Program description
As a leader or manager in a local or international organization, you carry a lot of responsibility. The job of making things happen often falls on your shoulders. And in your busy organization, a lot of things are happening.
You’re seeing change management initiatives, project negotiations and changing team dynamics. You know these situations call for exemplary leadership. And you want to rise to the challenges they present.
The Graduate Diploma in Project Management and Organizational Leadership sets you up for success, in a Canadian or a global business context.
You’ll learn from leading-edge instructors. They'll guide you through the fundamentals and finer points of both project management and leadership.
You’ll build hands-on project management skills, and learn about best practices in project leadership, team dynamics and negotiations. And you’ll build a knowledge base about relevant topics including restructuring, policy, technological advances, political change, ethical issues, succession planning and more.
You’ll also develop your own leadership skills, with the help of your instructors and your cohort colleagues. You'll gain vision, courage, partnerships and networks, which will give you the energy and perseverance to lead your organization, and face obstacles wherever you are.
Through your learning, you’ll become the kind of leader who inspires teams to work together. Whether your goal is to make change in your organization, or make change in your entire life, you'll find the skills and connections to make it happen.
You can build from here
Upon successful completion of the Graduate Diploma in Project Management and Organizational Leadership, you can transfer up to 9 credits toward a Royal Roads Master of Business Administration or Master of Global Management.
Graduates of the Graduate Certificate in Project Management or the Graduate Certificate in Management and Leadership may further their learning by transferring credits to this diploma.
Project management credentials
Royal Roads University is a Registered Education Provider (R.E.P.) with the Project Management Institute (PMI)®. This program is aligned with the knowledge requirements of the Project Management Professional (PMP)® and Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)® industry-recognized certifications.
- PMP is a registered trademark of the Project Management Institute, Inc. The PMI Registered Education Provider logo is a registered mark of the Project Management Institute, Inc.
Program outcomes
Once you have completed this program, you'll have project management skills that are transferrable to work across industries.
Program delivery
There are two delivery models of this program. We offer an on-campus delivery in both the spring and fall, as well as a blended delivery in the fall.
On campus learning
Studying on campus brings you together with your class colleagues and instructors. Expect the program to be rigorous. You’ll do research, readings, individual and team assignments outside of your on-campus class hours.
Blended learning
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 in duration and leads to your first five-day on-campus residency. The next two courses are delivered online for nine weeks, followed by a 3-day virtual capstone. You will then have a second blended course which includes a two-week online portion followed by a second on-campus residency ending with a three-week online portion. This is followed by two nine-week online courses to finish off the diploma.
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 two five-day on-campus residencies one in the fall and one in the spring.
Residencies are intensive and immersive either on-campus or virtual. 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
The program's full set of courses adds up to 18 credits. Each course credit represents approximately 33 hours of effort, unless specified otherwise.
Courses
Faculty
Transfer agreements
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Standard admission
- Completion of a four-year undergraduate degree in arts, business, or environmental studies (or another acceptable alternative, including either a masters or doctoral level degree), plus 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 four 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, resumé, 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, applicants are required to submit official transcripts from all post-secondary (higher education) institutions currently or previously attended, though exceptions may apply for some Graduate Diploma in Project Management and Organizational Leadership applicants as outlined below:
- All applicants must declare all post-secondary studies (courses, programs, transfer credit, etc.) in their application.
- As part of the application process, applicants anticipating acceptance by standard admission will be required to provide an official transcript for the highest level, most relevant and/or most recent degree credential(s). Whenever possible, applicants are also encouraged to provide unofficial (or official) transcripts from all other institutions currently or previously attended. Additional documents may be requested at any time during the application process. Additionally, upon acceptance Admissions will determine which, if any, additional transcripts or documents will be required, and these requirements may be noted as a condition of admission.
- As part of the application process, applicants anticipating consideration under flexible admission must submit all official transcripts for all institutions currently or previously attended.
In all cases, applicants are responsible for arranging for the submission of official transcripts. 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 Diploma in Project Management and Organizational 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 the name of the 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.
- 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.