Top universities around the world offer Impact Investing courses you can audit for free. You may choose to opt for a paid verified certificate for an extra fee. All courses are self-paced. You can start learning instantly. Please note that the prices outlined below may be subject to change. You are encouraged to verify the price on the provider websites.
Business Strategies for Social Impact (University of Pennsylvania)
University of Pennsylvania is offering a online course about business strategies focusing on social impact and change. You will learn about good business practices in impact investing and explore how individuals, organizations and investors can contribute to social change. You will equip yourself with the fundamentals of impact investing and start developing your strategy to drive social impact. On top of that you will learn how to become a leader who cultivates purpose and inspires change. At the end of this course, you’ll have a better understanding of leading an organization with purpose, and be able to build successful strategies that bring impactful change to the world.
Impact Investing (Jindal Centre for Social Innovation)
In this online course offered by the Jindal Centre for Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship, you will explore funding and investment approaches of leading impact investors. You will learn about the fundamentals of impact investing and how you can establish yourself in this emerging sector. You will investigate a variety of different financial instruments and apply techniques used to fund social enterprises. You will also learn to analyze current market trends and identify key players of the impact investing ecosystem. You will familiarize with important terminology around impact investing and learn how to measure impact of your investments.
Lending, Crowdfunding, and Modern Investing (Wharton School of Business)
Lending, Crowdfunding, and Modern Investing is a free online strategic management course offered through the Warton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania in the United States. An entry-level class, the course has no prerequisites; however, it is geared toward individuals who have some business work experience and wish to learn more about traditional and non-traditional means of funding. The course includes a total of four modules: Robo-Advising, Crowdfunding, Marketplace Lending, and Case Studies. Students view a series of videos and complete supplemental assignments and readings during each module. The class lasts for four weeks. Students should expect to devote roughly two to three hours of study time to the class weekly. A paid certificate of completion is available at the end of the class.
Investment Strategy (Indian School of Business)
Investment Strategy is a free online investment course offered by the Indian School of Business. By the end of the course, students will have a working knowledge of investments and be ready to develop and manage portfolios strategically. Students receive access to 13 hours of online video lectures broken into four modules: Alternate Assets and Hedge funds, Index Investing, Asset Allocation, and Risk. One module is assigned for viewing each week. In addition, students are given supplemental readings and learning activities to deepen the knowledge of their course material. Those who require a certificate of completion can pay a fee to receive one at the end of the class.
Social Business Model and Planning for Social Innovation (Copenhagen Business School in Denmark)
Social Business Model and Planning for Social Innovation is a free online social entrepreneurship course offered by the Copenhagen Business School in Denmark. The course is a part of the Social Entrepreneurship Specialization program offered by the school. While not required for enrollment, it is recommended that students complete the first course in the specialization tract, Identifying Social Entrepreneurship Opportunities, prior to taking this course. Geared toward entrepreneurs, the class prepares individuals to launch their own social enterprises. By the end of the class, students will have created their own business plan and be poised to take the next step toward getting their business endeavors off the ground. The class includes five weeklong modules: Introduction of the Business Model Canvas, Applying the Business Model Canvas, The Purpose of a Business Plan, Selecting an Organizational Form, and Attracting Startup Funding. Students receive access to 20 hours of online video lecture as well as supplemental readings and assignments.
Investment Management (University of Geneva)
Investment Management is a free online investment program offered by the University of Geneva in Switzerland. The program is open to anyone who has an interest in investing and is especially well-suited toward those looking to grow their own portfolios or to one day work as financial advisors. To receive the specialization certificate, students must complete five courses: Understanding Financial Markets, Portfolio and Risk Management, Securing Investment Returns in the Long Run, Meeting Investors’ Goals, and Planning Your Client’s Wealth Over a Five-Year Horizon. The entire program lasts for 22 weeks. Most student will need to devote two hours of study time to the program on a weekly basis.
Impact Investing: Making Use of Finance to Change The World (Galileo International Investing Centre)
Impact Investing: Making Use of Finance to Change The World is an online investing course offered by the Galileo International Impact Investing Centre. The class is intended for individuals who are motivated to make social change. As an introductory course, the class requires no previous knowledge of finance for success. For a fee of $19.99, students receive lifetime access to 1.5 hours of video instruction plus two supplemental articles. Course content can be viewed on computers, mobile devices and televisions. Some of the topics covered include Introduction to Impact Investing; Aligning Your Values with Impact Themes and SDGs; Impact Investing in the Practice Across Asset Classes; and Incorporating Impact Investing in Your Life. At the end of the class, students receive a certificate of completion.
Financial Trading and Investment (Upskillist)
Upskillist is currently offering a diploma program in Financial Trading and Investment. The course of study typically costs $49.99, but the academy frequently runs offers that allow students to enroll for free. Students receive access to 32 interactive video lessons. Topics covered include The Opening Bell; Leverage, Margin & All the Jargon; Let the Trading Begin; Candlesticks – Shedding Light on Opportunities; Technical Charting 101; Becoming a Counter Retail Trader; Psychology of Real World Trading; and Return on Investment & Protecting Your Capital. The program takes 16 weeks to complete and lasts for roughly 32 hours. The course can be used for credit for EQF certifications.