University of Cambridge
Sustainable Finance
Improve your performance and learn to meet regulatory requirements as you develop a plan for creating a sustainable economy with long-term value returns and discover the benefits of sustainable finance systems.
Start date
01 October 2025
Course duration
8 weeks
Excluding orientation
Language
English
Access resources from start date
Effort
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)
To navigate the rapidly evolving business landscape, organisations must proactively address global sustainability challenges like climate change, resource depletion and inequality. The Sustainable Finance online short course from the University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL) provides individuals with the tools and insights required to develop financial strategies that create value for society while investing in a sustainable future.
The course spans eight weeks and explores the current financial system, including pressures, trends and opportunities. It delves into the strategic business implications of social and environmental challenges and provides practical guidance on sustainable initiatives, such as sustainable investments, ESG integration in financial reporting and positive screening.
Under the guidance of experienced CISL faculty, students will learn how to implement sustainable finance solutions that enhance their organisation's long-term value. The course also offers a fresh perspective on how businesses, banks and insurers are transitioning to sustainable business models that provide positive returns for their clients and society. With the University of Cambridge Sustainable Finance online short course, individuals can develop a comprehensive understanding of sustainable finance and become better equipped to tackle global sustainability challenges.
Is this course for you?
This course is designed to equip individuals interested in utilising sustainable finance initiatives to foster positive change. It is suitable for finance professionals, including financial advisors, sustainability consultants, fund managers and financial service providers, as well as non-finance professionals seeking to gain practical knowledge on how sustainable finance can drive long-term business returns, such as marketing specialists, managers, investors and individuals working with NGOs. Additionally, public policymakers interested in integrating environmental considerations into development planning and finance will find this course beneficial. The course provides insight into the evolving mindset and financial system in response to social and environmental pressures and how this can lead to financial and environmental gains.
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 develop resilient financial systems that support a sustainable economy.
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)
To navigate the rapidly evolving business landscape, organisations must proactively address global sustainability challenges like climate change, resource depletion and inequality. The Sustainable Finance online short course from the University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL) provides individuals with the tools and insights required to develop financial strategies that create value for society while investing in a sustainable future.
The course spans eight weeks and explores the current financial system, including pressures, trends and opportunities. It delves into the strategic business implications of social and environmental challenges and provides practical guidance on sustainable initiatives, such as sustainable investments, ESG integration in financial reporting and positive screening.
Under the guidance of experienced CISL faculty, students will learn how to implement sustainable finance solutions that enhance their organisation's long-term value. The course also offers a fresh perspective on how businesses, banks and insurers are transitioning to sustainable business models that provide positive returns for their clients and society. With the University of Cambridge Sustainable Finance online short course, individuals can develop a comprehensive understanding of sustainable finance and become better equipped to tackle global sustainability challenges.
Is this course for you?
This course is designed to equip individuals interested in utilising sustainable finance initiatives to foster positive change. It is suitable for finance professionals, including financial advisors, sustainability consultants, fund managers and financial service providers, as well as non-finance professionals seeking to gain practical knowledge on how sustainable finance can drive long-term business returns, such as marketing specialists, managers, investors and individuals working with NGOs. Additionally, public policymakers interested in integrating environmental considerations into development planning and finance will find this course beneficial. The course provides insight into the evolving mindset and financial system in response to social and environmental pressures and how this can lead to financial and environmental gains.
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 develop resilient financial systems that support a sustainable economy.
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 the environmental and social sustainability challenges and disruptions facing financial systems and business.
An understanding of how climate change and environmental concerns are rewiring financial systems and the skills to steer capital for a sustainable future.
Tools and frameworks to respond to financial risks posed by sustainability issues, and the insights needed to create long-term value.
The ability to develop sustainable finance strategies and lead integration into traditional financial management practices.
A personal action plan to implement sustainable finance in your sphere of influence.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
Director of Digital Learning, University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership
About the certificate
Get more information
Want to know more?
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 Adviser, 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 Success Adviser 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 Success Advisers 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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