Fistral Training & Consultancy

We believe that training should change working practices in a measurable, positive way. The training experience should be stimulating and enjoyable as well as instructive. [Fistral’s vision]

"A very enjoyable and valuable course."

Research staff, University of Bath 29th August 2018

"I expected it to be dull and irrelevant and was pleasantly surprised as it was relevant and practical and high quality."

CAPM participant, University of Strathclyde 29th August 2018

"Very well delivered. [The trainer's] engagement with the students and material very impressive and leant sustained interest by students”

NHS Health Scotland 29th August 2018

"Will apply tools to my own role, gives me greater understanding of wider project management principles."

Staff member, Scottish Qualifications Authority 29th August 2018

"I feel this course is really useful to the researcher and others who are beginners in their career."

Staff member, AFRC 29th August 2018

"We’ve now doubled the number of CAPM deliveries a year in response to growing demand, and it’s fast become one of the most popular and highly valued courses offered as part of the Researcher Development Programme."

Researcher Development Manager, University of Strathclyde 29th August 2018

"Very good course based on lecturer's experience."

Research staff, University of Bath 29th August 2018

"Really interesting and applicable to industry. Would consider making the course compulsory for all knowledge exchange project personnel."

CAPM participant, University of Strathclyde 25th August 2018

"Excellent course – one of the most useful I have been on. I would recommend it for any PhD student”

PhD Student, Queens University Belfast 29th August 2018

"Very well delivered. Great structure and content. Would recommend to colleagues”

Staff member, NHS Health Scotland 29th August 2018

"We recently worked with Fistral to create a new Consultancy Skills course for our organisation. They offered a friendly, professional service and bring a wealth of knowledge to their course creations."

Staff Development Manager, NHS National Services Scotland, Information Services Division 29th August 2018

"This should be made compulsory to all PhD students/Research staff."

Research staff, University of Aberdeen 29th August 2018

"I feel that the university has invested in me! In that hiring a professional company as well as having such an experienced and excellent presenter. Money well spent!!"

Research staff, University of Aberdeen 29th August 2018

"We’ve now doubled the number of CAPM deliveries a year in response to growing demand, and it’s fast become one of the most popular and highly valued courses offered as part of the Researcher Development Programme."

Researcher Development Manager, University of Strathclyde 25th August 2018

"The company is professional and my dealings with [Fistral] in the summer with regard to the re-design of the programme were very positive from my perspective. I liked [their] flexibility and commitment to working with us on a new approach."

Postgraduate Researcher Development Programme Manager, Queen’s University Belfast 29th August 2018

"I'll use Risk evaluation techniques in my research."

Risk participant, University of Aberdeen 29th August 2018

"Excellent tutor. Was able to make project management accessible."

EngD Student, University of Manchester 25th August 2018

"In the five years the University of Strathclyde have engaged the services of Fistral, we’ve worked in partnership to tailor provision which specifically meets the needs of our industry-facing researchers. Year on year, the number of qualified project managers coming through the CAPM programme has increased as a result of its positive reputation and it’s demonstrable benefits within academia and other sectors."

Researcher Development Manager, University of Strathclyde 29th August 2018

"This has to be the most useful and enjoyable course that I have attended. I love the structure of course with lots of practical involvement in exercises working in teams. This is in stark contrast to most of the courses I have attended with PowerPoint slide after slide. I feel that I now want to use what I have learned and put to use asap."

Staff member, University College Cork 29th August 2018

"Very useful. Made [the] subject seem much easier than I've previously been taught. Good use of personal experience."

Staff member, AFRC 29th August 2018

"Brilliant, fascinating, concise. Well lectured. Learned a lot!"

Staff member, Loughborough University 29th August 2018

"I can’t thank you enough for the opportunity to take the classes and the exam. I have always been keen on project management and a qualification is the icing on the cake!”

