What is the difference between a project manager and a programme manager?

What is the difference between a project manager and a programme manager involves their focus and responsibilities. A project manager oversees individual projects, handling resources, risks, and communication. In contrast, a programme manager manages a collection of interconnected projects (a programme) aimed at strategic goals, often lasting for a long duration or indefinitely.

Last edited on: 11 Nov 2025


Project management career FAQs

Am I qualified to be a project manager?
Am I too old to be a project manager?
Are IT project managers in demand?
Are programme managers and project managers the same?
Are project managers in demand?
Are project managers in demand in the UK?
Are project managers well paid?
Can a non-IT person become a project manager?
Can a Scrum Master be a PM?
Can anyone be trained to be a project manager?
Can I do project management with no experience?
Can PMO become a project manager?
Can you be a project manager without qualifications?
Can you become a project manager online?
Can you start as a project manager with no experience?
Do you need a PM in Agile?
Does IT project manager require coding?
How can I be an IT project manager?
How do I become a certified project manager in the UK?
How do I become a project manager with no experience?
How do I become a project manager with no qualifications?
How do I qualify as a project manager?
How fast can you become a project manager?
How hard is it to become a PM?
How long does it take to become a PM?
How much money do project managers earn?
How to become a chartered project manager?
How to become a project manager?
How to become a project manager in the UK with no experience?
How to become an IT manager in the UK?
How to start as a project manager?
Is 40 too old to become a project manager?
Is a PM a Scrum Master?
Is a program manager a project manager?
Is a program manager higher than a project manager?
Is a Scrum Master just a project manager?
Is PMO better than project manager?
Is PMO more senior than project manager?
Is project management in demand in UK?
Is project manager a stressful job?
Is there a PM in Agile?
Is there a shortage of project managers UK?
Should I become a Scrum Master or project manager?
What are the qualifications of a project manager?
What credentials do I need to be a project manager?
What degree do you need to be a project manager?
What do you need to be a project manager in the UK?
What does a program manager do that project managers don't do?
What is entry-level project management?
What is PM in Agile?
What is the difference between a PMO and a project manager?
What is the difference between a project manager and a change manager?
What is the difference between a project manager and a programme manager?
What is the difference between program and project manager?
What is the difference between project and programme management?
What is the highest level of project management?
What is the job description of a project manager?
What makes a project manager successful?
What makes a strong project manager?
What qualifications do I need to be a project manager?
What qualifications do you need to become a PM?
What training is required to be a Project Manager?
Which certificate is best for a project manager?
Which certification is good for a project manager?

Project Management related articles

Project delivery essentials
Project delivery essentials
image
Refine project delivery skills and improve your chances of landing the project management job you’ve been dreaming of.
Managing small projects
Managing small projects
image
Can large project management practices be scaled down? Explore the application of these practices in smaller projects by reading further.
Project communication plans
Project communication plans
image
Project success heavily depends on having an effective project communication plan. Our thorough guide helps you create an effective strategy to keep stakeholders informed and proactive during every stage of your project.
Project manage your life – Webinar with Bina Champaneria
Project manage your life – Webinar with Bina Champaneria
image
To watch the webinar recording of Bina Champaneria discussing project management techniques to manage your life, watch the video or download the podcast or presentation.
Project controls – your driver to project success
Project controls – your driver to project success
image
Project controls are an essential part of project management. Find out how you can use them to measure project progress, predict outcomes and steer projects on the right course.
How PRINCE2 Agile qualifications can help your career
How PRINCE2 Agile qualifications can help your career
image
PRINCE2 Agile was developed in response to popular demand. It combines the flexibility of agile with the defined governance of PRINCE2. PRINCE2 Agile gives PRINCE2 project managers the tools needed to manage agile projects.
Understanding PMO roles
Understanding PMO roles
image
Learn about crucial positions in a Project Management Office (PMO). The article presents important PMO positions together with their impact on successful project management. Continue reading to fully understand the organisational frameworks of PMOs.
The importance of a business case
The importance of a business case
image
Understand why a business case is crucial for informed decision-making and effective resource allocation. Read on to master how to craft a powerful business case.
Kanban management – from chaos to clarity when transforming projects
Kanban management – from chaos to clarity when transforming projects
image
Kanban project management provides an effective route for transforming chaotic projects into structured success. Use Kanban to create a smoother workflow and increase your productivity levels. Advance your projects today by reading further.
PRINCE2 Agile certification
PRINCE2 Agile certification
image
Considering PRINCE2 Agile certification? Discover how it integrates PRINCE2 with Agile concepts to advance your project management skills.
What is PMP® certification, its benefits, and how to get it?
What is PMP® certification, its benefits, and how to get it?
image
Learn why PMP® certification is regarded as the gold standard in project management and how it can boost your career. Read more for benefits and acquisition tips.
Strategic project management
Strategic project management
image
Learn how to connect projects to business strategy and objectives. Select and prioritise initiatives that will help your organisation move forward. Find out how to do it, and improve the results you get from projects, for improved performance overall.