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]

"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

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

Staff member, Loughborough University 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

"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

"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

"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

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

Research staff, University of Bath 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 useful. Made [the] subject seem much easier than I've previously been taught. Good use of personal experience."

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 25th 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

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

Staff member, Scottish Qualifications Authority 29th August 2018

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

Research staff, University of Aberdeen 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

"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

"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

"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

"A very enjoyable and valuable course."

Research staff, University of Bath 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

"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

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

Staff member, NHS Health Scotland 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

"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

"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

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.

"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

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

Staff member, Loughborough University 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

"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

"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

"A very enjoyable and valuable course."

Research staff, University of Bath 29th August 2018

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

Research staff, University of Aberdeen 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

"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 based on lecturer's experience."

Research staff, University of Bath 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

"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

"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

"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

"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

"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

"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 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 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

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

EngD Student, University of Manchester 25th 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

"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



Advanced Project Management – “Useful for professional development”

Advanced Project Management – “Useful for professional development”

Onsite once more at the University of Strathclyde, we hosted PhD students at Fistral’s Advanced Project Management training session. The...

“Useful for research projects” – PM Essentials

“Useful for research projects” – PM Essentials

PGR’s from the University of Exeter logged on to parts 1-4 of Fistral’s Project Management Essentials for Researchers webinar series...

“A lot of inspiration for managing PhD” – 5/5 for Intro to PM

“A lot of inspiration for managing PhD” – 5/5 for Intro to PM

PhD students at the University of Bath joined Fistral logged on to Fistral’s Introduction to Project Management training session and...

‘Good for identifying risks that can impact your PhD” – University of Strathclyde student

‘Good for identifying risks that can impact your PhD” – University of Strathclyde student

A cohort from the University of Strathclyde joined Fistral onsite for our Risk Management in the Real World training session...

“Worth the time” – Avoid Drifting webinar

“Worth the time” – Avoid Drifting webinar

Fistral welcomed PhD students from the University of Strathclyde online for a webinar entitled Taking Charge of Your Time: Avoid...

“Practical and useful” – Time Management Strategies

“Practical and useful” – Time Management Strategies

PhD students from the University of Strathclyde joined Fistral onsite for a training session entitled Keeping on Top of Your...

5 out of 5 rating for Intro to Project Planning Part 4

5 out of 5 rating for Intro to Project Planning Part 4

PhD students from Ulster University joined us for a final time on Part 4 of Fistral’s Introduction to Project Planning...

“Invaluable for PhD” – Intro to Project Planning Part 3

“Invaluable for PhD” – Intro to Project Planning Part 3

PhD students from Ulster University logged on to Part 3 of Fistral’s Introduction to Project Planning webinar series and rated...

“Clearly charts the essentials of Project Mgt”  – Ulster University PhD student

“Clearly charts the essentials of Project Mgt” – Ulster University PhD student

PhD students at Ulster University logged on to part three of Fistral’s webinar session Introduction to Project Planning and rated...

“Time management tools you can apply to your working day” – Space staff feedback

“Time management tools you can apply to your working day” – Space staff feedback

LSE Space staff logged on to Fistral’s webinar session entitled Time Management: Personal Effectiveness and rated it 4.88 out of...

“An ABC of how to plan PhD” – Introduction to Project Planning Part 2

“An ABC of how to plan PhD” – Introduction to Project Planning Part 2

PhD students from Ulster University logged on to Fistral’s webinar session Introduction to Project Planning (Part 2) and scored the...

Introduction to Project Planning – “Really helpful to apply to PhD”

Introduction to Project Planning – “Really helpful to apply to PhD”

A cohort of PhD students at Ulster University logged on to part one of Fistral’s webinar session Introduction to Project...

“Useful Tools” – Introduction to Project Planning

“Useful Tools” – Introduction to Project Planning

PhD students from Ulster University joined Fistral online for part one of our webinar training Introduction to Project Planning. We...

Intro to Project Planning – “Massively increased my knowledge”

Intro to Project Planning – “Massively increased my knowledge”

A group of PGRs from the University of Strathclyde logged on to Fistral’s Introduction to Project Planning webinar session. The...