Successful CAPM Delegate, University of Ulster 29th August 2018

"Very knowledgeable instructor and good sense of humour to create a positive, relaxed working environment. Very useful and will certainly use the material covered."

Student, University of Strathclyde 29th August 2018

"Extensive, complex information presented in a relaxed, humorous manner which made it relevant and understandable. Well pitched. Well done!”

PhD Student, University of Stirling 29th August 2018

"Tools that can be applied to real work and interactions, actual examples for situations that you wouldn't think about normally, kept attention throughout."

EngD student, University of Manchester 29th August 2018

"Very good course - I am keen to apply this learning in my place of work and have realised that the biggest problem in my team is me giving out concepts, not projects."

Staff member, NHS Health Scotland 29th August 2018

Welcome to Fistral

Fistral Training and Consultancy has been delivering training and consultancy since 1991. Over the years the organisation has grown from its original Glasgow base to support researchers, professional, and support staff across Europe in four specialised areas: Project Management, Leading & Influencing, Communication & Collaboration, and Personal Effectiveness.

For almost 20 years Fistral has specifically supported HEIs and research-focused / knowledge-intensive organisations. We focus on hands-on practical tools and techniques that can be applied immediately on return to desk or lab. Our proven experience delivering practical training in many distinct and diverse sectors makes a real difference to staff and researchers working within world-class organisations globally.

Whether onsite or online, partners and course participants appreciate the level of relevance and contextualisation that trainers bring to all-staff and researcher training. This is a direct result of trainers’ own experiences as consultants and active, professionally certified practitioners in private and public sectors and in industry and academic arenas. The Fistral team use their extensive experience to provide professional insights, recommendations, guidance, practical tips and real-life scenarios.

During Covid-19 Fistral is giving free access to videos on Project Management – please share this with your network, family, friends, colleagues, classmates…

Our Approach

Course content is underpinned by best practice and the real experiences of our trainers.

This is why Fistral courses scored an average 4.75 out of 5 overall from 2019-2023
(5=Excellent, June 2019-Feb 2023).

All courses focus on practical hands-on tools and techniques that are directly relevant and applicable to participants’ roles and the workplace.

The Fistral team have a wide range of experience in academic, research, public sector and industry settings which they bring to all our courses. With expertise across disciplines, sectors and throughout Europe, Fistral has a well-evidenced track record of delivering high-quality, relevant, training provision and excellent customer service.

We offer a unique partnership, commitment, understanding and focus on research-, university-, public sector and industry-specific issues.

Fistral courses can be customised and adapted for a range of audiences and levels via onsite, online or blended provision; we adhere to best practice; and the Fistral team regularly support individuals in achieving professional Certification.

"We recently worked with Fistral to create a new Consultancy Skills course for our organisation. They offered a friendly, professional service and bring a wealth of knowledge to their course creations."

Staff Development Manager, NHS National Services Scotland, Information Services Division 29th August 2018

"We’ve now doubled the number of CAPM deliveries a year in response to growing demand, and it’s fast become one of the most popular and highly valued courses offered as part of the Researcher Development Programme."

Researcher Development Manager, University of Strathclyde 25th August 2018

"I can’t thank you enough for the opportunity to take the classes and the exam. I have always been keen on project management and a qualification is the icing on the cake!”

Successful CAPM Delegate, University of Ulster 29th August 2018

"The company is professional and my dealings with [Fistral] in the summer with regard to the re-design of the programme were very positive from my perspective. I liked [their] flexibility and commitment to working with us on a new approach."

Postgraduate Researcher Development Programme Manager, Queen’s University Belfast 29th August 2018

"This has to be the most useful and enjoyable course that I have attended. I love the structure of course with lots of practical involvement in exercises working in teams. This is in stark contrast to most of the courses I have attended with PowerPoint slide after slide. I feel that I now want to use what I have learned and put to use asap."

Staff member, University College Cork 29th August 2018

"Will apply tools to my own role, gives me greater understanding of wider project management principles."

