University of Cambridge
Sustainable Finance
Improve long-term performance and learn to meet regulatory requirements as you build the capability to respond to social, climate- and nature-related risks and opportunities, and understand how financial systems must evolve to support a resilient economy.
Start date
22 July 2026
95%
Cohort-based learning
Group learning, expert guidance
8 weeks
Excluding orientation
English
Access resources from start date
8–10 hours per week
Self-paced learning online
Course overview
The course is designed to challenge and elevate your thinking with regard to sustainability and sustainable finance, from the individual level to a systems-wide perspective.
Melisa T. | Senior Manager, EY Philippines
This short course has provided me with the perfect opportunity to understand the specific challenges, opportunities and innovations which exist in the finance sector. The course also importantly focuses on the personal leadership qualities required to lead what can often feel like daunting organisational changes. The interactive approach of learning, supported by the invaluable ability to network with peers and learn from each other in a 'safe space' is something I will continue to treasure and call upon.
Paul W. | Director, Supply Chain Sustainability Deutsche Bank
Duration: 8 weeks (excluding orientation)
Navigating the rapidly evolving landscape of risks and opportunities is a major challenge for those working in business and finance. Intersecting geopolitical, technological,economic, social and environmental pressures are unleashing effects that are to anticipate without an understanding of how these trends are evolving and how to respond. The Sustainable Finance online short course from the University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL) provides individuals with the tools and insights needed to navigate these issues. .
Over eight weeks you will explore the current financial system and learn how to create and protect long-term value in a turbulent world where we are facing growing tensions between short and long-term priorities. You will also explore how financial flows can be rewired to support societal resilience, economic stability and sustainable growth that benefits the majority and not just a small minority..
Under the guidance of expert CISL faculty, students will learn to apply sustainable finance principles and practices. The course also offers a fresh perspective on how businesses, banks, investors and insurers are integrating social, climate and nature-related risks and opportunities into their decision-making.. With the University of Cambridge Sustainable Finance online short course, you will leave the course with a deep understanding of systemic challenges and sustainable finance strategies, as you learn to navigate and shape the transformation of the financial systems.
Is this course for you?
This course is designed to equip those interested in using sustainable finance to create and protect long-term value. It is suitable for finance professionals, including investors, bankers, financial advisors and financial service providers, as well as non-finance professionals, such as consultants, managers and individuals working with NGOs, seeking to understand how financial decision-making can support long-term business resilience and the transition to a greener economy.
In addition, public policymakers interested in integrating environmental considerations into development planning and finance will find this course beneficial. The course provides insight into the changing role of finance in response to evolving risks, and opportunities, and how realigning market incentives and capital flows is key to delivering both economic and environmental value.
If you’re interested in this course, you may also want to take a look at the CISL Sustainable Business and Finance bundle. Designed for leaders and finance professionals, this two-course series will teach you how to create and protect long-term value while supporting the transition to a more sustainable economy.
CISL Connect: Online live sessions
CISL has developed three bonus CISL Connect: Online Live Sessions for all students joining any of our online business sustainability leadership courses. Through these sessions, you’ll get direct access to CISL's leading voices on today’s most urgent business topics – competitiveness, AI and resilience. This format gives you the chance to connect, collaborate and exchange ideas with a far broader global network of professionals beyond your cohort.
This course is certified by the United Kingdom CPD Certification Service, and may be applicable to individuals who are members of, or are associated with, UK-based professional bodies. The course has an estimated 60 hours of learning.
Note: should you wish to claim CPD activity, the onus is upon you. CISL and GetSmarter accept no responsibility, and cannot be held responsible, for the claiming or validation of hours or points.
This is your opportunity to unleash your potential for extraordinary impact. By completing a course with CISL, you'll develop the skills, confidence, and network to lead change in your sector, organisation and sphere of influence to make significant contributions to society. Extraordinary change happens when passionate and inspired individuals share a common purpose to drive meaningful impact for the collective good.
Course overview
Introduction
Duration: 8 weeks (excluding orientation)
Navigating the rapidly evolving landscape of risks and opportunities is a major challenge for those working in business and finance. Intersecting geopolitical, technological,economic, social and environmental pressures are unleashing effects that are to anticipate without an understanding of how these trends are evolving and how to respond. The Sustainable Finance online short course from the University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL) provides individuals with the tools and insights needed to navigate these issues. .
Over eight weeks you will explore the current financial system and learn how to create and protect long-term value in a turbulent world where we are facing growing tensions between short and long-term priorities. You will also explore how financial flows can be rewired to support societal resilience, economic stability and sustainable growth that benefits the majority and not just a small minority..
Under the guidance of expert CISL faculty, students will learn to apply sustainable finance principles and practices. The course also offers a fresh perspective on how businesses, banks, investors and insurers are integrating social, climate and nature-related risks and opportunities into their decision-making.. With the University of Cambridge Sustainable Finance online short course, you will leave the course with a deep understanding of systemic challenges and sustainable finance strategies, as you learn to navigate and shape the transformation of the financial systems.
Is this course for you?
This course is designed to equip those interested in using sustainable finance to create and protect long-term value. It is suitable for finance professionals, including investors, bankers, financial advisors and financial service providers, as well as non-finance professionals, such as consultants, managers and individuals working with NGOs, seeking to understand how financial decision-making can support long-term business resilience and the transition to a greener economy.
