Develop your leadership vision and edge to lead change in your organization and your life. Learn the knowledge and skills to become a creative, strategic leader, with hands-on practice and projects.
Upcoming offerings
April 13, 2026
Application deadline
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Program description
As a current or future business leader, you’re well aware that leadership is more than just a title. You’re inspired to embrace your own potential, and want to bring your creative, future-oriented focus to your leadership. You know that by developing your vision, courage and personal stamina, you can lead change in your organization and your life.
The six-month interdisciplinary Graduate Certificate in Management and Leadership program gives you a jump start in critical leadership skills. Hone your leadership edge with world-class, market-place-tested leadership development tools. Examine the links between communications, processes, knowledge, metrics, leadership and people practices.
You’ll gain the knowledge and skills of personal and strategic leadership. And discover that as a leader, you can have a positive impact on organizational culture and strategic direction.
You’ll learn from your colleagues as well as your instructors in this program. You’ll share experiences as a member of a team. And you’ll be able to apply what you learn, with hands-on experiences like the Leadership Challenge, in which you'll work with your team to solve an existing challenge from a real organization.
You can build from here
You can complete this program as a specialization option and apply the credits earned towards our MBA in Executive Management and Master of Global Management (MGM) programs.
If you have already completed this program, you can transfer all credits towards Royal Roads MBA, MGM, MA in Tourism Management, and MA in Interdisciplinary Studies programs. The tuition will be adjusted accordingly.
You can also use this program to build towards the Graduate Diploma in Project Management and Organizational Leadership.
Focus on one thing at a time
You can take any two of the courses from the Graduate Certificate in Management and Leadership as part of our General Studies program. You can transfer credit from these courses to certificates, diplomas and degree programs later if you decide to take your studies further.
Program outcomes
Once you've completed the program you will be able to work more collaboratively, and creatively to design and implement strategic solutions to advance your organization and your career.
Program delivery
This program is delivered through a blend of online learning and on-campus residencies.
Online learning
Online courses consist of assigned readings, synchronous or asynchronous lectures, interactive discussions, and individual and team assignments.
You’re expected to meet deadlines and contribute meaningfully to your class. Your contributions are a big part of everyone’s learning.
You’ll take one online course at a time. The first is two weeks online, followed by a one-week residency and then two more weeks online. The last two online courses run for a period of nine weeks each. Each online course requires approximately 15-20 hours of work per week.
You'll start your program with a non-credit, but required, course about academic integrity.
Residency
This blended program has one one-week residency.
Residencies are intensive and immersive. Many students say this time together is the highlight of their program.
During your residency, you can expect to:
- attend classes full time (e.g., Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)
- complete homework and individual and team assignments outside of class hours
- take part in extracurricular activities
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Standard admission
- Completion of a four-year (or comparable) undergraduate degree or graduate degree from a recognized post-secondary institution.
- Some related experience, typically a minimum of two years' work in relevant leadership, management, communication, training, marketing, or consultant roles, etc.
Flexible admission
- Applicants who do not meet the standard admission requirements need a minimum of three full-time years' relevant work experience and some post-secondary education.
- Applications will be adjudicated based on a consideration of all standard supporting documents (academic transcripts, résumé, statement of intent, reference letters), with a broad focus on work, life and volunteer experience as well as any academic work or credentials. All flexible admission applications will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
English language proficiency
- If English is not your first language, please review our English language requirements.
Additional recommendation(s)
- Admission to this program is based on the applicant’s balance of work and life experience, including volunteer and community activities, practical experience or related training.
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
In accordance with RRU's admissions policy and practices:
- All applicants must declare all post-secondary studies (courses, programs, transfer credit, etc.) in their application.
- At a minimum, applicants are expected to provide unofficial transcripts from all institutions currently or previously attended. Admissions will determine which official transcripts will be required, and these requirements will be noted as a condition of admission.
Applicants are responsible for arranging for the submission of official transcripts if/when required as a condition of admission. 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.
Transcripts are not required for non-credit programs or courses, though some programs may require proof of professional certifications or designations.
All international transcripts or credentials are subject to an international transcript and/or credential evaluation.
Personal statement
The personal statement should be approximately one page in length, and should outline your motivation for seeking entrance to the program. The statement should address the topic of how the Graduate Certificate in Management and Leadership will contribute to your future career. Relate this to who you are, what you feel you will gain from the program, and the strengths you feel you could bring to the program.
Two reference letters
These documents can be written in a variety of formats. In essence, we expect the letters of reference to confirm that you are a suitable candidate for the program, why s/he feels you will succeed in the program, and describe how the program will benefit you. The context in which the referee has come to know you should also be mentioned (professional, academic, personal, volunteer, etc).
Detailed résumé
Your detailed résumé should include the following:
- Education: List all post secondary education, degrees, diplomas, and certificates you have achieved.
- Work experience: Please include name of organization, length of service and a brief description of duties.
- Voluntary/unpaid work experience: List and describe any voluntary/unpaid post-secondary employment and/or community service experience. Please include the name of the organization, length of service, and a brief description of duties. List positions you have held in this service.
- 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.
- Professional memberships/affiliations: List memberships and positions you hold/have held in professional associations, service clubs, 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.
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.