Staff member, Scottish Qualifications Authority 29th August 2018

"Very well delivered. [The trainer's] engagement with the students and material very impressive and leant sustained interest by students”

NHS Health Scotland 29th August 2018

"I expected it to be dull and irrelevant and was pleasantly surprised as it was relevant and practical and high quality."

CAPM participant, University of Strathclyde 29th August 2018

"Very good course - I am keen to apply this learning in my place of work and have realised that the biggest problem in my team is me giving out concepts, not projects."

Staff member, NHS Health Scotland 29th August 2018

"In the five years the University of Strathclyde have engaged the services of Fistral, we’ve worked in partnership to tailor provision which specifically meets the needs of our industry-facing researchers. Year on year, the number of qualified project managers coming through the CAPM programme has increased as a result of its positive reputation and it’s demonstrable benefits within academia and other sectors."

Researcher Development Manager, University of Strathclyde 29th August 2018

"We’ve now doubled the number of CAPM deliveries a year in response to growing demand, and it’s fast become one of the most popular and highly valued courses offered as part of the Researcher Development Programme."

Researcher Development Manager, University of Strathclyde 29th August 2018

"Really interesting and applicable to industry. Would consider making the course compulsory for all knowledge exchange project personnel."

CAPM participant, University of Strathclyde 25th August 2018

"Excellent tutor. Was able to make project management accessible."

EngD Student, University of Manchester 25th August 2018

"A very enjoyable and valuable course."

Research staff, University of Bath 29th August 2018

"Tools that can be applied to real work and interactions, actual examples for situations that you wouldn't think about normally, kept attention throughout."

EngD student, University of Manchester 29th August 2018

"Excellent course – one of the most useful I have been on. I would recommend it for any PhD student”

PhD Student, Queens University Belfast 29th August 2018

"This should be made compulsory to all PhD students/Research staff."

Research staff, University of Aberdeen 29th August 2018

"Extensive, complex information presented in a relaxed, humorous manner which made it relevant and understandable. Well pitched. Well done!”

PhD Student, University of Stirling 29th August 2018

"I'll use Risk evaluation techniques in my research."

Risk participant, University of Aberdeen 29th August 2018

"Very good course based on lecturer's experience."

Research staff, University of Bath 29th August 2018

"Brilliant, fascinating, concise. Well lectured. Learned a lot!"

Staff member, Loughborough University 29th August 2018

"Very knowledgeable instructor and good sense of humour to create a positive, relaxed working environment. Very useful and will certainly use the material covered."

Student, University of Strathclyde 29th August 2018

"I feel that the university has invested in me! In that hiring a professional company as well as having such an experienced and excellent presenter. Money well spent!!"

Research staff, University of Aberdeen 29th August 2018

"I feel this course is really useful to the researcher and others who are beginners in their career."

Staff member, AFRC 29th August 2018

"Very well delivered. Great structure and content. Would recommend to colleagues”

Staff member, NHS Health Scotland 29th August 2018

"Very useful. Made [the] subject seem much easier than I've previously been taught. Good use of personal experience."

Staff member, AFRC 29th August 2018



“Do it early in your project, helpful tools to get started” – University of Strathclyde feedback

“Do it early in your project, helpful tools to get started” – University of Strathclyde feedback

PhD students at the University of Strathclyde logged on to Fistral’s Introduction to Project Management training course. The group gave...

University of Strathclyde PhD Students rate CAPM Preparation course 5 out of 5

University of Strathclyde PhD Students rate CAPM Preparation course 5 out of 5

PhD students at the University of Strathclyde logged on Fistral’s CAPM Preparation training course. This course prepares attendees to sit...

“Skills I will apply to PhD”  – Ulster University feedback for Introduction to Project Planning Part 4

“Skills I will apply to PhD”  – Ulster University feedback for Introduction to Project Planning Part 4

PhD students at Ulster University logged on to the fourth and final part of our Introduction to Project Planning training...

