PRINCE2® Programme Management (previously MSP®)

MSP® – Managing Successful Programmes Foundation Course and Exam

UPCOMING DATE:

27 April – 01 May 2026

Online course for individuals:

MSP® 5th Edition – Online

 

What is PRINCE2® Programme Management (previously MSP®)?

Structured leadership for strategic change delivery.

PRINCE2® Programme Management (previously MSP® 5th edition) is a globally recognised best-practice framework designed to support organisations in managing complex programmes of change and delivering outcomes that align with strategic objectives. It provides clear guidance on governance, leadership, benefits realisation, and risk control across multiple interrelated projects and transformational workstreams.

Although the certification and guidance are now branded under the PRINCE2® umbrella, the content and best-practice guidance from MSP® 5th edition remain unchanged in substance. You will still learn the principles, themes and processes that support programme governance and delivery excellence.

At Althris, we now offer updated training and certification pathways to support individuals and organisations looking to build confidence and capability in structured programme management.

Why PRINCE2® Programme Management Matters

Programme management is a critical capability in today’s environment, where change is continuous and strategic transformation initiatives span multiple projects and teams. The framework has evolved to ensure that organisations can:

  • Align programme outcomes with strategic goals
  • Establish effective governance and leadership structures
  • Coordinate interrelated projects and deliver benefits consistently
  • Manage complexity, risk, and stakeholder engagement at scale

PRINCE2® Programme Management responds to the growing need for a structured approach to change that bridges strategy, delivery and outcomes.

Principles, Themes and Processes
The framework comprises structured principles that should be sustained from programme initiation to closure, themes that embed governance and control, and processes guiding the lifecycle of a programme.

Although PRINCE2® Programme Management does not prescribe a single delivery style, it supports incremental and iterative approaches appropriate to complex change environments.

PRINCE2® Programme Management – Core Elements

PRINCE2® Programme Management is grounded in the core elements of best practice programme management:

Structured Governance and Control
It defines clear processes and governance models that help organisations steer programmes with confidence and accountability.

Strategic Alignment
The framework ensures that all work within a programme directly supports the organisation’s strategic objectives and intended benefits.

Benefits-Focused Delivery
It prioritises benefits realisation, so that programmes generate measurable value and sustainable results.

Stakeholder Engagement
Guidance helps manage and influence key stakeholders, including sponsors, leadership teams and delivery partners.

Course Modules

A typical PRINCE2® Programme Management training pathway covers:

  • Introduction to Programme Management and Context
  • Principles of Structured Programme Management
  • Governance, Leadership and Organisational Roles
  • Programme Lifecycle and Process Integration
  • Strategic Alignment and Benefits Realisation
  • Risk, Issue and Stakeholder Management
  • Practitioner Application Workshops and Case Studies

Comprehensive pre-course study materials and official guidance references are provided to support deep understanding and exam preparation.

Learning Outcomes

After completion, participants will be able to:

  • Describe the principles, themes and processes of structured programme management
  • Apply best-practice governance and leadership techniques within a programme context
  • Analyse and plan programme activities that align with organisational strategy
  • Lead complex change initiatives with an outcome-focused mindset
  • Manage risk, stakeholders and benefits effectively across the programme lifecycle

Is PRINCE2® Programme Management Right for You?

PRINCE2® Programme Management is ideal if you:

  • Are leading or supporting strategic change initiatives
  • Work in or aspire to senior roles in programme or change management
  • Need structured guidance on governance, risk and benefits realisation
  • Seek a recognised qualification in complex programme delivery

Althris Course Options

We offer accredited training to support certification in PRINCE2® Programme Management:

PRINCE2® Programme Management Foundation (typically 3 days)
This course introduces the core concepts and prepares you for the official Foundation exam, validating your understanding of the framework.

PRINCE2® Programme Management Practitioner (typically 2 days)
This practical course focuses on real-world application of the principles, themes and processes and prepares you for the Practitioner exam.

Bundle Options
Combine Foundation and Practitioner training across five days for a complete certification pathway. Includes exam attempts and access to essential learning materials.

FAQS

Yes. PeopleCert has rebranded MSP® under the PRINCE2 portfolio so that “MSP® becomes PRINCE2® Programme Management”. This is a product naming change within the PRINCE2® portfolio, rather than a claim that a new edition of MSP® content has been released.

PeopleCert describes PRINCE2® Programme Management as supporting the alignment of programmes and projects to organisational strategy, providing governance, mitigating risks, and actively engaging stakeholders. PeopleCert also summarises it as guidance on governance, vision, leadership and benefits realisation for delivering complex programmes efficiently.

PeopleCert’s PRINCE2 qualification path states that to reach the PRINCE2 Programme Manager title, you need to take the PRINCE2 Programme Management Foundation and Practitioner modules.

Foundation exam:

  • 60 questions, multiple choice
  • 60 minutes
  • Closed book
  • Minimum required score to pass: 60%

Practitioner exam:

  • 70 questions, objective testing
  • 150 minutes
  • Open book
  • Minimum required score to pass: 60%

Althris Training uses a proven dual methodology applied consistently across all programmes. This combines Training from the BACK of the Room! (TBR), a learner-centred, brain-based approach developed by Sharon L. Bowman, with Action Learning, developed by Reg Revans.

Training from the BACK of the Room! is grounded in neuroscience and cognitive psychology and focuses on active participation, collaboration, short interactive learning cycles, and practical reinforcement to improve engagement and long-term retention. Action Learning complements this by enabling participants to work on real, current workplace challenges in small groups, using structured questioning, reflection, and action commitments.

By combining these methodologies, Althris ensures training is engaging, relevant, and immediately applicable. Participants do not just learn theory but actively apply concepts to real organisational situations during the course and leave with clear actions they can implement in the workplace.

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