Online short course
Gain the tools, frameworks and strategies to implement sustainable finance in your organisation, underpinned by social and environmental values, creating long-term financial benefits.
8 weeks, excluding orientation
8–10 hours per week, self-paced learning online
Weekly modules, flexible learning
This course is for you if:
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 curriculum
Over the duration of this online short course, you’ll work through the following modules:
Learn about the current financial system.
Investigate the flow of capital in the financial system.
Explore sustainable finance approaches.
Understand the relationship between risk and return and the impact on sustainable finance.
Learn about the key attributes for promoting sustainable finance.
On completion of this course, you’ll walk away with:
In-depth insight into the strategic implications of environmental and sustainability challenges for financial systems, including capital management in private sector businesses and public sector policy formation.
An understanding of how current financial systems are being rewired due to climate change and environmental concerns and the skills to drive capital for a sustainable future.
Strategies and frameworks for responding to financial risks posed by social and sustainability issues, including impact investing, new sustainability disclosures and positive screening.
The skills to create sustainable finance strategies and lead integration into traditional financial management practices.
Your Course Convenors
Alice Chapple
Subject Matter Expert
Alice has worked on sustainable finance for more than 30 years. Her career has focused on finding ways to ensure capital creates positive social and environmental outcomes alongside financial return. Through her company, Impact Value, she works with several funds and companies to help them articulate, measure and maximise their social and environmental impact. She is also the independent chair of the CDC Plus Committee, a trustee of the Shell Foundation, a member of the advisory board of the Sainsbury’s Foundation and a chair of Investor Watch. Previously, Alice was director of sustainable financial markets at Forum for the Future, a sustainable development charity, as well as an investment analyst and portfolio manager at CDC, the UK’s development finance institution. She holds an MA in economics from the University of Cambridge and is a chartered accountant.
Martin Roberts
Sustainability and education specialist and former Director of Digital Learning, University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership
Martin joined CISL as a programme director in 2008. He is an expert in strategic thinking, sustainability and business leadership, having helped companies across sectors in Africa, Asia and Europe develop their own solutions to natural resource challenges. Martin is responsible for digital learning at CISL and has a keen interest in using technology to create impactful educational opportunities, democratise learning and promote change. By heading the design and delivery of CISL’s popular portfolio of online courses, Martin has equipped thousands of business leaders to reshape their organisations and apply the innovative business models of the future.
Adam G.
Investment Director, Investec Wealth & Investment
“The University of Cambridge Sustainable Finance online short course offered a thorough and enjoyable eight-week experience focussing on an important and commonly misunderstood topic. The online platform was easy to use, learn from and upload assignments through. I will definitely be using the material learned on this course, including the weekly notes, podcasts and peer discussion groups, in my day-to-day work as an investment manager.”
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 students wish to claim CPD activity, the onus is upon them. The University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership and GetSmarter accept no responsibility, and cannot be held responsible, for the claiming or validation of hours or points.
This University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership online short course is delivered in collaboration with online education provider GetSmarter. Join a growing community of global professionals, and benefit from the opportunity to:
Gain verifiable and relevant competencies and earn invaluable recognition from an international selection of universities and institutions, entirely online and in your own time.
Enjoy a personalised, people-mediated online learning experience created to make you feel supported at every step.
Experience a flexible but structured approach to online education as you plan your learning around your life to meet weekly milestones.
Want to know more?
Enter your information to access the course prospectus and learn more about this course from GetSmarter.
Want to know more?
Enter your information to access the course prospectus and learn more about this course from GetSmarter.