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Project Leadership & Management Diploma1 Project Leadership & Management Diploma2
CPM Level 3®

Project Leadership & Management Diploma

Transition from project manager to a leadership role such as Project Director or Head of PMO. Lead complex projects with confidence and develop key leadership skills, including emotional intelligence, high-stakes negotiation, and stakeholder influence. Benchmark against global standards and build scalable, high-performing teams.

Master leadership to lead complex projects as Project Director.
IPMA-B/A®, CPM Level 3®, EQF Level 7
42 Hours
Evening, Daytime, On Demand
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Arabic, French, Chinese, Spanish
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OnDemand with Multilingual Subtitles
  • About
  • Certification
  • Syllabus
  • Requirements
  • Why IPM
  • Dates
  • Reviews
  • FAQs
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Evolving from Project Manager to Project Leader

Project leadership is the art of guiding a team to successfully complete projects. Leaders bring people together for a common goal, achieving more collectively than individually.

Amidst organisational changes and disruptions, project managers must develop vital leadership skills. This empowers them to motivate, inspire, and steer teams towards innovative processes and strategic execution.

Our university-backed diploma in leadership and management, taught by ten industry experts, offers three credentials. Gain the ability to make effective decisions, empower teams across various cultures, and advance your career as a confident project leader.

It’s time to propel your career to the next level, honing your leadership and management styles while uncovering your true potential as a project leader.

Learning Outcomes and Content

This course explores the essential skills, mindsets, and actions required to transform into a self-assured, motivated, and attentive project leader. Lessons are presented in an interesting style, blending a hands-on structure with motivating anecdotes from professionals in the field and scholars. Feel free to explore further details regarding the course modules and educational goals.
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The course is for...

  • Professionals from diverse backgrounds who are keenly interested in leading and managing change, executing organizational strategies, and driving successful project performance.
  • Mid to senior-level professionals, including managers, team leaders, and individuals directly accountable for project and program success, irrespective of their job title.
  • Emerging leaders who aspire to build a strong foundation in impactful leadership.
  • Project managers with experience in handling complex projects and who hold leadership responsibilities within their organizations.
  • Professionals working in both private and public sectors, spanning organizations of all sizes.

For a deeper understanding of the distinction between a project leader and a project manager, we encourage you to explore our article: The Difference between a Project Leader and a Project Manager

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Admission Requirements

  • An Honours Bachelor Degree or equivalent qualification from a recognised body.
  • Candidates without a tertiary-level qualification but possessing substantial professional experience may undergo an evaluation interview, either in-person or via telephone, at the discretion of the Course Director. This interview aims to assess their suitability for the programme.
  • All applications will pass through screening processes by IPM’s Admissions Assessment Board. The submission of a CV is necessary to verify eligibility.

If you are unsure if this programme suits you, feel free to Schedule a Call to speak with our educational adviser.

Why IPM?

Reputation & History
Project Management Expertise
Why Choose This Diploma?
Globally Positioned
360° Learning Partner

Reputation & History

  • Established in 1989, IPM is a globally recognised certification body with 35+ years of excellence.
  • 50,000+ professionals trained and 10,000+ certified through internationally accredited programmes.
  • Official partner of IPMA®, PMI®, and PRINCE2®, upholding global PM standards.
  • Trusted by 500+ organisations to upskill teams and deliver results.
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Project Management Expertise

  • Our faculty of certified experts bring 25+ years of real-world project experience — from Project Directors to former PM Certification Heads.
  • For over 35 years, IPM has specialised solely in project, programme, and portfolio management, bringing decades of proven expertise to every learning experience.
  • Each programme blends international best practice with hands-on learning, helping you apply what you learn from day one.
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Why Choose This Diploma?

  • Leadership Focus – Advance from managing tasks to leading people and strategy.
  • Global Alignment – Earn triple credentials by IPM, IPMA, and TU Dublin.
  • Practical Learning – Blend theory with real leadership challenges.
  • Expert Faculty – Learn from senior project directors and industry leaders.
  • Career Growth – Build the confidence to lead complex teams and organisations.
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Globally Positioned

  • IPM’s global position is strengthened through partnerships with the world’s leading project management certification bodies — IPMA®, PMI®, and PRINCE2®.
  • Through partnership with TU Dublin, Ireland’s second-largest university, IPM is able to offer programmes with university credits.
  • This affiliation links IPM to the European University of Technology (EUt+), extending our connection across Europe and beyond.
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360° Learning Partner

  • As your learning partner, IPM supports your growth beyond the classroom through IPM Hub &  Membership — a professional network for continuous learning and development.
  • Gain access to Mentoring, Volunteering, Events, and Jobs Portal — helping you build experience, connections, and career growth.
  • Publish your writing to strengthen your thought leadership and stay updated with global industry updates.