In addition, public policymakers interested in integrating environmental considerations into development planning and finance will find this course beneficial. The course provides insight into the changing role of finance in response to evolving risks, and opportunities, and how realigning market incentives and capital flows is key to delivering both economic and environmental value.
If you’re interested in this course, you may also want to take a look at the CISL Sustainable Business and Finance bundle. Designed for leaders and finance professionals, this two-course series will teach you how to create and protect long-term value while supporting the transition to a more sustainable economy.
CISL Connect: Online live sessions
CISL has developed three bonus CISL Connect: Online Live Sessions for all students joining any of our online business sustainability leadership courses. Through these sessions, you’ll get direct access to CISL's leading voices on today’s most urgent business topics – competitiveness, AI and resilience. This format gives you the chance to connect, collaborate and exchange ideas with a far broader global network of professionals beyond your cohort.
This course is certified by the United Kingdom CPD Certification Service, and may be applicable to individuals who are members of, or are associated with, UK-based professional bodies. The course has an estimated 60 hours of learning.
Note: should you wish to claim CPD activity, the onus is upon you. CISL and GetSmarter accept no responsibility, and cannot be held responsible, for the claiming or validation of hours or points.
This is your opportunity to unleash your potential for extraordinary impact. By completing a course with CISL, you'll develop the skills, confidence, and network to lead change in your sector, organisation and sphere of influence to make significant contributions to society. Extraordinary change happens when passionate and inspired individuals share a common purpose to drive meaningful impact for the collective good.
Get this course for your team
Leading organisations recognise the value of this course and invest in it to enhance their employees' skills and expertise.
What will set you apart
Insight into environmental and social sustainability challenges and the disruptions facing communities, business and governments , and why these pose material risks and opportunities for financial institutions.
An understanding of how climate change and nature-related risks are rewiring financial systems and the skills to steer capital toward a sustainable future.
Tools and frameworks to respond to financial risks and opportunities posed by sustainability-related issues, and the insights needed to create and protect long-term value and strengthen resilience.
A personal action plan and the ability to develop and implement sustainable finance strategies in your role, organisation or professional sphere of influence.
A broader network and meaningful peer relationships that strengthen your connection with the wider Cambridge sustainability community.Course curriculum
Orientation module
Welcome to your Online Campus
Module 1
The rapidly changing context of finance
Module 2
Steering capital for a sustainable future
Module 3
Strategies that work for sustainable finance
Module 4
Rewiring risk and return
Module 5
Sustainable finance solutions
Module 6
The role of the public sector in sustainable finance
Module 7
Disruption, innovation and sustainable finance
Module 8
Creating impact
Course Convenors
Alice Chapple
Sustainable finance expert
Martin Roberts
Sustainability and education specialist and former Director of Digital Learning, University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership
About the certificate
Get more information
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Why choose GetSmarter?
GetSmarter operates as edX's partner for premium online short course products from the world's leading universities and institutions. With edX, we leverage our people, technology, and resources to power your education and your potential.
We deliver market-led courses that equip working professionals with the expertise required to upskill, reskill or kickstart a completely new career. Through a data-driven approach, we analyze future skills requirements and ensure all courses address this need. We ensure that leading universities and institutions are your expert guides and our people, technology, and resources are your engine – together we power more than just education, we power your potential.
Read more about GetSmarter here and edX here.
Find out more about GetSmarter’s approach to digital learning, course design, and online delivery here.
Payment options
You can pay your course fees before the course starts, or you may opt for a split payment plan on courses that are nine weeks and shorter. For courses 10 weeks and longer, there is a three-part payment plan available. To find out more about payment options please visit our Payment and Financing page, or contact an enrollment specialist, to find out which option you qualify for.
Manage your time
GetSmarter's learning model is designed to help you, as a working professional, improve your skills without compromising on work and family responsibilities. The course work is broken up into weekly, manageable bite-sized modules, with incremental deadlines, designed to help you pace yourself over the duration of the course and allow you the legroom to work when it suits you best.
At the beginning of each module you'll be presented with the course content and assignments necessary for completion. You also have access to your enrollment specialist who will help you manage your time, and support you with any administrative or technical queries you might have.
Seek employer assistance
By improving your skills and industry knowledge, you'll have an influence on the success of your organization. Why wouldn't you ask your boss to help you fund your studies if it's going to have an impact on the way you do business?
Of our past students, 37 percent have received financial assistance from their employers. You can ask for help, too. Here is a guide to show you how to request financial assistance from your employer.
If you are a Learning & Development (L&D) manager, or involved in training and upskilling for an organization, you can request information regarding our corporate offering on our GetSmarter for business page.
How to change your start date
As part of our commitment to your professional development, GetSmarter offers you a two-week period to change your course start date or request your money back if you’re not fully satisfied.
To qualify for a deferral of your course start date, or to cancel your enrollment and receive a refund of your course fee, your request would need to reach our enrollment specialists before the release of Module 2. For more information, please read our Terms and Conditions.
Discover the Online Campus
The Online Campus will be your virtual classroom for the duration of your course. Through its easy-to-use interface you'll have access to a diverse variety of course content formats including: interactive videos, module notes, practice quizzes, presentations, assignment briefs, and additional web resources.
On the Online Campus, you'll also be able to ask questions and interact with your fellow students and teaching team through the discussion forums. If you are looking for your Online Campus login, please visit your Account page here.
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