Compare routes: IT project manager

Compare what matters before you decide. Routes are shown side by side, not ranked: an unknown is marked “Not enough data”.

Choose 2 or 3 routes

Route A: Associate project manager apprenticeship in an IT team
Route B: Computing or information systems degree, then an IT role
Route C: Move from an IT job into project management

Comparing 3 routes. Nothing here is ranked or scored.

Comparison of 3 routes. Unknown values are marked Not enough data and are not ranked.
Route	Route AAssociate project manager apprenticeship in an IT team	Route BComputing or information systems degree, then an IT role	Route CMove from an IT job into project management
Entry requirements	You apply for an apprenticeship job with an IT or digital team; each employer sets its own requirements The National Careers Service says higher apprenticeships usually ask for 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 and A levels, or equivalent Vacancies are competitive and availability varies by region	Universities set their own entry requirements (2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, is typical for a degree) Relevant subjects include computing, information systems, computer science, project management and business management Postgraduate study usually needs a degree in a relevant subject	Experience working in IT; the National Careers Service says this can let you start as an assistant project manager APM's PMQ suits people with 2 to 3 years' project experience; its PFQ needs none Employers set their own requirements
Official mandatory credentials	None required by law for most jobs. Professional body (for chartered or member titles): APM Project Management Qualification (PMQ)	None required by law for most jobs. Professional body (for chartered or member titles): APM Project Management Qualification (PMQ)	None required by law for most jobs. Professional body (for chartered or member titles): APM Project Management Qualification (PMQ)
Time	About 18 months, then experience Find apprenticeship training lists Associate project manager (Level 4) at 18 months. The National Careers Service lists it among IT project manager apprenticeships.	3 years of study, then experience A typical full-time bachelor's degree in England takes 3 years. APM says PMQ candidates usually have 2 to 3 years' experience.	About 2 to 3 years APM says PMQ candidates most likely have 2 to 3 years' experience as a project professional.
Cash costs	Fees charged: Up to £7,000 of training (funding band maximum), paid for you Paid up front by you: £0 — training and assessment are funded	Fees charged: £29,898 to £30,018 Paid up front by you: £528 to £648 Up-front figure assumes a Tuition Fee Loan pays the tuition. The loan is repaid from future earnings above a threshold, so it is shown separately as a loan balance.	Fees charged: At least £958 to £1,096 Paid up front by you: At least £958 to £1,096 Not included: APM lists courses from accredited providers, each setting its own price; self-study with the open online exam is also possible
Employer-funded possibilities	Yes — training and assessment are paid by the employer and government; you must not be asked to contribute.	Possible but not guaranteed — some employers pay fees or give study leave. Ask before you accept an offer. University tuition is usually covered by a Tuition Fee Loan (England), which is repaid from future earnings.	Possible but not guaranteed — some employers pay fees or give study leave. Ask before you accept an offer.
Work while studying	Yes Work-based, with at least 20% off-the-job training. From day one — apprentices are employees and are paid a wage.	Possible Full-time study, then work. Usually after graduating, although many students work part-time or take a paid placement year.	Yes Part-time or self-study alongside work. You keep earning throughout.
Salary evidence	IT project manager: £35,000 to £60,000 a year (starter to experienced, England) National Careers Service, checked 14 Oct 2026. Typical range for comparable roles — indicative, not guaranteed.	IT project manager: £35,000 to £60,000 a year (starter to experienced, England) National Careers Service, checked 14 Oct 2026. Typical range for comparable roles — indicative, not guaranteed.	IT project manager: £35,000 to £60,000 a year (starter to experienced, England) National Careers Service, checked 14 Oct 2026. Typical range for comparable roles — indicative, not guaranteed.
Competition and availability	Apprenticeships with IT teams are competitive The National Careers Service also lists Digital product manager (Level 4) and two Level 6 degree apprenticeships for this career	Graduate IT roles are competitive University can bring broader academic learning, graduate schemes, networks and time to decide	Internal moves depend on your employer Studying alongside work takes time and energy
Geographical constraints	Applies in: UK (fees and funding shown for England) Apprenticeship funding rules shown are for England	Applies in: UK (fees and funding shown for England) Tuition fees and student finance shown are England's	Applies in: UK (fees and funding shown for England)
Alternative exits	You could move into business analysis, delivery or service management roles You could stay in project support or PMO roles	Your degree keeps other technology careers open You could move into business analysis, development or IT consultancy	You could return to a technical role with added project experience You could move into business analysis or delivery management
Source freshness	Evidence checked 14 Oct 2026 Oldest source check: 12 Oct 2026	Evidence checked 14 Oct 2026 Oldest source check: 12 Oct 2026	Evidence checked 14 Oct 2026 Oldest source check: 14 Oct 2026

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