“Wish I had known this before”  – Bristol staff on Project Management Techniques for Planning Your Research

“Wish I had known this before”  – Bristol staff on Project Management Techniques for Planning Your Research

Staff at Bristol University logged on to parts 1&2 of Fistral’s Project Management Techniques for Planning Your Research training course....

5 out of 5 score  – Ulster University feedback for Introduction to Project Planning Part 3

5 out of 5 score  – Ulster University feedback for Introduction to Project Planning Part 3

PhD students at Ulster University logged on to part 3 of our Introduction to Project Planning training course. The attendees...

“The reality check I needed” – Ulster University feedback for Introduction to Project Planning webinar

“The reality check I needed” – Ulster University feedback for Introduction to Project Planning webinar

Joining us online, a group of PhD students at Ulster University undertook part 2 of our Introduction to Project Planning...

“Very practical and can tailor to your needs.” – Ulster University feedback for Introduction to Project Planning webinar

“Very practical and can tailor to your needs.” – Ulster University feedback for Introduction to Project Planning webinar

PhD students at Ulster University logged on to part 1 of our Introduction to Project Planning training course. The attendees...

University of Strathclyde group score supervisory relationship webinar 5 out of 5

University of Strathclyde group score supervisory relationship webinar 5 out of 5

PhD students at the University of Strathclyde logged on to our training course entitled Creating a Good Supervisory Relationship. The...

“Great practical tips” – University of Bristol CDT, Time Management webinar

“Great practical tips” – University of Bristol CDT, Time Management webinar

We were joined online by PhDs from two University of Bristol CDTs; CoSEM and Digital Health. The training session we...

“Excellent practical training” – University of Strathclyde PhD

“Excellent practical training” – University of Strathclyde PhD

At the University of Strathclyde in our home town of Glasgow, we ran our course entitled Project Management in the...

“Very useful on theoretical and practical grounds.” – University of Strathclyde Researcher

“Very useful on theoretical and practical grounds.” – University of Strathclyde Researcher

Researchers from the Advanced Forming Research Centre at the University of Strathclyde joined Fistral for our onsite course entitled Project...

“Motivating with actionable changes in behaviour” – University of Bristol CDT webinar feedback

“Motivating with actionable changes in behaviour” – University of Bristol CDT webinar feedback

We were joined online by PhD students from three University of Bristol CDTs; ACCIS, CoSEM and Digital Health. The training...

“Already suggested it to colleagues” – University of Strathclyde PhD

“Already suggested it to colleagues” – University of Strathclyde PhD

We joined University of Strathclyde PhD students onsite for our Advanced Project Management training session. The group gave it an...

“Another great Fistral Session” – University of Strathclyde PhD, Professional Communication session

“Another great Fistral Session” – University of Strathclyde PhD, Professional Communication session

University of Strathclyde PhD students logged on to join Fistral’s Techniques for Confident Professional Communication webinar training session. The group...

“Useful and helpful” – University of Bath, Introduction to Project Mgt session

“Useful and helpful” – University of Bath, Introduction to Project Mgt session

A mix of research staff and PhDs at the University of Bath logged on to Fistral’s Introduction to Project Management...

“Great for PhD planning” – University of Strathclyde feedback

“Great for PhD planning” – University of Strathclyde feedback

A group from the University of Strathclyde joined us remotely for Fistral’s Risk Management in the Real World training. The...

“Practical, easy to apply tips” – King’s College London PhD student

“Practical, easy to apply tips” – King’s College London PhD student

PhD students from King's College London joined us remotely for our training session entitled Get Unstuck: Procrastination Busting. The group...

“Useful, relevant and easy to understand” – Loughborough University feedback

“Useful, relevant and easy to understand” – Loughborough University feedback

Staff at Loughborough University joined us onsite for our training session entitled Project Management in the Real World. The group...

