FAQs
- What is the Royal Roads University learning model?
- How does online (Internet-based) learning work?
- Why study online?
- What programs are offered at RRU?
- What are the admission requirements?
- How will an RRU degree enhance my career?
- How long has RRU been around and is it accredited?
- Do I need to have my employer subsidize me?
- Does RRU offer co-op placements or internships?
- How do I apply?
- Can I transfer courses?
- Does RRU allow transfers from other schools?
- What is flexible assessment?
- How do residencies work?
- What support services are available for students?
- How do I finance my degree?
- What are the facilities like on campus?
- Where is the campus located?
- Isn't Royal Roads a military college?
- Is RRU in the Maclean's university rankings?
- How do I find out more information?
- 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 working professionals 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.
top - How does online (Internet-based) learning work?
Royal Roads is leading the way in online 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. More about online learning.
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 students to continue earning, while they are learning.
top - What types of programs are offered at RRU?
RRU is the only public university in Canada created to solely address the knowledge needs of working professionals through applied and professional programs. RRU programs are available at the graduate and undergraduate levels. Our programs encompass communication, environment, leadership, education studies, business and management, peace, conflict, disaster management and justice, and tourism and hotel management. The Centre for Applied Leadership and Management at RRU offers cutting-edge executive education programs. RRU also offers a comprehensive selection of continuing studies certificate programs and courses.
top - 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. More about Flexible Assessment.
top - How 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 students can apply their learning right away, as they continue working while enhancing their careers. Visit Career Enhancement Services.
top - 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.
top - Do I need to have my employer subsidize me?
Not all students who attend programs at Royal Roads are subsidized by their employers. Students may be employees of an organization, independent consultants, 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.
top - Does 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 students to undertake action-research or consulting projects that allow for exploration and applied research in an organizational context. Students 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.
top - How do I apply?
There are several ways to apply for an RRU program, course or degree. Visit our application page to find out more.
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.
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.
top - What is Flexible 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 student-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 students. 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.
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.
top - What support services are available for students?
Royal Roads University is committed to providing quality services that create a supportive learning community for all our students. These include a fully integrated library, computer labs, student counselling, career enhancement services and a full range of fitness and recreation facilities right on campus. Students are encouraged to join academic, recreational and social associations and clubs on campus. For more information visit the University Life department located at Grant 130 or call 250 391-2511.
top - How do I finance my degree?
Many students 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. More about RRU resources.
top - What are the facilities like on campus?
RRU was created on the former Royal Roads Military College. 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. Find out more by visiting the Hatley Park website.
top - Where is the campus located?
The campus is located at 2005 Sooke Road in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. Please refer to the campus information page that provides directions on how to get here.
top - Why 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 owns the property and RRU leases the property from the crown for its University operations and assumes the stewardship responsibility for 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 - serving the community through offering formal academic programs, professional studies, continuing studies and interpretive services to visitors to the site.
top - Why isn't Royal Roads University included in the Maclean's magazine university rankings?
Maclean's does not rank schools that have a specialized mission. Because RRU is the only public university in Canada created to solely address the knowledge needs of working professionals through applied and professional programs, Maclean’s magazine doesn’t included us in their ranking. Nevertheless Macleans’s continues to ask for our information every year and we submit it for their consideration.
top - How 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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