Upcoming Dates

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On Demand Format: 100% Self-Paced

With subtitles in Arabic, French, Chinese and Spanish – enjoy flexibility and control over your schedule with our OnDemand format.
  • 42 Hours of Learning
  • 24/7 Instant Access
  • 6 Months of Full Access
  • Expert-led Video Lessons
  • 13 Modules, 76+ Topics
  • Online Quizzes & Exercises
  • IPMA-B/A®, EQF Level 7, PLM Dip.
David Walsh

Seamus McGrath

Program Manager M&A IT at Novartis
March 24th

The Project Leadership & Management Diploma is an excellent course for aspiring project leaders which has a variety of very experienced professionals providing the instruction. The course is very professionally run by IPM and is a very effective online learning experience.

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This course can be delivered in person – please contact us for further details.

Contact Us

Bespoke In-Person & Online Courses

Corporate Training Solutions

This course is available for organisations looking to meet specific business needs, equipping your team with the skills to drive success.

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We partner with companies worldwide to equip their workforce with essential skills, knowledge, and competences for project success.

We've worked with

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IPM Alumni Reviews

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Google (100+ reviews)
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Brenda Kane
Brenda Kane
Senior Operations Manager at Society of St Vincent de Paul Ireland
June 11thglobe img
I have now taken the intro to project management & the Certified Project Management Diploma and really enjoyed both courses. Working in the NGO sector I believe all senior managers should have a grounding in PM. I will be recommending this qualification & provider to the managers I support.
Review Dots
William Geach
William Geach
Executive Assistant of EU Public Policy at Amazon
Aug 20thglobe img

I'd highly recommend the Institute of Project Management

I've been working in Tech for 8 years now and the Agile Project Management class turned into a huge unlock for me, it was the way our dev teams have been doing business and the environment we work in the entire time. I look forward to getting my next PM credential from you.
20
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Padraig Friel
Padraig Friel
Project Management Consultant and Trainer at PM360 Consulting
March 24thglobe img
My experience of completing the programme is that the course is to the forefront in leading project management concepts and best practices for delivering projects effectively in the today's business world.
Review Dots
Paul Derwin
Paul Derwin
Technical Sales Account Manager at ASML
Jan 11thglobe img
The caliber of lecturers is very high and the course content, material and delivery are excellent. I've taken the PMP preparation course and passed on the 1st attempt. The Diploma in Strategic Project & Programme Management was equally excellent with relevant use cases, course work, and high quality lectures over a diverse range of topics.
dotsthree
Evelyn Morris
Evelyn Morris
Quality Manager at Cal OpEx
Dec 2ndglobeimg

Very knowledgeable lecturers and very relevant information

I would highly recommend the IPMA Certified Project Management Diploma course. Very knowledgeable lecturers and I have gained a wealth of knowledge having completed the course. Very relevant information, giving me the skills I needed to move forward with my project management responsibilities. Thanks to everyone at the institute!
36
dotsthree
William Geach

William Geach

Executive Assistant of EU Public Policy at Amazon
Aug 20thglobeimg
I've been working in Tech for 8 years now and the Agile Project Management class turned into a huge unlock for me, it was the way our dev teams have been doing business and the environment we work in the entire time. I look forward to getting my next PM credential from you.
20
dotsthree
Padraig Friel

Padraig Friel

Project Management Consultant and Trainer at PM360 Consulting
March 24thglobeimg
My experience of completing the programme is that the course is to the forefront in leading project management concepts and best practices for delivering projects effectively in the today's business world.
dotsthree
Brenda Kane

Brenda Kane

Senior Operations Manager at Society of St Vincent de Paul Ireland
June 11thglobeimg
I have now taken the intro to project management & the Certified Project Management Diploma and really enjoyed both courses. Working in the NGO sector I believe all senior managers should have a grounding in PM. I will be recommending this qualification & provider to the managers I support.
dotsthree
Paul Derwin

Paul Derwin

Technical Sales Account Manager at ASML
Jan 11thglobeimg
The caliber of lecturers is very high and the course content, material and delivery are excellent. I've taken the PMP preparation course and passed on the 1st attempt. The Diploma in Strategic Project & Programme Management was equally excellent with relevant use cases, course work, and high quality lectures over a diverse range of topics.
dotsthree
Evelyn Morris

Evelyn Morris

Quality Manager at Cal OpEx
Dec 2ndglobeimg
I would highly recommend the IPMA Certified Project Management Diploma course. Very knowledgeable lecturers and I have gained a wealth of knowledge having completed the course. Very relevant information, giving me the skills I needed to move forward with my project management responsibilities. Thanks to everyone at the institute!