“Effective and practical” – University of Leeds staff, influencing without authority session

“Effective and practical” – University of Leeds staff, influencing without authority session

Postgraduate Researchers at the University of Leeds logged on to Fistral’s training session entitled Influencing Without Authority. The group gave...

“Very valuable in our work” – University of Winchester staff

“Very valuable in our work” – University of Winchester staff

Research staff from the University of Winchester joined us online for our training session entitled Managing Conflict in Research Teams....

“Will improve quality of my work” – University of Strathclyde

“Will improve quality of my work” – University of Strathclyde

PhD students at the University of Strathclyde joined us remotely for Fistral’s Taking Charge of Your Time: Avoid Drifting training....

“Already applying the tools” – Heriot-Watt feedback

“Already applying the tools” – Heriot-Watt feedback

PhD students at Heriot-Watt University joined us onsite for Fistral’s Project Management in the Real World course. The group gave...

“Very useful and applicable” – King’s College London feedback

“Very useful and applicable” – King’s College London feedback

PhD students at King's College London logged on to Fistral’s Take Charge of Your Time and Your Research: Time Management...

“Learned how to better manage my time during PhD” – University of Strathclyde feedback

“Learned how to better manage my time during PhD” – University of Strathclyde feedback

We welcomed PhD sudents at the University of Strathclyde onsite for our training course Keeping on Top of Your PhD:...

“Widely applicable” – University of Winchester feedback

“Widely applicable” – University of Winchester feedback

A cohort of PhD students at the University of Winchester joined us online for our training course Making Your Case:...

“Something for everyone” – Ulster University feedback

“Something for everyone” – Ulster University feedback

A cohort of PhD students at Ulster University joined us online the fourth and final part of Fistral’s Introduction to...

“Provides skills to thrive in team projects” – Space Sector Staff on teamworking training

“Provides skills to thrive in team projects” – Space Sector Staff on teamworking training

Staff at LSE Space GmbH, joined Fistral onsite for our training course entitled The Effective Teamworker. Those attending the session...

“Provided tools I can implement now” – Ulster University feedback

“Provided tools I can implement now” – Ulster University feedback

A cohort of PhD students at Ulster University joined us online for the third part of Fistral’s Introduction to Project...

“Practical insights and real-world examples” – Space Sector Staff feedback

“Practical insights and real-world examples” – Space Sector Staff feedback

Onsite at LSE Space GmbH, Fistral delivered our Leadership Skills and Techniques for New Leaders training. The staff undertaking the...

“Important in Project Planning” – Ulster University feedback

“Important in Project Planning” – Ulster University feedback

A cohort of PhD students at Ulster University logged on to part 2 of Fistral’s Introduction to Project Planning training...

“Very useful and reassuring for first year PhD student” – Ulster University feedback

“Very useful and reassuring for first year PhD student” – Ulster University feedback

A group of PhD students at Ulster University logged on to part 1 of our Introduction to Project Planning training...

“Relevant to my current role and career aspirations” – Dundee University staff feedback for Introduction to Project Planning

“Relevant to my current role and career aspirations” – Dundee University staff feedback for Introduction to Project Planning

Staff at the University of Dundee logged on to our Introduction to Project Planning webinar session. Feedback comments included: “[The...

“A very useful way to start my PhD” – University of Strathclyde PGR feedback

“A very useful way to start my PhD” – University of Strathclyde PGR feedback

We welcomed PGR’s at the University of Strathclyde online to our Introduction to Project Management webinar training course and they...

“A useful reminder of good habits” – University of Winchester PGR

“A useful reminder of good habits” – University of Winchester PGR

A group of PGRs at the University of Winchester logged on to our Take Charge of Your Time and Prioritise...

“Super helpful for research life” – Technische Universität Berlin feedback

“Super helpful for research life” – Technische Universität Berlin feedback

We welcomed a group of PGR's onsite at the Technische Universität Berlin to Fistral's Build Your Resilience & Take your...

