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: 12 Aug 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?
Do you need PRINCE2 Agile to be a project manager of agile projects?
Do you need PRINCE2 to be a project manager?
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

Developing your project management career
Developing your project management career
image
Developing your project management career takes strategic planning. Discover actionable strategies to advance in the field by reading this article.
Agile PMO
Agile PMO
image
Learn how a PMO can enhance organization value by supporting project goals. Discover the role of a PMO in modern business by scrolling down.
image
Project management glossary
image
Discover essential project management terminology in our glossary. Gain clarity on crucial concepts and boost your project management skills as you explore our detailed guide.
image
Free project management courses to boost your career
image
Explore our curated list of 6 websites offering free project management courses. These resources can help you develop valuable skills and advance your career. Start learning today!
image
Top 10 project tracker tools to boost your productivity
image
Explore our curated list of the top 10 project tracker tools to enhance your productivity. These powerful solutions will help you streamline your workflow and achieve your goals more effectively.
image
Project management frameworks
image
Discover key project management frameworks to boost your effectiveness. Learn how these structured approaches can lead to successful project outcomes and improved team collaboration.
image
How to become a project management consultant
image
Seeking to transition into project management consulting? Our guide outlines essential steps and highlights five leading job platforms. Learn how to launch your consulting career in project management today.
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.
Which is better, PMI-ACP® or PMI-PMP®?
Which is better, PMI-ACP® or PMI-PMP®?
image
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.
Diversity and inclusion in project teams
Diversity and inclusion in project teams
image
Consider the impact of diversity and inclusion in your project teams. Learn how to harness these aspects for better decision-making. Read on for professional insights.
PRINCE2 Agile focus areas
PRINCE2 Agile focus areas
image
Merging Agile methods with PRINCE2 requires focusing on five key areas. Explore these to enhance your project's agility and success.
Knowledge Train | Managing Successful Projects with PRINCE2: Book review
Managing Successful Projects with PRINCE2: Book review
image
Explore the updated 7th edition of 'Managing Successful Projects with PRINCE2' in this book review. Learn about new features and updates relevant to practitioners.

This website use cookies.