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to your questions and everything you need to know about the course.

What is included in the course fee?

The course fee encompasses access to all course materials on the Student Hub, live expert-led virtual classes, recordings, and continuous support from our Student Support team.

 

Please note that the certification fee is not included in the course fee. However, eligible students who wish to pursue certification can avail themselves of a discounted price of €395 (originally €1850 for Level B and €2150 for Level A).

What payment options are available?

There are two payment options available:

  • Full payment before the start of the course;
  • 50/50 instalment plan: the first instalment of 50% should be paid upfront, and the remainder halfway through the course (week 7).

What are the delivery formats available for this course?

This course is available online and facilitated through weekly evening classes with industry-expert lecturers. Do not worry about missing a class – a recording of each online class will be available for playback in the Student Hub.

Is the course suitable for candidates without former PM knowledge?

This course is better suited to candidates with knowledge of project management frameworks and practical experience. The course is designed for emerging leaders, project managers, change managers, or any professional who directly contributes to projects.

Is the course applicable to any industry?

Yes, the content of this professional diploma in project leadership and management is suitable for various industry sectors. We have students from different backgrounds – such as engineering, pharmaceuticals, design, construction, IT, and many others – who completed the course successfully.

How is this course assessed?

The course is assessed through four written assignments and a 3-hour online examination at the end of the course.

How much time do I need to spend every week to complete the course?

Classes run one evening per week, from 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm. Plan to spend approximately 4 to 6 hours each week on the core material and reflecting on what you have learned. However, as you can appreciate, this varies based on each individual’s capability.

Are the course qualifications recognised internationally?

Yes, the course credentials are recognised in over 70 countries.

Will recordings be available if I miss a class?

A recording of each online class will be available for playback in the Student Hub, so you do not need to worry about missing a class.

How will this course help with my career?

This course curriculum is designed by industry-experts to help you develop a project leader mindset and the practical competence that is so valuable to hiring managers. Gain the concepts, skills, and confidence to take the next step in your project management career with globally recognised credentials.

Am I eligible to get the IPMA Level B/A® Certification?

Eligible candidates must have a minimum of 5 years’ experience as a project manager, of which at least 3 years must be in a responsible leadership function while managing complex projects. The Institute’s Admissions Assessment Board will do a preliminary eligibility assessment at the time of your application.

 

Candidates undertaking the course have an option to apply for IPMA Level B or Level A certification at a reduced rate of 80% of the standard fee, subject to them meeting the IPMA® experience requirements.

 

If candidates are not eligible for this certification level at the time of completing the course, they can return once they have gained more experience within a two-year timeframe to apply and avail of the discounted rate.

If I don’t have the necessary academic qualifications, can I still be admitted?

Candidates with relevant professional work experience but no primary degree will still be considered to join the course.

 

Applications will be reviewed by the Institute’s Admissions Assessment Board. A CV will be required to check eligibility, and candidates may be invited to interview via phone to assess their suitability to attend the course.

 

Eligibility for those wishing to pursue IPMA Level B or Level A certification at a discounted rate will be assessed separately.

What is the difference between your diploma courses?

The Certified Project Management Diploma is the best course for those who want to start their accredited career path as a project manager. It is also best suited for project managers who need to strengthen their practice with formal training on core project management tactical subjects.

 

The Strategic Project Program Management Diploma is designed for candidates with at least 3 years of professional experience in a project management role, who are confident managing a project from initiation to close out according to best practices and standards. This course will build on your foundations to develop your skills to manage multiple projects and implement strategic project management in your daily practice and in your organisation.

 

The Project Leadership and Management Diploma is best suited to emerging leaders and project management professionals looking to refine their management and leadership skills. The programme is designed to help you evolve from a project manager to a project leader. As such, the focus will be on developing the capabilities, attitudes, and behaviours needed to become a confident, driven, and focused project leader.