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Before we dive into any specific project administration method, it’s important to understand the basics. What exactly is a project? What do we mean by project management? Why is it important?
What is a Project?
It’s a temporary task that has a beginning and an end. Unlike the usual works that get repeated and keeps going, it exists to create something new, solve a problem or to make a change. Whether it’s building a bridge, building an app or organising an event. As long as something has a goal, a timeline and a clear result, it’s a project.
What is Project Management?
It’s the process of planning, organising, and managing the resources (team and tasks) within a set budget and time frame.
It’s used across every industry to make their project a successful one. Here are some key industries where this plays a critical role:
| Industry | Example |
|---|---|
| Information Technology | Developing software Creating websites Implementing IT systems Launching tech products |
| Healthcare | Implementing new healthcare software Opening a new medical facility Managing a clinical research project |
| Manufacturing | Launching new product lines Setting up production facilities Upgrading equipment |
| Finance | Developing new financial products Implementing compliance regulations Launching digital banking services |
| Aerospace and Defence | Designing and manufacturing new aircraft Developing a defence system Managing government contracts |
| Marketing and Advertising | Running a brand campaign Launching a new product Designing a digital marketing strategy |
| Education | Developing new courses Managing research projects Building new educational resources |
Similarly, many industries use project management to make their projects successful.
What are the Project Management methodologies?
There are many delivery methodologies, each designed to suit different types of projects, industries, and team structures. Here are some of the most popular methodologies in the world:
- PRINCE2
- Agile (including Scrum and Kanban)
- Waterfall
- Lean
- Hybrid approaches
The most popular methodology in the UK is PRINCE2®. It’s globally recognised.
Before we continue further, let's talk about jobs and how to get started. After all, that's the purpose of earning a specific qualification.
Who is a Project Manager?
A professional responsible for planning, organising, and overseeing projects from start to finish, ensuring they are delivered on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards.
How Can You Become a Project Manager in the UK?
There are several common routes to becoming one in the UK:
1. University Degree
You don’t have to do a specific subject to become a delivery lead. Any degree can help you get started. It would be more helpful if you do a degree in Business, IT, Engineering or Project Management.
Some universities offer Project Management degrees accredited by the Association for Project Management (APM).
2. Apprenticeships
You can work at a job and learn without going to university full time through an apprenticeship. There are 2 main popular apprenticeships in UK as,
- Level 4 Project Manager Apprenticeship
- Level 6 Manager Degree Apprenticeship
3. Professional Qualifications and Certifications
You can get into project management by doing a certificate directly instead of a degree or an apprenticeship.
You can start with the PRINCE2® Foundation, Agile Foundation or APM PFQ: beginner friendly.
Then take advance certifications like, APM Project Management Qualification (PMQ), PRINCE2® Practitioner, PMI’s CAPM or PMP).
Many employers support employees with PRINCE2® training while working in their organisation.
4. Work Experience and Career Progression
Many start in junior roles and progress with experience and training. Even helping with projects in your current role can help build valuable skills.
5. Direct Application
If you have strong industry experience like engineering or IT you may be able to move straight into a project coordinator role, especially if you have managed teams or budgets before.
Now we’ve covered the basics, so you’re ready to move into the most trusted management methodology: PRojects IN Controlled Environments
All about PRINCE2 Courses.
As you already know, this is the most popular and most used project administration methodology in the world. According to the de facto standard for organisations, the UK has the highest number of PRINCE2® -certified professionals. And globally, over 2 million PRINCE2® exams were taken.
| Metric | Estimated Number (2025) |
|---|---|
| Certified PRINCE2 Professionals | 1.5–2 million |
| Countries Using PRINCE2 | 150+ |
| Organisations Using PRINCE2 | 50,000–70,000+ |
| PRINCE2 Exams Taken Annually | 100,000+ |
With this data, we must accept the fact that this is the best project administration methodology in the world.
If you want to work in an organisation that uses this methodology to manage their ventures, you’ll need to be PRINCE2® certified. Other qualifications might be valuable, but may not be enough on its own.
How many certifications are there in the PRINCE2 course?
There are 2 as,
PRINCE2 Foundation
This is the first step in the certification. It introduces you to PRINCE2 and teaches the basic concepts. Every theoretical concept that you might need to manage a successful venture.
PRINCE2 Practitioner
You must have completed the Foundation course to take this course. It builds on the knowledge you gain from the Foundation level and goes deeper into the concepts, teaching you how to implement the knowledge in real-world practices.
What’s Agile?
Agile is a flexible methodology with 2 main focuses, such as,
- Delivering in small chunks instead of delivering the entire project at once
- Allows incorporating changes into projects mid-process
What’s PRINCE2 Agile?
Simply saying, it’s a flexible version of PRINCE2 ®. It’s a combination of PRINCE2® and Agile. It teaches you the best parts of both worlds, making it a great qualification for project managers.Benefits of this certification
- You will be able to handle changes smoothly.
- You will be able to deliver faster.
- It improves client collaboration, leading to satisfaction.
There are 2 levels in PRINCE2 Agile as well.
PRINCE2 Agile Foundation
This is an entry level beginner-friendly qualification. You can either take this course and then start the PRINCE2® Agile Practitioner, or you can start it directly with the PRINCE2® Foundation.
What you’ll learn?
- You will learn the basics of PRINCE2®
- You will learn the basics of Agile
- You’ll learn how to use both together
You don’t need any qualifications to take this course. You can take it even if you haven't taken the Foundation.
PRINCE2® Agile Practitioner
It depends on the kind of venture you would be handling. If it needs thorough documentation and the rules and regulations within the project context are stable, then we recommend you take the PRINCE2® course.
If the tasks you handle requires flexibility, if the requirements keep changing like in an industry similar to tech, we recommend you take the PRINCE2® Agile.
However, if you are serious about your project coordination career or are looking for a project coordination job, we recommend that you pursue both the PRINCE2® and Agile certifications. It makes you ready for anything.
How do I decide if I should take PRINCE2 or PRINCE2 Agile?
It depends on the kind of project you would be handling. If it needs thorough documentation and the rules and regulations within the project context are stable, then we recommend you take the PRINCE2 course.
If the projects you handle requires flexibility, if the requirements keep changing like in an industry similar to tech, we recommend you take the PRINCE2 Agile.
However, if you are serious about your project management career or are looking for a project management job, we recommend that you pursue both the PRINCE2 and PRINCE2 Agile certifications. It makes you ready for anything.