4.79 rating from University of Exeter, Metamaterials CDT

4.79 rating from University of Exeter, Metamaterials CDT

A group from the University of Exeter, Metamaterials CDT joined Fistral onsite for our Risk Management and Advanced Project Management...

“Very helpful for management of time and resources” – Introduction to Project Management

“Very helpful for management of time and resources” – Introduction to Project Management

PhD students at the University of Bristol EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Digital Health and Care joined us onsite...

Perfect 5/5 score for Introduction to Project Management training

Perfect 5/5 score for Introduction to Project Management training

PGRs at the University of Bristol Cabot Institute joined us onsite for Fistral’s Introduction to Project Management training. The group...

“Very useful” – Space Sector staff webinar feedback

“Very useful” – Space Sector staff webinar feedback

Staff from LSE Space logged on to Fistral’s webinar session entitled The Resilient Professional and rated it ‘Very Good’. Feedback...

“Informative and useful tools” – Agile PM for Space staff

“Informative and useful tools” – Agile PM for Space staff

Staff at the Swedish Space Corporation logged on to Fistral’s webinar entitled Agile Product Delivery: An Introduction Using Scrum. We...

Introduction to Project Management – “Surprisingly applicable to a PhD”

Introduction to Project Management – “Surprisingly applicable to a PhD”

PGRs at the University of Bristol ACCIS and CoSEM CDTs joined us onsite for Fistral’s Introduction to Project Management training....

“Essential for the PhD journey” – 4.96 for Project Management in the Real World

“Essential for the PhD journey” – 4.96 for Project Management in the Real World

A group of PGRs from the University of Strathclyde joined Fistral onsite for our training session Project Management in the...

“Good examples from the space industry” – SSC staff value PM Principles

“Good examples from the space industry” – SSC staff value PM Principles

Swedish Space Corporation staff logged on to Fistral’s Project Management Principles Level 1 webinar and rated the training 4.46 out...

 “Great content, engaging delivery, tailored to research, high applicability” – 4.83 PM for Researchers in Australia

 “Great content, engaging delivery, tailored to research, high applicability” – 4.83 PM for Researchers in Australia

PGR’s from University of South Australia logged on to parts 1-4 of Fistral’s Project Management Essentials for Researchers training. The...

“Very insightful” – BME ECRs give webinar 5 out of 5

“Very insightful” – BME ECRs give webinar 5 out of 5

Attendees at the 7th BME ECR Conference logged in to Fistral’s webinar session entitled Maximising Your PhD Performance Using DISC....

“Very useful for CPD” – Project Management in the Real World for staff 4.87

“Very useful for CPD” – Project Management in the Real World for staff 4.87

Loughborough University staff joined Fistral onsite for our Project Management in the Real World training. The group rated the training...

“Huge scope for application” – CAPM Preparation

“Huge scope for application” – CAPM Preparation

A mix of research staff and PhDs from the University of Bath joined us online for Fistral’s CAPM Preparation webinar...

“Practical skills that can be applied or transferred” – Project Management in the Real World

“Practical skills that can be applied or transferred” – Project Management in the Real World

A second group of staff from Loughborough University joined us onsite for Fistral’s Project Management in the Real World training....

“Really informative and worthwhile” – PMRW 4.91 score from staff

“Really informative and worthwhile” – PMRW 4.91 score from staff

Staff at Loughborough University joined us onsite for Fistral’s Project Management in the Real World training. The group rated the...

“Engaging and useful” – 4.77 for Intro PM

“Engaging and useful” – 4.77 for Intro PM

A second group of PGR’s at the University of Manchester, Graphene NOWNANO CDT joined Fistral onsite for our Introduction to...

“Very engaging speaker” – University of Manchester CDT

“Very engaging speaker” – University of Manchester CDT

PGR’s from the University of Manchester, Graphene NOWNANO CDT joined Fistral onsite for a session entitled Introduction to Project Management....

CDT rates CAPM training 5 out of 5

CDT rates CAPM training 5 out of 5

PhD students at the University of Manchester iCAT Centre for Doctoral Training logged on to Fistral’s CAPM Preparation training session....

CAPM Prep course rated 5 out of 5 – “You learn a lot”

CAPM Prep course rated 5 out of 5 – “You learn a lot”

Fistral delivered our CAPM Preparation training course onsite to PGRs at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow. This session prepares...

