Design engaging, inclusive learning experiences that respond to today’s rapidly changing world.
You’re ready to take your skills in learning and development to the next level. This program gives you the skills to apply instructional design principles and learning innovation in real-world settings.
Through online courses, you’ll explore adult learning theory, design models, and the use of technology to create effective programs that deliver results.
By the end, you’ll be equipped to drive positive change and build learning solutions that meet the evolving needs of your workplace or sector.
Learn fully online
Complete the Graduate Certificate in Learning Design at your own pace from anywhere.
Advance your career in learning design
Develop practical skills that connect theory with real-world application.
Zero textbook cost program
This certificate is a Z-cred, zero textbook cost program.
Upcoming offerings
August 10, 2026
Application deadline ℹ
Delivery model
Domestic tuition
International tuition
August 09, 2027
Application deadline ℹ
Delivery model
Domestic tuition
International tuition
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Build a foundation in learning and technology
Be a learning innovator. Take your skills in learning and creating learning environments to the next level.
Through online courses, you’ll explore learning theories, instructional design models and innovative approaches to incorporating technologies to create effective learning experiences that deliver results.
Apply instructional design and innovation
Learn instructional design frameworks and design thinking approaches that help you create inclusive, digital learning environments. Learn to analyze learner needs and apply empathetic design to craft engaging, effective experiences.
Investigate contemporary issues
Dive deep into a topic of personal interest and conduct an inquiry, connecting theory to practice while deepening your expertise in a current issue in learning and technology.
Explore and critically analyze the histories and debates that shape the field of educational technology. You will engage in networked learning, educational practices as you explore contemporary issues and debates.
→ Lean more about your online learning experience.
Who this program is for
This program is a great fit if you’re curious about the foundations of learning and technology. You're interested in being at the forefront of educational innovation and change and value critical thinking about the ways we use technology.
As a student in this program you're eager to apply human-centred design to create engaging and effective learning spaces, and in open education practices and pedagogy.
Program outcomes
By completing this program, you’ll be equipped to drive positive change and build learning experiences that meet the evolving needs of your workplace or sector.
Graduates are well-positioned for roles such as:
- Learning Designer
- Educational Technology Specialist
- Learning Strategist
- Curriculum Developer
- Digital Learning Coordinator
- Learning Innovation Specialist
You’ll leave with a strong theoretical foundation, practical design skills, and a critical lens—ready to help shape the future of learning.
Learn online
This certificate program is delivered entirely online.
Courses combine interactive sessions and activities, real-life authentic assignments, collaborative projects, and opportunities for independent inquiry.
You'll start your program with a non-credit, bur required, course called The Link focused on building community with your classmates and RRU’s Academic Integrity course.
You’ll take three courses:
- Foundations of Learning and Technology (LRNT 523)
- Innovation, Design & Learning Environments (LRNT 524)
- Inquiry into Contemporary Issues in Learning Technology (LRNT 526)
Each course is worth three credits. Together, they add up to nine credits in total.
Workload
You can expect to spend 10–15 hours per week on readings, discussions, assignments, and collaborative work.
Looking for a similar program?
Check out the Graduate Certificate in Instructional Design. This 3-credit program has an applied/practical approach that focuses on systems, processes and project management.
It's offered through a traditional textbook-based format, as opposed to a zero-textbook (Open Educational Resources) approach.
Courses
Faculty
Transfer agreements
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Standard admission
- Four-year (or comparable) undergraduate degree from a recognized post-secondary institution, and
- At least three* years of full-time professional experience in a leadership** or management position that is directly related to learning design.
*Emerging leaders who have fewer than three years of leadership experience yet have been in recent leadership or people management roles for two years or more, demonstrate exceptional leadership potential through their professional and life experiences, are preparing for further leadership roles, and otherwise meet the Standard Admission criteria, are encouraged to apply.
Flexible admission
To be considered for flexible admission, applicants would normally require a minimum of seven years of work experience, with a minimum three years of full-time professional experience in a leadership** or management position, that is directly related to learning design.
Notes
**Leadership experience could include one or more of the following:
- Roles in which you consult, negotiate with, or manage diverse interest groups through relationship, in a complex environment.
- Roles in which you lead others toward shared goals and outcomes.
- Roles in which you influence, organize, and coordinate groups of people.
- Leadership roles in volunteer organizations.
- Formal organizational leadership roles in which you directly supervise staff or complete performance-oriented work with individuals, groups, or teams.
