Your learning experience
This intensive three-day course is led by expert faculty and industry leaders and equips you with the insights and strategies you need to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving landscape.
Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) concerns are increasingly impacting financial market participants, exposing them to risks but also opportunities. This course is a practical introduction into ESG and climate-related topics and how they may be impacting a whole variety of different functions in your organisation.
It will introduce you to key concepts in sustainable finance, give you knowledge to understand these risks, and help you think critically about how they can impact corporate, household, and institutional financial decisions, as well as your own role within your organisation.
You'll learn alongside your peers in an interactive, small group setting in the beautiful, historical town of St Andrews, home to our world-class University.
Course content
Day one: Introduction to ESG and climate risks
- Welcome and course overview
- Understanding ESG in finance
- Exploring types of climate risks (physical, transition, liability)
- The impact of ESG factors on financial markets
- Climate risk impacts on current and future operations
- Discussion on ESG integration
Day two: ESG scoring, climate risk measures, and sustainable investing
- Navigating the ESG scoring landscape
- Understanding different rating methodologies
- Evaluating climate risk measures and carbon pricing
- Assessing ESG investment strategies
- Overview of sustainable investing trends
- Interactive workshop on ESG investments
Day three: Application and professional integration
- Impact of climate risks on corporates, households, and institutions
- Regulating: Climate risks and the financial system
- Developing strategies for integration
- Group projects applying concepts to real-world scenarios
- Presentations and peer feedback
- Final reflections and action planning
Who is it for?
The course is designed for professionals who are looking to integrate sustainability-related financial risks in the management and strategy of their organisation.
Here's who will benefit most:
- Professionals in finance, investment, and corporate strategy roles
- Risk managers and compliance officers
- Corporate sustainability officers
- Policy advisors and regulators
How will your organisation benefit?
Sustainable Finance is a strategic investment in your team and your organisation's future. This intensive course equips professionals with strategic insights and practical tools to navigate the rapidly evolving financial landscape and drive innovation.
By effectively integrating ESG considerations into operations and investment strategies, you will enhance reputation, reduce risks, and attract investors and customers who value sustainability.
The knowledge gained will empower your team to:
- Navigate complex regulatory landscapes
- Identify and mitigate emerging risks
- Adapt to technological advancements
- Integrate ESG principles
- Enhance customer experience
- Drive innovation and growth
If your organisation is interested in investing in its development and people with St Andrews Executive Education, we’re pleased to offer a range of Corporate Membership benefits.
Course leader
Dr Eleonora Sfrappini, Lecturer in Finance
Why University of St Andrews Business School?
Ranked as one of the UK's leading universities, the University of St Andrews is renowned for its teaching excellence. Our Business School brings together leading global academics and practitioners across management, finance, and economics.
In The Guardian's University Guide 2025 UK rankings we are proud to be:
- Number one in Business and Management
- Number two in Economics
Our Executive Education experience blends cutting-edge research, academic rigour, and global perspective. Inspiring transformative thinking and leadership, this new course will allow you to innovate and excel in your field.
Build connections
Our alumni make connections at St Andrews that prove invaluable as they navigate similar professional challenges.
- Grow and learn from your new personal network
- Work with colleagues across industries and geographies
- Create lasting professional relationships
Generate impact
This course will equip you with knowledge and skills you can immediately apply to your role and organisation. You will be able to:
- Understand ESG, the main types of climate risk, and how these can impact players in the financial sector
- Explain ESG scoring and climate risk measures, internal and external carbon pricing
- Evaluate ESG investment strategies
- Evaluate whether and how ESG issues and climate risks impact your role and organisation and develop ideas to address them