“Crucial perspective for managing relationships in academia” – Politecnico di Milano feedback

“Crucial perspective for managing relationships in academia” – Politecnico di Milano feedback

PhD students at Politecnico di Milano logged on to our training course entitled Being Assertive In An Academic Environment. The...

“Practical tools to better manage PhD” – University of Strathclyde feedback

“Practical tools to better manage PhD” – University of Strathclyde feedback

We joined PhD students in Glasgow at the University of Strathclyde for Fistral’s Project Management in the Real World training...

“Evidence-based and practical examples” – University of South Australia score PM Essentials for Researchers webinar 5 out of 5

“Evidence-based and practical examples” – University of South Australia score PM Essentials for Researchers webinar 5 out of 5

Researchers at University of South Australia logged on to parts 1 to 4 of our Project Management Essentials for Researchers...

“Engaging and practical” – 4.93 from Loughborough University Staff

“Engaging and practical” – 4.93 from Loughborough University Staff

Staff from Loughborough University welcomed us onsite for our Project Management in the Real World training session. The group gave...

“Useful to learn how to organise a project to completion” – CAPM programme rates 4.86 at University of Bath

“Useful to learn how to organise a project to completion” – CAPM programme rates 4.86 at University of Bath

A mix of research staff and PhDs from the University of Bath logged on to Fistral’s CAPM Preparation training session....

“Giving and receiving difficult feedback” training – rated Very Good by LSE Space Staff

“Giving and receiving difficult feedback” training – rated Very Good by LSE Space Staff

LSE Space staff joined Fistral onsite for our training, Giving and Receiving Difficult Feedback: A Practice-Based Workshop. LSE is an...

“Very engaging & interactive“ – stress management at University of Warwick

“Very engaging & interactive“ – stress management at University of Warwick

The second of two groups of researchers from Warwick Medical School joined us onsite at the University of Warwick for...

“Another great course!” – University of Warwick staff feedback

“Another great course!” – University of Warwick staff feedback

The first of two groups of research staff joined us onsite at The University of Warwick for Fistral’s Handling Academic...

“It will absolutely help me in my work going forward” – University College Cork staff rate PM 4.82

“It will absolutely help me in my work going forward” – University College Cork staff rate PM 4.82

The first of two groups of staff at University College Cork joined us onsite recently for Fistral’s Successfully Planning &...

“Engaging, useful, and practical” – University College Cork staff

“Engaging, useful, and practical” – University College Cork staff

The second of two groups of staff at University College Cork joined us onsite for Fistral’s Successfully Planning & Managing...

“Useful and transferable skills” – University of Strathclyde feedback

“Useful and transferable skills” – University of Strathclyde feedback

PhD students University of Strathclyde joined us onsite in Glasgow for Fistral’s CAPM Preparation training session. The group gave it...

“Good mix of theory and application” – Leadership for University of Strathclyde PhDs

“Good mix of theory and application” – Leadership for University of Strathclyde PhDs

PhD students University of Strathclyde logged on to Fistral’s Leadership and Teambuilding Techniques webinar training session. The group gave it...

“Recommended for all new Managers” – PM Principles for the Space sector

“Recommended for all new Managers” – PM Principles for the Space sector

Space staff welcomed Fistral onsite at ESTEC for our training course, Project Management Principles – Level 1. The group gave...

5 out of 5 score for PM training – University of Strathclyde

5 out of 5 score for PM training – University of Strathclyde

Fistral welcomed PhD students at the University of Strathclyde onsite in Glasgow for our Advanced Project Management course. The group...

“Useful for Planning PhD” – University of Strathclyde PhD Student

“Useful for Planning PhD” – University of Strathclyde PhD Student

Onsite in Glasgow at the University of Strathclyde, Fistral welcomed a cohort of PhD students on our Project Risk Management...