MSc in Project Management or qualifications such as PRINCE2/APM?

Question

Hi, I have BSc in Computer Engineering plus some technical IT qualifications (MCSE,CCNA) and been working in the technical field for 5 years, I would like to switch to IT Project Management considering my current career risk caused by outsourcing IT jobs to abroad, can you advise which is better to do please? Open Uni MSc degree in project management that lasts 3 years and cost around £10K, or going for quick short cheaper qualifications such as Prince2 and APM?? I appreciate any help, thanks

Answer 1

PRINCE2 is really the standard project management methodology about. It is as dry as dust (in my humble opinion - you won't get any laughts or light relief on a course about it) and using it at work is possibly the most boring thing in the world but... if you follow the principles you can't fail! Anyhow, let's not confuse opinion with facts...

Facts. Your employer (or an employer) might fund you for a PRINCE2 course - check your Learning and Development Department if your organisation has one.

Alternatively you might be able to go to a commercial training firm - an example:

Learning Tree International
http://www.learningtree.co.uk
Tel: [phone]

If you're paying for it yourself perhaps think about having to spend a grand or two and give up a week of your life - but I don't know for sure. Like any work-based training, make sure you can practice and apply what you've learnt at work or you'll probably forget it and it'll have been a waste of time and money.

Answer 2

Apm Vs Prince2

Answer 3

Prince2 is definitely the way to go. It is the preferred qualification for all government departments. It is used exclusively in the NHS, by the Ministry of Defence and by government at both local and national level. It is now being asked for as a requirement in almost all Project Management recruitment adverts in the public sector.

I got a job on the strength of my degree a few years ago, but was constantly being asked about Prince2. I eventually did the qualification, and it opened up a whole host of promotion prospects for me. I really have never regretted doing it - but you need to do the Practitioner level, not just the foundation level.

Good luck