100% recommend Advanced PM

100% recommend Advanced PM

A mix of research staff and PhDs from the University of Bath joined us online for Fistral’s Advanced Project Management...

Assertive Communication -100% would recommend

Assertive Communication -100% would recommend

Researchers at Ulster University logged on to our webinar session entitled Assertive Communication for the PhD Researcher. The group gave...

4.90 for Project Risk Management – “Applicable to many situations”

4.90 for Project Risk Management – “Applicable to many situations”

Postgraduate researchers at the University of Strathclyde Doctoral School joined us onsite in Glasgow for a session entitled Project Risk...

5 out of 5 for Creating a Good Supervisory Relationship – “Great session for anyone starting a PhD”

5 out of 5 for Creating a Good Supervisory Relationship – “Great session for anyone starting a PhD”

PhD students from the University of Liverpool who logged on to Fistral’s Creating a Good Supervisory Relationship webinar session, gave...

“One of only a few genuinely useful PM courses” – PM tools for Researchers 4.78

“One of only a few genuinely useful PM courses” – PM tools for Researchers 4.78

Staff at the University of Bristol joined us for a training session called Project Management Tools for Managing Your Research...

4.70 for Leadership & Teambuilding Techniques “Useful content for teams of any size”

4.70 for Leadership & Teambuilding Techniques “Useful content for teams of any size”

PGRs at The University of Strathclyde joined Fistral onsite for a training course entitled Leadership and Teambuilding Techniques. The group...

“A good introduction to Project Management” – PM techniques for research

“A good introduction to Project Management” – PM techniques for research

We were joined online by Post Graduate Researchers at the University of Bristol for parts 1 & 2 of Fistral's...

“Worth every minute” – Intro to Project Planning rates 4.83

“Worth every minute” – Intro to Project Planning rates 4.83

Staff from the University of Manchester joined us online for a training session entitled Introduction to Project Planning. The group...

Good for future career prospects – Project Management in the Real World rated 4.82

Good for future career prospects – Project Management in the Real World rated 4.82

Joining us onsite at the University of Strathclyde, a cohort of PhD students undertook Fistral’s Project Management in the Real...

“Some very useful techniques” – Procrastination Busting 4.67

“Some very useful techniques” – Procrastination Busting 4.67

Postgraduate Researchers at Ulster University logged on to Fistral’s webinar session Get Unstuck: Procrastination Busting. The attendees rated the course...

100% would recommend – Risk Management Webinar

100% would recommend – Risk Management Webinar

A mixed group of research staff and PhDs at the University of Bath logged on to Fistral’s Risk Management webinar...

“Practical and applicable” – PM Essentials (Part 4)

“Practical and applicable” – PM Essentials (Part 4)

A group from The University of Exeter Doctoral College logged on to Part 4 of a webinar series entitled Project...

“Helpful introduction to project management” – Intro to PM rated 4.50

“Helpful introduction to project management” – Intro to PM rated 4.50

A mix of PhDs and research staff from The University of Bath logged on to our Introduction to Project Management...

Advanced Project Management – rated 5 out of 5

Advanced Project Management – rated 5 out of 5

Joining us onsite recently at Strathclyde Doctoral School, a cohort of PGR’s undertook Fistral’s Advanced Project Management training. The group...

“Great tools for work and research” – Time Management rates 4.92

“Great tools for work and research” – Time Management rates 4.92

PhD students from Ulster University Doctoral College logged on to Fistral’s webinar session Taking Charge of Your Time: Avoid Drifting....

“Lots of helpful tips for Research Projects” – Intro to Project Planning

“Lots of helpful tips for Research Projects” – Intro to Project Planning

Staff at The University of Manchester joined us online for Fistral’s Introduction to Project Planning webinar training. The group gave...

Perfect 5/5 from Liverpool Doctoral College – Time Management training

Perfect 5/5 from Liverpool Doctoral College – Time Management training

Fistral welcomed students from the University of Liverpool Doctoral College online for a training session Taking Charge of Your Time:...

ECRs say PM for Researcher training is “Very helpful for developing realistic plans”

ECRs say PM for Researcher training is “Very helpful for developing realistic plans”

Researchers from The University of Exeter Doctoral College joined us for Part 3 of a webinar series Project Management Essentials...