference in the world. Meaning, the skills you learn today can be immediately applied in the workplace tomorrow.

Vision, Goals & Values

Our new strategic vision celebrates our past and looks forward 25 years, with goals and actions crafted to ensure we continue to deliver life-changing education — creating leaders who change the world.

Our vision

Inspiring people with the courage to transform the world.

Our goals

  • Any age, any stage, any place: We’re an engine of lifelong learning for students no matter where they are in the world, their careers and their lives.
  • Explore, share, advance: We support interdisciplinary research that pushes boundaries, removes barriers and finds solutions to today’s critical issues.
  • Invite in, venture out: We engage communities locally, nationally and globally — leaning into partnerships, learning from others and warmly welcoming all people.
  • Vibrant and sustainable: We champion a sustainable campus with leading-edge infrastructure and online platforms — one that is a top workplace in Canada and takes action on reconciliation, diversity, equity and inclusion.

Our values

  • Caring A diverse and supportive community for our students, faculty and staff.
  • Creative Innovation in all we do; we continually seek new and better ways to do things.
  • Courageous Bold in our actions; we welcome challenges and take thoughtful risks.

Our commitments

  • Build on our strengths in applied and professional programming, inter-and transdisciplinarity, and innovative delivery
  • Grow our innovative and entrepreneurial culture, and respond quickly to changes in the workplace and society.
  • Enhance the inclusion and engagement of people of diverse backgrounds and ideas in all aspects of university life.
  • Implement the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and honor the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
  • Advance sustainability in all our academic programs and operations, with a focus on the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
  • Promote research and education to tackle the climate crisis, rapid advances in technology and interconnected social, economic and political challenges.

Student Life

At Royal Roads University, we promote a healthy balance of work, study and most importantly, fun. We host a variety of virtual and in-person activities and events to build community, connect you with other Royal Roads students, and enhance your student experience.

Aligned with Royal Roads University's response to COVID-19, all student life activities including the Recreation Centre, events, and volunteering have moved online. Join us, get involved, and stay connected wherever you are!

Visit the Student Events Calendar to find out what events are happening soon. You can add events to your digital calendar directly from the event post, so you don’t miss out.

Whether you are studying from a distance, in a residency, or in an on-campus program, there are opportunities to be involved with other members of the Royal Roads community. Joining a club or an activity will connect you to other students, faculty and staff at Royal Roads. Not sure where to start? Participate in a webinar, volunteer with Campus Ambassadors or the Community Service Leadership Project, or start your own online club!

Get involved!

  • Are you a new student? The LaunchPad: Orientation to RRU is for you!
  • Check out the Student Events Calendar to find out what's happening
  • Find Club & Organizations that match your interests – or start your own club!
  • Volunteer as a Campus Ambassador or with the Community Service Leader Project
  • Find out more about the Royal Roads Student Association (RRUSA) and how it supports the academic experience at RRU
  • Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter
  • Connect with studentrepresentatives on the Board of Governors and Academic Council

Boldly Different

For over 25 years, we’ve been doing things differently. From our online learning expertise to professors who know you by name, this is an education like no other.

  • Campus size:

    537

  • Stand out architecture:

    Hatley Castle

  • Number of buildings:

    10

  • Accommodation:

    33

At Royal Roads University, we understand the value of the lessons learned outside of the traditional classroom, so we use a holistic, student-centered approach to our admission process.

We look at you and where you are in life, and not necessarily just what can be found on a transcript. We want to set you up for success so you can get what you need from your program while enjoying your academic journey. Find out more about our application process.

Find the right program for you

  • Connect with an enrolment advisor to explore your options
  • Choose from our graduate and undergraduate programs
  • RRU's Global Learning and Language Centre (GLLC) offers English as a Second Language (ESL) and academic pathways for international students
  • Non-credit learning opportunities can be accessed through Continuing Studies

Financial Aid & Awards

The Financial Aid & Awards team is here to provide information and support on a variety of funding sources and award opportunities, starting with a video that introduces the comprehensive details you’ll find on this website and in our blog.

View a summary of government assistance programs for those affected by the COVID-19 crisis.

Financial planning is a crucial component of early educational planning. Please review funding opportunities well before your program begins to help build a reasonable budget.

Loans

Explore the various types of loans available to help fund your studies.

Awards

Explore a variety of competitively awarded scholarships, awards, and bursaries available from RRU and other funding agencies.

Research Scholarships

RRU manages the scholarship administration for select funding agencies. These are some of the more substantial awards.

Other Funding

Discover alternate funding opportunities like Highbred Points.

Online Since Day One

Sophia Palahicky Associate Director, Centre for Teaching and Educational Technologies

"As the Associate Director of the Centre for Teaching and Educational Technologies (CTET) and an online instructor at Royal Roads, Sophia knows all about paving the way in online learning. And with a well-established online learning platform, she says what stands out now, more than ever, is the dynamic community that brings our leading education to life: our faculty, staff and students."

CEOs For Classmates

Deb Bryant Chief Executive Officer, YWCA Metro Vancouver; Graduate, Master of Arts in Leadership and Training

"As a student at Royal Roads, Deb studied alongside seasoned professionals in industries from healthcare to government and education to resource industries, creating a diverse network of peers to learn with, and from. She says entering a master's program, mid-career, was a turning point; the advanced exploration of theory and the values-based leadership modeled in her program continue to serve her today."

Learning-Based On Life

Tim Kituri Program Manager, Master of Global Management; Graduate, Master of Arts in Intercultural and International Communication; Graduate Certificate, Executive Coaching

"Tim is an RRU student-turned-program manager. He draws from his time as a student to mentor, support and challenges those chasing their goals today. Working with the faculty and program staff, Tim ensures that students have the space they need to apply their learning, push themselves and draw inspiration from the community surrounding them."

Seeing Life As A Credential

Simon Chiu Executive Assistant to the Vice President, External Affairs, Kwantlen Polytechnic University; Current student, Master of Arts in Leadership

"Simon, a current student at Royal Roads, embodies the spirit that life is also an education. Have a full-time job and an incomplete degree at the time of applying to Royal Roads, he was grateful when RRU saw value in his unique past. He says RRU's approach to learning recognizes that students of the future aren't just those with previous academic qualifications, but also those with life experience."

Profs Who Know Your Name

Matt Dodd Professor, School of Environment and Sustainability

"Matt has been at Royal Roads for over 25 years and, in that time, he's learned a lot of names. He credits the small class sizes and cohort model for enabling him to get to know each student personally, in order to support them professionally - often well past graduation. He values dialogue has an open-door policy and is always just a phone call away."

Using Your Career As The Curriculum

Felix Louis Graduate, Master of Business Administration in Executive Management -Management Consulting

"Felix chose the RRU MBA program as it specialized in management consulting -aligning with his goal to build and accelerate businesses. While in the program, Felix was able to use those career goals to help shape his education, allowing him to grow both as a professional and as an individual. He credits his MBA degree and RRU's real-life approach to business education for getting him where he is today."

  • Victoria

    2005 Sooke Rd, Victoria, BC V9B 5Y2, Canada, , Victoria

Questions

Royal Roads University