Leadership
Master of Arts in Leadership
Learning Mode
Blended delivery (online + on‑campus residencies)
Fully online option available
Duration
24 months (2 years)
Start date
Sep 15, 2025 (Health specialization) – apply by Jun 15, 2025
Dec 8, 2025 (Multi-sector online) – apply by Sep 15, 2025
Apr 13, 2026 (Executive specialization) – apply by Jan 13, 2026
Qualification
Master of Arts (MA) in Leadership
Fees
Domestic: CAD 28,469
International: CAD 39,149
Location
Online with short, periodic residencies at Royal Roads University, Victoria, BC
About the Course
The MA in Leadership is designed for emerging and experienced leaders seeking to enable organizational transformation through innovation, systems thinking, and evidence-based leadership. You’ll develop skills in personal mastery, strategic decision-making, collaborative inquiry, and change facilitation—fuelled by real-world application and reflective practice
Why choose Arts in Leadership at Royal Roads?
Industry connected
Learn alongside faculty who are current leaders, and network with a cohort of mid- to senior-level professionals. Residencies foster coaching, mentorship, and peer collaboration
Global opportunities
Impact broad sectors—from health and nonprofits to government—through multi-sector electives and residential dialogue designed for diverse, international learners
Professional accreditation
Choose from: Engaged Leadership Project, Organizational Project (Executive), or Thesis—all grounded in applied leadership practice.
Course Overview
- Credit load: 36 credits over 6 terms (2 years)
- Core competencies: personal mastery, team and collaborative leadership, systems thinking, innovation, evidence-based practice, ethical inquiry
- Delivery: Combination of asynchronous/synchronous online learning, peer collaboration, and 2–3 short in-person residencies
- Specializations:
- Executive Leadership: Three graduate certificate courses + Organizational Engaged Leadership Project
- Health Leadership: Health-stream courses + project or thesis tailored to health contexts
Course Duration
- Standard (24 months): 6 terms, 1 course per term (~10–15hrs/week)
- Residencies: Typically two in-person sessions (~1 week each), with an optional third depending on specialization
Course Curriculum
Core Modules (approx. 18–21 credits):
- Personal & Theoretical Foundations of Leadership
- Communications, Team, and Systems Leadership
- Engaged Inquiry & Evidence-Based Scholarship
- Creativity, Innovation, Learning Culture
Specialization Modules:
- Executive: Values-Based Leadership, Executive Coaching, Strategy & Organizational Culture
- Health: Health Leadership fundamentals, health system change
Capstone Options (6 credits):
- Organizational Engaged Leadership Project (Exec) or
- Engaged Leadership Project (Health/Multi) or
- Thesis
Several graduate certificates can complement or ladder into this MA
Admission Requirements
- Recognized bachelor’s degree (minimum “B” average / GPA ~3.0)
- 2+ years of professional or leadership experience
- For experienced applicants, flexible paths consider extensive work experience
- Materials required: resume, personal statement, two references, transcripts
- English proficiency per RRU standards
Fees and Funding
- Total tuition: Domestic CAD 28,469 | International CAD 39,149
- Payment: per term or full; residencies may incur extra fees
- Scholarships & bursaries available (e.g. MA in Leadership Scholarship)
Career Opportunities
Graduates are prepared for high-impact roles such as:
- Executive and Senior Leadership across sectors
- Systems Change and Innovation Strategist
- Health System Leader
- Consultant or Organizational Coach
- Nonprofit and Social Enterprise Leader
Alumni frequently hold positions as deputy ministers, CEOs, public health directors, and organizational transformation leads
Contact Us
Reach out for any inquiries or assistance needed.
