Saïd Business School, University of Oxford
Oxford Leading Sustainable Corporations Programme
Explore the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) impact that businesses have on society and learn to focus on the triple bottom line. Gain an executive-level perspective with this Oxford Saïd programme.
Start date
03 September 2025
Course duration
6 weeks
Excluding orientation
Language
English
Access resources from start date
Effort
7–10 hours per week
Self-paced learning online
Programme overview
The percentage of surveyed CEOs who report that sustainability is being given a higher priority by them and their boards than it was 12 months ago.
ESG Today (2024).
The percentage of individual investors who believe strong environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices can deliver higher returns.
Morgan Stanley (2024).
Duration: 6 weeks (excluding orientation)
As the world becomes increasingly aware of the impact corporations have on society and the environment, companies must adopt sustainable business strategies that consider their environmental impact. The Oxford Leading Sustainable Corporations Programme offers an executive-level perspective on business sustainability to meet the growing demand for corporate sustainability leaders who can shift value creation methods to focus on the triple bottom line. This programme goes beyond traditional performance measures and integrates environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) factors into business practice, focusing on corporate sustainability leadership.
Through the programme, participants will examine their corporation's impact on the environment from multiple perspectives, including a view of climate change that accounts for risk, carbon emissions, and natural resource management. With expert guidance, they can develop effective carbon management strategies and formulate key performance indicators (KPIs) for measuring sustainability efforts and dependence on natural, social, and human capital. The six-week programme provides access to expert insights and leading research from Saïd Business School, University of Oxford.
Participants will also create a personal plan to develop, implement, and lead strategies for achieving their organisations' sustainable development goals (SDGs). By doing so, they will strive to make positive changes and reduce their corporation's environmental impact. The Oxford Leading Sustainable Corporations Programme equips business leaders with essential skills to address the critical need for corporate sustainability leadership in today's world.
Sustainability leadership
For many years, businesses' social responsibility has been a topic of debate, and this programme examines the role that businesses play in society, the environment, and the economy. You will learn about sustainability leadership and develop skills for effective decision-making that considers social and environmental considerations.
Sustainability practices
The programme will also teach you about various sustainability practices businesses can adopt, such as environmental resource management, social responsibility, and sustainable governance structures. You will also explore how to implement these practices that align with your business strategy and objectives.
Is the Oxford Leading Sustainable Corporations Programme for you?
The Oxford Leading Sustainable Corporations Programme is an excellent fit for professionals in various roles and industries. This programme targets individuals interested in actively leading and accounting for low carbon, circular, and climate-positive business transitions. Participants will learn about net carbon emissions, natural capital and resource management, and social sustainability. Explore the levers of change available to leaders of all kinds and make a plan for your organisation.
Whether you are a business leader, aspiring to become one, or a senior professional interested in pursuing business sustainability management, this programme will teach you how to communicate and implement sustainable business practices and strategies to drive positive change. Those in finance or operations functions or working in sectors such as banking, investment, IT, or manufacturing will benefit from understanding new performance metrics and integrated ESG accounting methods to measure their corporation's environmental impact.
This Oxford Leading Sustainable Corporations Programme 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 programme has an estimated 60 hours of learning.
Note: should you wish to claim CPD activity, the onus is on you. Oxford Saïd and GetSmarter accept no responsibility, and cannot be held responsible, for the claiming or validation of hours or points.
Programme overview
Introduction
Duration: 6 weeks (excluding orientation)
As the world becomes increasingly aware of the impact corporations have on society and the environment, companies must adopt sustainable business strategies that consider their environmental impact. The Oxford Leading Sustainable Corporations Programme offers an executive-level perspective on business sustainability to meet the growing demand for corporate sustainability leaders who can shift value creation methods to focus on the triple bottom line. This programme goes beyond traditional performance measures and integrates environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) factors into business practice, focusing on corporate sustainability leadership.
Through the programme, participants will examine their corporation's impact on the environment from multiple perspectives, including a view of climate change that accounts for risk, carbon emissions, and natural resource management. With expert guidance, they can develop effective carbon management strategies and formulate key performance indicators (KPIs) for measuring sustainability efforts and dependence on natural, social, and human capital. The six-week programme provides access to expert insights and leading research from Saïd Business School, University of Oxford.
Participants will also create a personal plan to develop, implement, and lead strategies for achieving their organisations' sustainable development goals (SDGs). By doing so, they will strive to make positive changes and reduce their corporation's environmental impact. The Oxford Leading Sustainable Corporations Programme equips business leaders with essential skills to address the critical need for corporate sustainability leadership in today's world.
Sustainability leadership
For many years, businesses' social responsibility has been a topic of debate, and this programme examines the role that businesses play in society, the environment, and the economy. You will learn about sustainability leadership and develop skills for effective decision-making that considers social and environmental considerations.
Sustainability practices
The programme will also teach you about various sustainability practices businesses can adopt, such as environmental resource management, social responsibility, and sustainable governance structures. You will also explore how to implement these practices that align with your business strategy and objectives.
Is the Oxford Leading Sustainable Corporations Programme for you?
The Oxford Leading Sustainable Corporations Programme is an excellent fit for professionals in various roles and industries. This programme targets individuals interested in actively leading and accounting for low carbon, circular, and climate-positive business transitions. Participants will learn about net carbon emissions, natural capital and resource management, and social sustainability. Explore the levers of change available to leaders of all kinds and make a plan for your organisation.
Whether you are a business leader, aspiring to become one, or a senior professional interested in pursuing business sustainability management, this programme will teach you how to communicate and implement sustainable business practices and strategies to drive positive change. Those in finance or operations functions or working in sectors such as banking, investment, IT, or manufacturing will benefit from understanding new performance metrics and integrated ESG accounting methods to measure their corporation's environmental impact.
This Oxford Leading Sustainable Corporations Programme 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 programme has an estimated 60 hours of learning.
Note: should you wish to claim CPD activity, the onus is on you. Oxford Saïd and GetSmarter accept no responsibility, and cannot be held responsible, for the claiming or validation of hours or points.
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
The sustainability leadership skills needed to implement climate risk management and facilitate ESG integration in your organisation, creating long-term value for shareholders and society.
An understanding of how to formulate effective KPIs to measure the impact and dependence of your organisation on the environment.
A personal plan for change that you can use to integrate sustainability strategies into corporate governance structures.
Access to new insights and leading research from Oxford Saïd to help you drive positive change.
Unlimited access to both the official Oxford Executive Education Alumni group on LinkedIn and edX’s Career Engagement Network, offering you exclusive resources and events to support your professional journey and drive your career forward.Programme curriculum
Orientation module
Welcome to your Online Campus
Module 1
Corporate purpose and value creation
Module 2
Responding to climate change
Module 3
Natural capital and resource management
Module 4
Social sustainability
Module 5
Ensuring sustainability: governance, risk, and reporting
Module 6
Levers of change
Programme Directors
Mary Johnstone-Louis
Senior Fellow in Management Practice, Saïd Business School, University of Oxford
Richard Barker
Professor of Accounting, Saïd Business School, University of Oxford
About the certificate
Study sustainable value creation in corporations and earn an official certificate of attendance from Saïd Business School, University of Oxford.
Assessment is continuous and based on a series of practical assignments completed online. In order to be issued with a digital certificate, you’ll need to meet the requirements outlined in the programme handbook. The handbook will be made available to you as soon as you begin the programme.
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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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