Royal Roads University is located in the western shore community of Colwood, and describes itself as “Canada’s University for Working Professionals”. Offering a unique mix of applied and professional programs at both the undergraduate and graduate level since 1995, focusing on graduate level career development, Royal Roads occupies a singular niche in the range of options for education in Victoria.
One of the biggest draws to the university is the fact it’s campus is housed within the picturesque Hatley Park, a National Historic Site. The university’s main building, Hatley Castle, was completed in 1908 for coal and rail baron James Dunsmuir. It was sold to the federal government in 1940 and eventually became Royal Roads Military College in 1968. The campus is truly beautiful, with the historic castle, ocean views, and sprawling grounds filled with gardens, ponds, and wildlife.
Programs at Royal Roads University
Since 1995, with the closure of the Military College, Royal Roads has operated in its present incarnation. The university now offers a range of programs, and is open to international students. At this private university, you can everything from to an undergraduate certificate to a master’s or doctorate degree. The main programs available on campus and online include:
- Business and Management
- Communication
- Conflict and Disaster Management
- Environment and Sustainability
- Leadership
- Tourism and Hospitality
- Education Studies
These programs are primarily offered online, with intermittent on campus residencies for intensive learning sessions. This format is intended to meet the needs of working professionals, who can choose to access the programs at a distance. Royal Roads offers three formats:
- 100% on-site learning
- Blended learning, where part of the program is taught during a short-term residency
- 100% online learning
Residency based programs range from one to three weeks, and usually take place on-campus, but some programs host their residencies elsewhere. Mature students are welcome, with credits available for prior experience.
Royal Roads University provides flexible options so that working professionals can achieve their goals and gain an education, in Victoria, and through online learning, across the globe.
About Royal Roads students:
- There are just a few thousand students at any given time
- ~20% are international
- ~70% remain at their job while learning
- ~70% are at the master’s and doctoral level
>> Read on about all of the colleges and universities in Victoria
