Is financial aid available?

Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.

Can I take the course for free?

No, you cannot take this course for free. When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. If you cannot afford the fee, you can apply for financial aid.

Will I earn university credit for completing the Specialization?

This Specialization doesn't carry university credit, but some universities may choose to accept Specialization Certificates for credit. Check with your institution to learn more.

The Intersection of Finance, Strategy, and Sustainability Specialization

Saïd Business School, University of Oxford

The Intersection of Finance, Strategy, and Sustainability Specialization

Gain a solid foundation in Sustainable Finance. Gain essential knowledge of ESG principles and sustainable finance to identify opportunities and create value in your organisation.

Instructor: Amir Amel-Zadeh

Included with Coursera Plus

Learn more

3 course series

Get in-depth knowledge of a subject

4.6

(66 reviews)

Beginner level

Recommended experience

8 weeks to complete

at 4 hours a week

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

3 course series

Get in-depth knowledge of a subject

4.6

(66 reviews)

Beginner level

Recommended experience

8 weeks to complete

at 4 hours a week

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

What you'll learn

Learn the fundamentals of sustainability and gain a comprehensive understanding of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors.
Explore the business case for ESG and master the frameworks, standards and best practices for ESG reporting and disclosure.
Better understand sustainable finance and learn about the range of sustainable financial products and services available to drive positive change.

Details to know

Shareable certificate

Add to your LinkedIn profile

Taught in English

3 practice exercises

See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills

Learn more about Coursera for Business

logos of Petrobras, TATA, Danone, Capgemini, P&G and L'Oreal

Advance your subject-matter expertise

Learn in-demand skills from university and industry experts
Master a subject or tool with hands-on projects
Develop a deep understanding of key concepts
Earn a career certificate from Saïd Business School, University of Oxford

Specialization - 3 course series

This introductory specialisation helps finance professionals and managers understand the basics of sustainability, ESG, and sustainable finance. Starting with fundamental concepts, you’ll then progress through the business applications of ESG and explore common sustainable finance products. The specialisation focuses on practical examples and real-world applications, making complex topics accessible for professionals new to sustainable finance and ESG.

Applied Learning Project

Through the specialisation, you will complete parts of a capstone project in each course. The capstone tasks across the three courses follow a fictional organisation's (GreenBank) journey to become a more sustainable financial institution, first conducting foundational stakeholder and ESG analysis (Course 1), then developing basic communication and reporting approaches (Course 2), and finally recommending suitable sustainable finance products (Course 3). Through these interconnected but standalone assessments, you will apply concepts from each course to help GreenBank address the authentic challenge of integrating sustainability into its operations and product offerings in a way that meets stakeholder expectations.

Foundations of Sustainability and ESG

Course 115 hours

What you'll learn

How sustainability and ESG frameworks interact and why they matter for business today, including the core dimensions of each framework.
Major sustainability challenges facing business and society, and how organisations are using ESG metrics and frameworks to address the challenges.
How organisations are integrating sustainability and ESG considerations into their strategies, and the key challenges they need to overcome.

Skills you'll gain

Environmental Social And Corporate Governance (ESG), Corporate Sustainability, Environmental Issue, Diversity and Inclusion, Stakeholder Engagement, Stakeholder Analysis, Business Metrics, Business Ethics, Performance Measurement, Climate Change Mitigation, Sustainable Business, Business Reporting, Sustainable Development, Governance, Sustainability Reporting, and Investments

The Business Case for ESG

Course 217 hours

What you'll learn

How ESG performance connects to business value and financial outcomes, including the key factors that drive this relationship.
The essential components of effective ESG reporting and disclosure, including major frameworks and standards used by businesses globally.
How to develop and implement ESG strategies that create long-term value while meeting stakeholder expectations for transparency and accountability.

Skills you'll gain

Stakeholder Communications, Environmental Social And Corporate Governance (ESG), Financial Reporting, Enterprise Risk Management (ERM), Corporate Sustainability, Innovation, Corporate Strategy, Data Strategy, Risk Management, Regulatory Requirements, Business Reporting, Sustainability Reporting, Value Propositions, Compliance Reporting, Ethical Standards And Conduct, Stakeholder Management, Financial Analysis, Performance Analysis, Business Ethics, and Sustainable Business

Sustainable Finance: Products, Instruments and Future Trends

Course 314 hours

What you'll learn

Fundamental principles of sustainable finance and how it differs from traditional finance, including key products and strategies driving the market.
How financial institutions and organisations are using sustainable finance instruments to achieve both financial returns and positive impact.
How to select appropriate sustainable finance solutions by understanding their features, benefits, and potential applications in different contexts.

Skills you'll gain

Sustainable Development, Corporate Sustainability, Investments, Risk Management, Sustainability Reporting, Environmental Social And Corporate Governance (ESG), Case Studies, Loans, Finance, Financial Services, Sustainable Business, Stakeholder Engagement, Banking, and Corporate Strategy

Earn a career certificate

Add this credential to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV. Share it on social media and in your performance review.

Instructor

Amir Amel-Zadeh

Saïd Business School, University of Oxford

3 Courses4,956 learners

Offered by

Saïd Business School, University of Oxford

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Frequently asked questions

An understanding of basic financial reporting requirements.

This course is completely online, so there’s no need to show up to a classroom in person. You can access your lectures, readings and assignments anytime and anywhere via the web or your mobile device.

Yes! To get started, click the course card that interests you and enroll. You can enroll and complete the course to earn a shareable certificate. When you subscribe to a course that is part of a Specialization, you’re automatically subscribed to the full Specialization. Visit your learner dashboard to track your progress.

The Intersection of Finance, Strategy, and Sustainability Specialization

What you'll learn

Skills you'll gain

Details to know

See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills

Advance your subject-matter expertise