Royal Roads University

Just wrapped up the Graduate Certificate in Executive Coaching 6 day residency and had a fantastic experience. Loved the feel of the campus, Hatley Castle and of course the Beautiful Peacocks. Lots of space to walk and reflect on readings and learnings. Overall a great experience!

My experience with this school and the Master of Arts in Leadership is nothing short of exceptional. Integrating a progressive, systems approach to this field of study has had a profound effect on my life and the work that I continue to do. I am so grateful for this extraordinary program, and the stunningly beautiful campus.

Scenic, beautiful, and just the place for a nature lover.

The university has very unique legislation, the Royal Roads Act. The purposes of the university are (a) to offer certificate, diploma and degree programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels in solely the applied and professional fields, (b) to provide continuing education in response to the needs of the local community, and (c) to maintain teaching excellence and research activities that support the university's programs in response to the labour market needs of British Columbia. These purposes signal a unique approach to the role of universities in society. The school is also intentionally un-ranked and this promotes a shift in the relationship with the “ivory tower”. The approach at RRU can feel like radical departure from the traditional academic benefits and limitations.For example there is a different balance point for students than what you might expect at a typical university. The remote nature of the university allows for students to study in their own communities but also creates a fairly lean student governance / social club system. It’s a different approach to the student experience. While designed for the working professional to really make the most of the access to instructors, industry leaders and libraries I recommend that new student consider budgeting some capacity so you can enjoy the journey. The structure at RRU really benefits the “get out what you put in” mentality. I found I was in a position to make my student experience unique and transformative one. I graduated in 2022 with a masters degree and found it to be rewarding. The course work was challenging in terms of depth and variety. I found thesis process was very rigorous and pushed for community action and iteration on the learning - a game changer for me. I benefited from learning in the mixed cohort, community/sector, instructor model and it was neat see people putting learning into practice in real-time, across different professional contexts. There is lots that I appreciated things that could certainly improve but overall I recommend studying here if you looking for a life.changing experience.

I just graduated this year. The teaching quality of the school is only medium, if you want to get high quality study, please choose UVIC. The scenery is superb and I enjoy studying in the library. After the pandemic, my courses went online. I spent my second year studying at home, even though I felt relieved not to have to go to school. But it is a pity that international students pay high tuition fees but actually take our classes at home. The fee we submitted is the cost of in-course, and I think part of the amount should be returned when the course is transferred to online. In fact, we did not receive any subsidy or refund, and had to submit the late tuition fees on time during the pandemic. International students are not eligible for tuition assistance. I also applied to the school for an extension to submit the tuition fee, but the school replied that it refused. So it was very unfair to international students and put a lot of pressure on me. The school's refusal made me feel that the school was just trying to make money without thinking about the students. I am very disappointed with the school and would not recommend it to any of my friends. If you are here as a tourist, you are very welcome. If you choose to study here, SORRY, I do not recommend it.

Beautiful grounds and trails open to the public. Gorgeous shoreline at the bird sanctuary. You'll recognize the castle from the X-Men films as well.

Royal Roads has polished the online degree from many years of experience, and many course offerings. If your schedule is tight, you will find their approach flexible. They maintain a high level of academic rigor, which, while you are a student means effort, but as a graduate means respect. Recommended for the busy professional.

Visited Royal Roads University's campus in 2017. It was one of the most beautiful campus I had ever visited.