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: 06 Jan 2026


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?
See all Project management career FAQs

Project Management related articles

Essential project management skills
Essential project management skills
image
Knowledge Train
Learn the essential project management skills you need to succeed at delivering projects. Read this handy guide to develop these key capabilities and become a better project leader.
How to become a project management consultant
How to become a project management consultant
image
Knowledge Train
Are you ready to take the leap into project management consulting? Our guide will give you an overview of the steps and key job boards to land your first role. Kickstart your consulting career in project management now.
Which is better, PMI-ACP® or PMI-PMP®?
Which is better, PMI-ACP® or PMI-PMP®?
image
Simon Buehring
Debating between PMI-ACP® or PMI-PMP®? This article discusses the merits of both, helping you choose the right qualification for your career outside of Europe. Read more.
Project manager: Key responsibilities, skills, and career prospects
Project management methods: a guide to modern approaches
image
Knowledge Train
Learn about popular project management methods and choose the one that will work best for your team and result in greater efficiency. In this comprehensive guide, you will find the most relevant approaches explained.
Fixing and flexing in PRINCE2 Agile
Fixing and flexing in PRINCE2 Agile
image
Simon Buehring
Learn about the flexibility within the PRINCE2 framework to balance performance aspects effectively. Discover key strategies by reading further.
What soft skills do project managers need?
What soft skills do project managers need?
image
Simon Buehring
Discover essential soft skills for project managers and why they are crucial for successful project delivery. Read on to enhance your skill set.
Project management vs programme management
Project management vs programme management
image
Knowledge Train
Dive into the differences between project and programme management to determine which is best suited for your organisation and can improve your project delivery. Read on to find out more.
How to write a business case
How to write a business case
image
Simon Buehring
Master the art of writing a compelling business case to secure project investment. Learn essential skills on business analyst courses by reading further.
PRINCE2 Agile resources
PRINCE2 Agile resources
image
Simon Buehring
For this article we have curated the best resources about PRINCE2 Agile, including those from Keith Richards, the author of PRINCE2 Agile, and an agile thought-leader in the UK.
Project management: fundamentals, methodologies and best practices
Project management: fundamentals, methodologies and best practices
image
Simon Buehring
Project management is the discipline of planning, organising, and controlling resources to achieve specific goals within a defined timeline and budget. Learn the key processes, methods, roles and skills vital for successful project delivery.
PRINCE2 Agile behaviours
PRINCE2 Agile behaviours
image
Simon Buehring
Learn about the five key behaviours in PRINCE2 Agile that can enhance agility in your projects. Scroll down to read more.
Kanban management – from chaos to clarity when transforming projects
Kanban management – from chaos to clarity when transforming projects
image
Knowledge Train
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.