Introduction
Develop an action plan to tackle social, economic, and environmental sustainability challenges within your organisation.
As awareness of climate change, resource scarcity, pollution, and social inequality rises, businesses and governments are being held increasingly responsible. There is a need to promote sustainable development and champion positive change. By taking this Business Sustainability Management online short course, you’ll gain the insights needed to become that change and set yourself up for success.
Learn to develop and motivate an action plan for sustainable business practices and consider corporate sustainability in your organisation, guided by the University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL), a globally influential institute developing leadership and solutions for a sustainable economy.1 By addressing the challenges of implementation in both public and private sectors, you’ll develop the skills to overcome them and seize the opportunities associated with creating a sustainable business. Adapt to growing global concerns and shifting landscapes and lead to positive change throughout your sphere of influence.
1CISL (October 2018).
Is this course for you?
This online short course from CISL is geared towards working professionals who want to strengthen corporate social responsibility efforts and implement sustainability into their organisation while responding to its associated challenges. The course is also suitable for entrepreneurs wanting to identify new sustainable social, economic, and environmental opportunities, and who need to expand their knowledge on the role and importance of sustainability in their business.
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 100 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.
What will set you apart
On completion of this course, you’ll walk away with:
A practical sustainability action plan to overcome the barriers and aid in seizing the opportunities associated with creating a sustainable business.
Insight into the potential of disruptive innovative design and technology to enable business sustainability and support sustainable development.
An understanding of the international regulations surrounding environmental best practices, the importance of sustainability in production and consumption, and how this will affect your organisation.
Course curriculum
Learn to integrate sustainability management into your business strategy, as you work through the weekly modules of this online course.
Orientation ModuleWelcome to your Online Campus
Module 1Sustainability challenges and opportunities
Module 2The business case and leadership for action
Module 3Regulatory environment and international policy
Module 4Production and consumption
Module 5Design, technology, and planning for sustainability
Module 6Communication and marketing
Module 7Collaboration and partnerships
Module 8Rewiring your business approach
Want to know more?
Why choose GetSmarter?
GetSmarter, a 2U, Inc. brand, is an online learning expert with over 10 years' experience in developing high-quality online short courses from the world’s leading universities. We deliver market-led courses that equip working professionals with the expertise required for the workplace of the future. Through a data-driven approach, we analyze future skills requirements and ensure all courses address this need.
Students are supported at every stage of the learning journey, enabling them to thrive professionally through increased relevance, competence, and confidence. 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 FAQ, or contact an Enrollment Advisor, 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 per cent 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 a 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 see the list of university partner login pages here.
What past students think
Cambridge Business Sustainability Management online short course testimonials
Jayne HarveyFounder and CEO, Lily & Mortimer
"The course gave me a holistic understanding of sustainability leadership and how leveraging sustainability can create new market opportunities, fuel innovation, and be the catalyst for power partnerships that increase your competitive advantage."
About the certificate
Study business sustainability management and earn a certificate of completion from the University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership.
Assessment is continuous and based on a series of practical assignments completed online. In order to be issued with a certificate, you’ll need to meet the requirements outlined in the course handbook. The handbook will be made available to you as soon as you begin the course.
Your certificate will be issued in your legal name and sent to you upon successful completion of the course, as per the stipulated requirements.
