Royal Roads University launches new undergraduate pathway programs

Royal Roads University is set to open its doors to brand-new undergraduate programs at the West Shore Post-Secondary Collaborative Initiative, beginning in September 2025. Applications are now open for these flexible, stackable programs designed to meet the needs of today’s students. 

“The West Shore region is one of the fastest-growing communities in Canada, and our Langford campus is right at the heart of it,” said Royal Roads University President, Philip Steenkamp. “We’re thrilled to offer accessible post-secondary education within this dynamic community, allowing students to achieve their academic and career goals close to home.”  

Royal Roads is collaborating with partner institutions to support the building opening with classes scheduled to commence in the fall of 2025. To mark this milestone, RRU is offering the “First Class” Entrance Award. Up to 100 students are eligible for a $1,000 entrance award for a total of $100,000 in student financial assistance. 

“The 'First Class' Entrance Awards not only celebrate the launch of our RRU undergraduate programs but also address the critical need for affordability and accessibility in higher education,” Steenkamp added.  

Programming for real life: Explore. Thrive. Achieve.  

Designed to equip students with career-ready skills and real-world experience, RRU’s new undergraduate degree pathway programs offer a unique and flexible approach to higher education. All three programs in Business and Sustainability, Environmental Sciences and Social Sciences are designed to provide skills for the jobs tomorrow’s grads will need, ensuring student success in a wide variety of fields.  

The Royal Roads undergraduate degree pathway programs offer students flexibility and portability, with the ability to ladder up from an undergraduate certificate in Year 1, to a diploma in Year 2, finishing with a bachelor's degree in Years 3/4 — with options throughout to choose courses that aligns with student’s interests. This innovative structure allows students to build on their achievements and tailor their education to their lifestyle and career goals. 

Key features of the new undergraduate programs

• Flexible Learning Pathways: At completion of Years 1 and 2, students can choose from a variety of RRU programs in business & sustainability, environmental sciences, social sciences, hospitality & tourism, justice, communications, and interdisciplinary studies to complete their undergraduate degree.
• Career-Ready Skills: Each program is designed to provide practical skills and knowledge that are immediately applicable in the workforce.
• Supportive Community: With small class sizes and personalized attention from faculty, students will thrive in a supportive and collaborative learning environment.
• Two Vibrant Campuses: Students have access to both the new Langford campus in the city centre and the Colwood campus by the ocean. 

Open House and info sessions 

Royal Roads is hosting several events to introduce parents and students to the new programs (and to welcome the class of 2029!).  

Plan to attend Parents’ Night online on Wednesday, February 11, and then visit the Public Open House which will showcase the new undergraduate programs on Saturday, March 1. Parents and guardians with students in their Grade 11 or 12 years are encouraged to attend events for more information. 

The Open House offers the opportunity to meet faculty, hear more details about the programs and have a short Colwood campus adventure to get to know us better. Future students who attend the Open House will also be entered to win one of two “RRU Starter Packs” that include a MacBook Air, RRU gear and passes to local attractions like Boulder House, The Malahat Skywalk and Wild Play.