The UK’s project economy spans major infrastructure, energy transition, and financial services transformation programmes — from large-scale London builds to nationwide digital transformation rollouts.
As organisations manage increasingly interconnected projects, demand is rising for professionals who can operate at programme level, not just project level.
The Strategic Project Programme Management Diploma builds the strategic thinking, PMO governance, and stakeholder influence skills UK project managers need to step into programme and portfolio leadership, whether based in London or working remotely.
Upon completion of this course, students will have achieved the following learning objectives:
The course consists of the following modules, carefully designed to provide you with the necessary concepts and techniques as a strategic framework to achieve the organisation’s mission.
This course employs authentic case studies from various industries as a valuable method to facilitate the practical application of acquired knowledge to real-world scenarios.
These case studies illustrate how one can successfully navigate complex situations with uncertain solutions:
This diploma program incorporates IPMA’s Competence and Excellence Standards in Project, Programme, and Portfolio Management:
Enrolment in this programme includes 12 months’ complimentary access to IPM Membership, supporting continued professional development beyond certification.
For participants taking the OnDemand / Self-Paced format, you will receive:
Completing this diploma positions you for the step up from project delivery into programme and portfolio leadership, roles increasingly in demand across UK infrastructure, financial services, and the public sector.
Typical next-step titles include Programme Manager, PMO Lead, and Portfolio Manager, with UK salaries reflecting the step up in scope and strategic responsibility.
Here’s an expected salary outcome:
£45,000 to £6,000
£65,000 to £85,000
£67,000 to £125,000+
Accredited by IPMA® at Level C, with CPM Level 2® certification and an EQF Level 7 award validated by Technological University Dublin, the Strategic Project & Programme Management Diploma is recognised by employers across the UK and internationally. Delivered fully online, it’s accessible to professionals anywhere in the UK, with Live Online sessions timed for UK, Ireland and Lisbon working hours.
This programme is ideal for…
You can learn more about Programme Management vs Project Management by reading this article.
If you are unsure if this strategic project management diploma suits you, feel free to Schedule a Call to speak with our educational adviser.






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36Get in depth information about the course and answers to frequently asked questions.
MSP® (Managing Successful Programmes) is a UK-originated programme management framework. IPM’s Strategic Project & Programme Management Diploma offers a complementary, internationally accredited alternative — combining IPMA® Level C certification with a university-validated EQF Level 7 qualification, giving you academic credit alongside practical programme management capability.
Yes. The diploma combines IPMA® Level C accreditation — from the world’s oldest project management association, recognised in over 70 countries — with IPM’s CPM Level 2® certification and an EQF Level 7 award validated by Technological University Dublin. Together these give the qualification strong, verifiable recognition with UK employers across sectors.
The course fee covers all costs associated with the exams and certifications, access to all course materials on the Student Hub, live virtual classes led by subject matter experts, recordings, and unrestricted help from our Student Support team.
There are two methods of payment:
Every week, on one evening, the course is offered online. Each class is held in a real-time virtual classroom setting with lecturers who are subject matter experts. You won’t have to worry about missing a class because a recording of each online session will be accessible for a short time in the Student Hub.
This course is better suited to candidates with a fundamental knowledge of traditional project management frameworks and some practical experience. The course is designed for project managers or any professional who directly contributes to projects.
Yes, the content of this professional diploma in strategic project and programme management is suitable for various industry sectors. We have students from different backgrounds – such as engineering, pharmaceuticals, design, construction, IT and many others – who completed the course successfully.
Four written assignments and a 3-hour online exam at the course’s end serve as the assessment tools.
Classes run one evening per week, from 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm. Plan to spend approximately 4 to 6 hours each week studying the core material and reflecting on what you have learned. However, as you can appreciate, this varies based on each individual’s capability.
A recording of each online class will be available for playback in the Student Hub for a limited period of time, so you do not need to worry about missing a class.
This course curriculum is designed by industry-experts to help you develop a strategic mindset and the practical competence that is so valuable to hiring managers. Gain the concepts, skills, and confidence to take the next step in your project management career with globally recognised credentials.
Eligible candidates must have a minimum of 3 years’ experience as a project manager within projects of moderate complexity OR a minimum of 3 years’ experience in a responsible project management role assisting the project manager in complex projects.
The Institute’s Admissions Assessment Board will do a preliminary eligibility assessment at the time of your application. If a candidate is not yet eligible to get this certification level, they can return within a two-year timeframe after completing the final exam to continue the certification application process.
Certified Project Management Diploma: This course is perfect for individuals embarking on their accredited career path as project managers. It is also well-suited for project managers seeking to enhance their practice through formal training in core project management tactical subjects.
Strategic Project Program Management Diploma: Designed for candidates with a minimum of 3 years of professional experience in project management, this program caters to those confident in managing projects from initiation to closeout, adhering to best practices and standards. It aims to build upon your foundational knowledge and develop your skills in managing multiple projects while implementing strategic project management in your daily routine and within your organisation.
Project Leadership and Management Diploma:Tailored for emerging leaders and project management professionals, this program focuses on refining management and leadership skills. It is designed to assist you in evolving from project manager to project leader. The program emphasises the development of capabilities, attitudes, and behaviours necessary to become a confident, driven, and focused project leader.
The Live Online classes are delivered in English. For the OnDemand format, subtitles are available in Arabic, French, Simplified Chinese and Spanish, helping improve comprehension and support more effective study. Simply click the CC button on the video player to enable subtitles
Access key resources to enhance your learning and project management skills.