Master of Arts in Leadership

Documents required for your application include the following:

• application form
• official transcripts
• personal statement
• writing sample
• résumé
• reference letters

In some cases other documents may be required.

Application form

To apply online, you need to:

• Create an account using your email address.
• List all credit courses and programs you have completed or are currently enrolled in.
• Pay an application fee.

If your application fees are being paid by a third party, review sponsored student information.

You can check the status of your application at any time after it’s submitted.

Official transcripts

Applicants are responsible for submitting official transcripts from current and previous post-secondary institutions. The transcripts should cover credit courses and programs.

Transcripts are considered official only if they are submitted to us in the following way:

• sent to Royal Roads directly by the registrar or recognized authority of the providing institution
• sealed in the institution's original, unopened envelope

If the envelope has been opened, the transcript is no longer official. We’ll require a new official transcript 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.

International transcripts and credentials will be evaluated to determine their Canadian equivalency. View options.

Personal statement

Write a personal statement that is no more than two pages long and describes the following:

• your motivation for seeking entrance to the program — Answer the following questions:
  • Why are you interested in this program?
  • What do you hope to learn?
  • What excites you about Royal Roads University's Learning, Teaching and Research Model?
  • Why do you feel called to this program in this moment in time?
• the breadth and scope of your leadership experience using one or more of the six criteria for leadership experience listed on the admission requirements — Describe your current and past leadership experiences and how your training or life experiences demonstrate your leadership capacities and potential.
• your experience working in teams and with others from different sectors, disciplines, cultures or other distinctions that are important to you
• the specific skills and capacities that you believe are relevant and applicable to the program
• the gifts or unique strengths you can bring to the program
• the areas you would like to improve upon as a student in the program and as a leader

If applicable let us know how your life and work experience or related education satisfy requirements for:

• flexible admission
• consideration as an emerging leader
• admission to the Health Specialization 
• admission to the Executive Leadership Specialization

Writing sample

Choose from the following three options for your writing sample:

1. Include a relevant academic writing sample on a leadership topic that demonstrates your ability to reference the literature with citations to support your ideas. There should be a list of your references. The paper should be no older than two years.
2. If you do not have a recent writing sample, you can write an original, 500-word academic essay following these guidelines:
   • Answer the question: “What is my leadership philosophy?”
   • Organize your writing, take a position supported by evidence from academic books and/or peer reviewed articles, and use examples from your life experience.
   • Format the paper using APA Style (7th ed.), which is the preferred style for references in the School of Leadership Studies. Find a sample APA essay.
3. As an alternative to a writing sample you can take the Academic Writing and Critical Thinking course offered through Professional and Continuing Studies. Your course may be in progress when you are applying, but must end five weeks before your desired program start date. Course completion with a minimum “B+” (77%) is required. If you have completed this course before with a B+ (77%) or above, submit your final grade confirmation letter with your application.

Résumé

Make sure your resume demonstrates your five years of leadership experience for standard admission or 10 years of professional experience, including five years of leadership roles of increasing responsibility, for flexible admission for the Master of Arts in Leadership multi-sectoral program.

Please review the admission requirements for the Health Specialization and Executive Leadership Specialization to ensure you meet the additional requirements.

Your résumé should include the following:

• Education
  List all post-secondary education, degrees, diplomas and certificates you have achieved.
• Work experience
  Include the organization, position, length of service (month and year) and a brief description of duties.
• Volunteer or unpaid work experience
  List and describe any volunteer or unpaid post-secondary employment or community service experience. Include the position, name of organization, length of service and a brief description of duties.
• Information technology training and experience
  Describe level of training and experience using information technology including computers, software and telecommunications networks, as tools for business, education, teaching and personal use.
• Professional memberships and affiliations
  List current or past memberships and positions held in professional associations, service clubs, or community organizations.

Provide any other information that is relevant to your application and will help us to assess how you will contribute to this program.

Reference letters

Provide two professional references from individuals who can comment on your commitment, knowledge, skills and ability to complete a demanding academic program. We prefer references from direct supervisors, if possible, and individuals you have worked with in the last five years.

Your referees need to submit the references directly.

Additional requirements

If applicable submit the following with your application:

• a copy of your permanent resident card (PR card) if you’re an applicant declaring permanent resident or convention refugee status in Canada
• your transcript evaluation fee or credential evaluation report if you’re submitting international transcripts
• an official English language proficiency report or other evidence of proficiency if English is not your primary language

We may request additional information to assess your application.

Sending documents

Find out how and where to send supporting documents.