What is the Royal Roads University (RRU) learning model and how is this different from that of other universities offering online education?
RRU is the only public university in Canada created solely to address the knowledge needs of the global workplace through applied and professional programs. Find out more information on
RRU programs and our blended learning model that allows you to learn while you continue to earn.
Is RRU right for you? Back to top
How does online (Internet-based) learning work?
Royal Roads is leading the way in this relatively new form of education which relies on collaboration and builds on the benefits of electronic networks to focus on quality learning. Rather than trying to recreate a traditional form of learning on the internet, RRU engages technology used in today’s workplace. We develop a curriculum that takes the best of what technology can accomplish and supplement that with intense face-to-face residencies. Our expertise in this area has established RRU as leaders in providing education that blends the best of traditional and online learning. Older universities are only now starting to embrace this exciting new potential in education, one we have been perfecting for nearly a decade.
Back to top Why should I study through distance (online) education?
Using our innovative distance learning technologies and building supportive learning communities, RRU provides education that is immediately applicable to overcoming challenges found in today’s global workplace. Serving the need to overcome those challenges is what RRU does best. It also allows our learners to continue earning, while they are learning.
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What types of programs are offered at RRU?
How do I get specific program information? RRU is the only public university in Canada created to solely address the knowledge needs of the global workplace through applied and professional programs. RRU programs are available at the graduate and undergraduate levels. Our master’s level programs encompass
business,
environmental sustainability,
applied communication,
peace and conflict studies, and more. We provide undergraduate completion
degrees in commerce,
science,
justice studies, and
applied communication, as well as
graduate diplomas and
certificates in specific areas. We also provide several professional development programs in
leadership,
management and
organizational development throughout the year that draw people from around the world.
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What are the admission requirements?
Admission requirements vary from program to program. Please go to our
programs page and find the requirements as you explore your area of interest. Many of our programs consider your work experience in addition to your academic background. Royal Roads has many flexible assessments that reward people who want to take part in lifelong learning.
Back to topHow will an RRU degree enhance my career?
Through integrated and applied studies developed in partnership with practicing professionals in the field, Royal Roads graduates have told us that their RRU experience has helped them gain immediate advancement in their career objectives. By providing market-driven programs that attract participants from around the globe, an RRU education will broaden your horizons and allow you to learn from others who come from different industries and varying management backgrounds. By offering a flexible format and innovative learning technologies learners can apply their learning right away, as they continue working while enhancing their careers. Please
click here for more information.
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How long has RRU been around and is it accredited?
RRU was founded in 1995 with the proclamation of the Royal Roads University Act. Accreditation is not a term that generally applies to universities in Canada. RRU is authorized to grant degrees as a Canadian public university by the Province of British Columbia through the Royal Roads University Act. We are a member institution of the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada. Our operations are directed by a Board of Governors whose members are among the top leaders in business, government and public policy.
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Do I need to have my employer subsidize me? Not all learners who attend programs at Royal Roads are subsidized by their employers. RRU learners may be employees of an organization, independent consultants, or entrepreneurs. Community leaders, or those seeking a return to work after a hiatus. RRU provides several
bursaries and scholarships for people who can show financial need.
Back to topDoes RRU offer co-op placements or internships?
Since the focus of our educational model is applied knowledge, many of our programs have field residency requirements. Other programs require learners to undertake action-research or consulting projects that allow for exploration and applied research in an organizational context. Learners are encouraged to approach employers, or prospective employers about completing a research project that addresses a need with the organization. This kind of initiative can lead to immediate recognition of the value of your education to the recipient organization.
Back to topHow do I apply?
There are several ways to apply for an RRU program, course or degree. Visit our
application web page to find out more
Back to top Can I transfer courses?
Transfer credit for individual courses isn’t normally encouraged due to the cohort, team-based model and integrated course structure of our programs. However, many of our graduate certificate and diploma programs can be used as credit in larger graduate degree programs. Please ask before enrolling in a course if you want to get credit for the course in a degree program. Not all certificate and diploma programs provide this kind of credit.
Back to top Does RRU allow transfer from other schools?
RRU has many block transfer agreements with universities, colleges, and university-colleges. Applicants who have completed approved programs at partner institutions, with the minimum required GPA, are deemed to have met the academic course requirements for admission to the specified program. Admission to RRU programs is based on academics and life experience and are processed on a competitive basis.
Back to topWhat is Flexible Assessment (formerly Prior Learning Assessment) for students who don't have the formal academic background normally required for entry into a program?
Through flexible assessment, our Admissions Committees will look for the equivalent of undergraduate learning through a combination of post-secondary education plus work and life experience. Successful candidates are often those who have some post-secondary education (college diploma or certificate, or incomplete undergraduate studies), plus a wealth of working or volunteer experience, usually 15 years or more for our graduate degrees. This learner-centred approach opens doors to higher learning for qualified candidates who otherwise would not meet traditional admission requirements in terms of formal academic training and serves the needs of a diverse group of learners. Ideal candidates for Flexible Assessment include, but are not limited to, self-directed and highly motivated people who demonstrate high levels of program-specific knowledge and skills, and who possess strong interpersonal, research, and communication skills. Please
click here for more information.
Back to top How do the residencies work?
Most graduate and undergraduate degree programs offer short term on-campus residency study periods. These vary from two to five weeks. For more information, please refer to specific program areas of interest.
Back to top What support services are available for learners?
Royal Roads University is committed to providing quality services that create a supportive learning community to all our learners. These include a fully integrated library, computer labs, student counselling, career services and a full range of fitness and recreation facilities right on campus. Learners are encouraged to join academic, recreational and social associations and clubs on campus. You can get all the information you need from our University Life department.
Back to topHow do I finance my degree?
Many learners at RRU are self-funded or supported by their employers. Most full-time programs at Royal Roads are eligible for Canada Student Loans and Provincial Loans if the individual eligibility criteria are met. RRU offers a number of entrance awards to qualified students. We also have contacts with a number of financial institutions to help arrange student lines of credit. Please
click here for information on RRU resources.
Back to topWhat are the facilities like on campus?
RRU was created on the former Royal Roads Military College. It continues to be a tourist destination that will soon have its own hotel right on the campus. It is considered one of the most beautiful University campuses in Canada, overlooking the majestic Olympic Mountains across the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Hatley Park was designated a National Historic Site by the federal government in 2000. You can find out lots more by visiting our
tourism website.
Back to top Where is the campus located?
The campus is located at 2005 Sooke Road in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. Please refer to our
campus information web page that provides all the directions to get here.
Back to topWhy do people wonder if RRU is still a military college?
Royal Roads campus was home to a military college from 1940 to 1995. The military college was closed before becoming the home to RRU. The Department of National Defence retains control over the property and RRU is a tenant in charge of maintaining the site. There are still many aspects of the university that hearken back to its fine military legacy and RRU considers this an important and cherished part of the history of this site. The university continues to support our ties to the military and several members of our staff and alumni are a part of that history. However, today RRU is open to everyone.
Back to top Why isn't Royal Roads University included in the Maclean's magazine university rankings?
Maclean's doesn't rank schools with that have a specialized mission. Because RRU is the only public university in Canada created to solely address the knowledge needs of the global workplace through applied and professional programs, Maclean’s magazine doesn’t put us in their ranking. Nevertheless Macleans’s continues to ask for our information every year and we submit it for their consideration.
Back to topHow do I find out more information?
To fill in a request for more information form
click here or call 1-877-778-6227. You can also
e-mail for more information.
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