Learning Model

Royal Roads University offers the unique advantage of brief on-site residencies combined with distance learning. This allows working professionals to benefit from the synergy of on-campus learning and direct interaction with leading faculty members, while meeting the demands of career and lifestyle.

In all, the MA in Leadership program includes two two-week residencies over a two-year period, Internet-based distance education, and a major project involving an issue or project faced by leaders in the workplace or in the community. The result is accessible, high quality learning with minimal professional disruption.

The distance portions of the MA in Leadership program take place over the Internet. Prior to commencing each course, students are provided with a package of materials and readings. At their own pace (although there are a number of ‘real time’ deadlines for assignments, exams, etc.), each student works through the requirements of the course.

We use a number of different delivery methods, including textbooks, articles, case studies, interactive Internet learning, videotapes, and ‘chat’ bulletin boards for correspondence with team members - who may be on the other side of the country. Having already met your classmates during the first residency period, you will continue to work in teams during the distance modules as well. We have found that this approach to learning is extremely helpful to our students, enabling them to build strong relationships with their classmates.

Normally, students will take one to two distance courses at a time, for a period of 10 to 14 weeks. A level of effort of approximately 10 hours per week, per course is required. This means a commitment of 10 to 20 hours per week depending on the schedule. During the first distance courses, the amount of time required may be higher, as students familiarize themselves with our distance learning technologies.

Students can expect to work hard during the residency period. The normal classroom schedule is Monday to Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Homework, readings, and team meetings are done outside of these hours. In addition to the educational activities, there may be planned recreational events.

Attendance at the two residency periods is mandatory; however students are not required to live on campus.  

There are 11 courses in total within the two-year MA Leadership program.
Residency One: Three (3) courses completed both online and face-to-face (residency)
Distance One: Three (3) courses completed online
Residency Two: Four (4) courses completed both online and face-to-face (residency)
Distance Two: One organizational leadership project
Please refer to our online program schedules for more details.