- Overcoming a challenging life experience (for self or others), which involved navigating complex systems and resulted in positive community change beyond the individual.
Learning Design example positions include:
Learning designer; learning strategist; instructional designer; digital learning coordinator; learning design consultant; training design specialist; learning science designer; learning solutions designer.
English language proficiency
- If English is not your primary language, please review our English language requirements.
Application requirements
All applications to this program require submission of the following information and supporting documents before your file can be assessed for admission:
Application form
In order to apply online, you will be required to create a log-in account using your email address. You will be required to list all credit courses and/or programs you have completed or are currently enrolled in. An application fee will be required. If your application fees are being paid by a third party, review sponsored student information. Once submitted, you may check the status of your application at any time.
Missed your application deadline? While we can’t make any guarantees, we may be able to accommodate late applications if there's still space and enough time to process. If you're interested in an intake that is now closed to applications, apply for the next available intake and email Admissions with your preferred start date. Make sure you’re prepared to submit your program's required documents right away. We can't make an admissions decision without them.
Official transcripts
Applicants are responsible for arranging for the submission of official transcripts from ALL post-secondary (higher education) institutions currently or previously attended, for all credit courses and/or programs. Transcripts are not required for non-credit programs or courses, though some programs may require proof of professional certifications or designations.
Transcripts are considered official only if submitted directly by the Registrar or other recognized authority of the providing institution in the institution's original, sealed envelope. If the envelope has been opened, the transcripts are no longer official and new (official) transcripts will be required to complete your application.
All international transcripts or credentials are subject to an international transcript and/or credential evaluation.
Personal statement
The personal statement should consist of (but is not limited to) a two-to three-page letter and must address the following four questions:
- What influenced your decision to apply to Royal Roads University?
- Why is this program appropriate for you?
- What do you hope to contribute to this program and the university?
- In five to ten years, how do you anticipate this program will add value?
If there is any other information that you feel might be of interest or relevance to your application, please include it in your personal statement.
Structured résumé
Your structured résumé should include the following:
- Work experience
- Training and professional development: List career related training, learning and professional development programs completed within the past five years. Include the source of training/ learning experience and the duration and year completed.
- Voluntary/unpaid work experience: List and describe any voluntary/unpaid learning design and/or community service experience. Please include name of the organization, length of service and a brief description of your duties.
- Leadership/change agent/trainer/learning design experience: Briefly describe any specific training and/or experience you have had as a group/project leader, coordinator of change initiatives, trainer, or learning designer.
- Information technology training and experience: Briefly describe your level of training and experience in the use of information technology including computers, software, and telecommunications networks as tools for business, education, teaching, and personal use.
- Innovative learning methods: Briefly describe any training and/or experience you have had in the use of innovative learning methods including online, blended or hybrid learning, community and team-based learning, mentoring, etc. Include both your experience as a 'learner' and as an 'educator/trainer'.
- Professional memberships/affiliations: List memberships and positions you hold/have held in professional associations, service clubs, the community/volunteer sector.
- Other relevant information : Provide any other information which you believe is relevant to your application and will be of assistance to the review committee. For example, digital copies of white papers/documents/business plans/training plans/learning plans written, etc., might be useful. In certain cases we may require such documentation for individual candidates.
Reference letters
Your application requires two letters of reference. Ideally, these letters speak to your academic potential, your professional expertise and your personal attributes. One reference letter should be based on work experience and the other based on either academic performance or personal character reference.
- Professional reference: This letter should attest to your performance in the context of your current or previous work. The letter can address such areas as leadership potential, career commitment, human relations and supervisory skills, flexibility, communication, and technical skills.
- Academic reference: Academic letters of reference should attest to your academic achievement, study skills, teamwork, leadership potential, human relations, flexibility, communication and technical skills.
- Personal character reference: Your personal character reference should consist of a letter from someone who has known you for several years outside of the context of your work. Please ask the writer to indicate the length of time and context in which they have known you, and to consider the following attributes in their letter about you: honesty, integrity, responsibility, adaptability, concern and respect for others, sense of self-esteem and confidence.
If applicable:
- Applicants declaring permanent resident or Convention Refugee status in Canada, must submit a copy of their Permanent Resident Card (PR card) along with their application.
- Transcript evaluation fee or credential evaluation report, if submitting international transcripts.
- An official English language proficiency score report or other evidence of proficiency if English is not your primary language.
- Other information or documents as may be requested to determine your eligibility.
For information on how and where to send your supporting documents, please refer to the document submission guidelines.