The Rise of Sustainable Finance: an Introduction
Session two : 24 August to 6 September 2025
The Rise of Sustainable Finance:
an Introduction
Climate change is one of the most critical challenges of our time. How can it be addressed in practice, and what role does finance play in this process? How can financial systems be mobilized to support new climate technologies and solutions? This course explores how countries and economies worldwide are leveraging finance to address climate change.
Students will receive a comprehensive introduction to sustainable finance as a tool to combat climate change. The course is structured into two main sections:
- Foundations of Climate Change and Sustainable Finance The first section provides an in-depth understanding of climate change as a global issue and the theoretical underpinnings of sustainable finance. Topics include economic, financial, and political theories that form the basis for sustainable finance approaches, particularly in Western economies.
- Sustainable Financial Instruments The second section focuses on the practical application of sustainable finance. Students will examine various financial instruments designed to channel investments into climate solutions, with real-world examples illustrating their impact.
Target Audience:
This course is designed for students from any discipline who seek to deepen their understanding of climate change and the economic, political, and financial strategies used to address it. It is particularly relevant to those studying economics, finance, business, or management. While discussions will include financial and economic theories, the course is structured to be accessible to students eager to develop a foundational knowledge of sustainable finance.
Who should apply:
This course is accessible to students who have completed at least one year of Undergraduate study in any discipline involving Mathematics, Statistics, and Economics/econometrics and/or Finance. It is particularly relevant to students in Economics, Business & Management, but is also relevant to students in STEM subjects more broadly, particularly those interested in Sustainability, Finance, and Corporate Ethics.
For English requirement information, please see the Apply page.
Location: Lincoln College, University of Oxford
For Ages: 18+ (at time of attendance)
Duration: 2 weeks (13 nights and 14days)
Price: £4599
Date: Session one: 10th August to 23th August 2025
Subject Tutors
Tutor: Dr. Jacob Schumacher
Dr Jacob Schumacher is a Senior Research Associate in Sustainable Finance at the Oxford Sustainable Finance Group at the University of Oxford Smith School of Enterprise and the Environment. He received his PhD in Finance and Management from SOAS, University of London in 2016. He was a Teaching Fellow in Finance at Saïd Business School, University of Oxford from 2016-2019 and was an Early Career Teaching and Research Fellow in Economics at St Edmund Hall, Oxford, from 2019-2022.
Programme Features
Academy
Programme
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Course Photos
FAQ
How can I book my place on the programme?
To book your place on the Lincoln College Summer Academy Programme, please complete our online application form. Once we have received your application, you will be sent an email to confirm your booking, with details about how to pay the course fees and the date this payment is due.
If you have any questions about the application form, then please contact us and one of our advisors will be happy to help.
What are the English Language requirements?
The Lincoln College Summer Academy Programme is a unique course. This is because it is run by Oxford University academics and is based on a truly stimulating academic programme. For students to be able to make the most of the course, they will be required to have an IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent.
If you have any questions or concerns about this English language requirement, please don’t hesitate to contact us and we will be able to advise you.
Can I organise my own accommodation?
Part of the Lincoln College experience is the opportunity to live, dine and study like an Oxford University student. This is why all students on the programme must stay onsite at Lincoln College.
Can I study more than one course?
There are 9 courses on offer for 2025 and students can choose one to study for the full two weeks.
If students are equally interested and qualified to take two different courses, you are welcome to join us for the whole month. You will choose one subject to study for the first two weeks of the programme and a different subject to study for the final two weeks of the programme.
For example, a student may decide to study history for session 1 of the programme and history of art for session 2.
Will I have to take exams?
There will be no official exams on this course. Students will be assessed based on essays, assignments and projects marked by the course tutor.
What kind of feedback will I receive?
Students will receive personalised feedback from their tutors both as verbal feedback during tutorial or seminar discussions and written feedback on any work they hand in. The nature of this feedback will depend on the course students are studying.
At the end of the programme, students will receive a certificate of attainment provided they have carried out the work to the best of their ability and actively participated in lessons and certifying the level they achieved.
Will I receive credit points?
The Lincoln College Summer Academy Programme is equivalent to 10 hours of credits in both the US and ECTS system. Your current university may choose to accept these credits towards your current degree. To be sure, please ask your university to get in touch with us and our Programme Director will be able to speak to the appropriate person at your university.
Will I be awarded with a certificate?
Yes, all students will receive either a certificate of attainment or a certificate of attendance at a specially organised graduation ceremony. This certificate will prove that you have carried out work of a challenging academic nature and may even be used towards credit at your current university (see above question on credits).
Will my tutor be able to provide me with a reference?
Yes, your tutor will be able to provide you with an academic reference should you require this for any future applications. If this is something you think you may need, it would be a good idea to discuss with your tutor during the programme.
Is it hard to get into Oxford Summer Courses?
The Lincoln College Summer Academy Programme, part of Oxford University’s academic summer courses, is open to adults aged 18 and over, including international students. To ensure participants can fully engage with the course material, a minimum English language proficiency is required. Acceptable qualifications include:
IELTS: 6.5
TOEFL: 90
PTE (Pearson Test of English): 61
Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): 176
Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE): 176
LanguageCert International ESOL B2: High Pass
LanguageCert International ESOL C1: Pass
Duolingo English Test: 120
These requirements ensure that all participants can effectively engage with the academic content and discussions throughout the programme.
