Your workload while in school

Although we have some guidelines about the workload for online courses, on-campus residencies and intensive degree programs, your experience will be unique.

Online courses

When you're studying online, you'll have paced courses with deadlines for assignments. You'll join synchronous and asynchronous sessions for each of your classes. You'll also join in discussions and exchange ideas with your classmates.

When learning online, you'll typically take one or two courses at a time. Each course can take up to 20 hours or more per week.

On-campus programs

Studying on campus provides you with opportunities to get involved in on-campus student life, conduct research in the university library, visit professors during office hours and meet classmates for a walk around campus.

Expect the program to be rigorous. You’ll do homework, readings and team assignments outside of your full-time class hours.

On-campus residencies

If your program has a residency, you'll study with faculty and a group of students for one to three weeks on campus. You can expect to be immersed in your learning during this time. Many students say this is a highlight of their program.

The normal classroom schedule is Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

You'll complete assignments, readings and team meetings outside of these hours. In addition, you may have planned recreational or social events.

Intensive programs

Some of our undergraduate or graduate degree programs are offered as an intensive, which means you can complete two years of study in one. These programs are best suited if you're able to dedicate yourself to full-time studies or reduce demands at work or at home.

 

Technology requirements

You can study at Royal Roads from anywhere in the world. Before you begin your program, ensure you have the technology and tools you need to succeed.

You'll need a reliable computer connected to the internet for your online courses. You'll also need full permission to change configurations and install programs on your computer. For example, work, library or other public access computers may not allow you to install programs or connect to campus Wi-Fi.

Basic knowledge

You should have a basic understanding of:

  • your computer
  • browsers
  • Microsoft Office applications

We recommend taking a basic computer course. You can also find free basic online tutorials.

Computer requirements

While the capability of tablets has expanded over the past few years, a desktop or laptop computer is recommended for coursework.

Review a comprehensive list of computer hardware and software requirements for Royal Roads courses.

Corporate or workplace laptops

We don't recommend using a corporate-owned or workplace laptop, unless you have full access (or can get full access) to make changes.

Some corporate laptops have restrictions that will prevent you from making changes to network or software settings. In some cases you'll need to make changes to your DNS or browsers, so you can connect to our wireless network.

Browser access

If you plan to access your course through your employer's network, check with the IT department in your workplace to confirm computer and network access.

  • Chrome and Firefox: Recommended browsers for coursework
  • Safari: Not recommended.
  • Internet Explorer: No longer supported. If Internet Explorer is the only browser allowed on your workplace computer, you won't be able to access your course information while you are at work.