MSP ® 5th edition Programme Management Courses

What is MSP?

MSP is an acronym of Managing Successful Programmes. MSP provides a set of principles, themes and transformational flow processes for use when establishing and managing a programme. It is founded on best practice although it is not prescriptive. It is very flexible and designed to be adapted to meet the needs of local circumstances.

Introducing MSP 5th edition

Our MSP courses are based on the guidance provided by MSP 5th edition which was launched in 2020. The 5th edition includes several updates to enhance organisational agility and align programme management with modern practices. Key changes include a refreshed focus on vision, benefits, risks, and the target operating model, now integrated within the Design theme. The edition emphasises incremental delivery of benefits, stakeholder engagement, and communications planning. The structure of principles, themes, and the programme lifecycle remains, but with revised principles and fewer themes to streamline governance. Overall, the update aims to provide a more flexible, adaptable, and responsive framework for managing programmes in today's dynamic environment.

Our courses

We offer three MSP 5th edition courses, each with a range of delivery modes - in-house classroom, self study and eLearning:

What our courses cover

Our MSP courses cover:

Introduction to programme management: Understanding what a programme is and why programme management is essential.
MSP Principles: Exploring the core principles that underpin successful programme management.
MSP Themes: Detailed examination of MSP's governance and control themes.
Programme lifecycle: Overview of the stages in the programme lifecycle from initiation to closure.
Stakeholder Engagement: Strategies for effectively engaging and communicating with stakeholders.
Benefits Management: Techniques for identifying, planning, and realising benefits.
Risk Management: Identifying, assessing, and managing risks within a programme.
Designing Programmes: Structuring programmes to deliver strategic outcomes.
Planning and Delivering: Developing plans for progressive delivery and managing programme activities.
Roles and Responsibilities: Defining the roles and responsibilities of key individuals within a programme.

Why you should take our courses

The purpose of our courses is to provide a robust foundation of knowledge for anyone involved in managing projects. Successful candidates will have the knowledge and understanding necessary to deliver successful programmes.

Benefits for individuals

Enhanced career opportunities: Gaining MSP certification can open doors to higher-level programme management roles and increase your marketability.
Improved programme management skills: Learn a best practice framework and management method to effectively manage and deliver successful programmes.
Increased confidence: Develop the confidence to handle complex programmes and make informed decisions.
Better risk management: Acquire the skills to identify, assess, and mitigate risks within programmes.
Enhanced stakeholder engagement: Learn strategies to engage and communicate effectively with stakeholders, ensuring their needs are met.
Increased organisational value: Contribute more effectively to your organisation by applying MSP principles, leading to more efficient and successful programme outcomes.

Benefits for organisations

Improved strategic alignment: Ensures that programmes are aligned with the organization’s strategic objectives, leading to more coherent and focused efforts towards achieving long-term goals.
Enhanced benefit realisation: Provides a structured approach to identifying, planning, and delivering benefits, ensuring that programmes create tangible value for the organization.
Better risk management: Facilitates the identification, assessment, and management of risks at the programme level, reducing the likelihood of adverse impacts on organizational outcomes.
Increased organisational agility: Promotes flexibility and responsiveness to changing environments and priorities, enabling the organization to adapt and thrive in dynamic conditions.
Improved stakeholder engagement: Encourages proactive engagement and communication with stakeholders, fostering support and collaboration throughout the programme lifecycle.
Enhanced governance and control: Establishes clear governance structures and processes, ensuring effective oversight, decision-making, and accountability within programmes.

Why we are the best value

Our MSP courses cover the breadth and depth of programme management. They are presented in a clear, predictable manner with key concepts reinforced and broken down into manageable sections, making them enjoyable courses.

We recognise that studying and sitting exams can be a stressful time on top of the day-to-day commitments of our lives. Therefore the structure and flow of the course provides predictability and confidence that the learner will be able to plan and manage their own learning experience and to grasp key concepts quickly. This results in being confident in your ability to pass the certification exams and to be able to apply what has been learnt to work practice.

And we are able to offer one-on-one tutor support to those taking our Self Study and eLearning courses, so you won't feel isolated, and can clear up any aspects of the course content or issues in using PRINCE2 in your organisation that may be causing concern.

Our courses are developed by Geoff Rankins, our Lead Trainer and Instructional Designer. He has worked in project management for more than 40 years, and has been a Practitioner of MSP since 2004 when he ran the first MSP course in Australia, and has been using MSP across many sectors ever since. He contributed to the 2011 refresh of MSP. His systematic approach to courseware and eLearning development is recognised by many Accredited Training Organisations and fellow trainers globally. Our Self Study and eLearning courses are based on our classroom courses; the eLearning format allows us to add content to most sessions that increases the value and clarity of what is being covered.

Choose the course that suits your needs ...

Professional Development

Candidates who pass the Practitioner exam are entitled to style themselves as a "Registered PRINCE2 Practitioner" on CVs and business cards.

Successful completion of one of our courses may entitle you to credits in various professional development programmes:

For AIPM CPD points, check here;
For PMI PDUs, check here (see page 11).