This one-week programme explores this rising industry and gives you the skills to navigate the terminology, activity, drivers and participants of the ESG ecosystem.
This course can be done as a standalone course in Sustainable Investing: Introduction to Strategies and Tactics and can also be combined with the more advanced course Sustainable Investing: ESG Investment Strategy Making. In this case, you can book the two weeks.
This one-week programme explores this rising industry and gives you the skills to navigate the terminology, activity, drivers and participants of the ESG ecosystem. This programme prepares you to harness ESG data to drive financial performance and investment strategies.
This Investments course provides a foundational exploration of investment vehicles, market structures, risk management and investment strategies. Students will learn about various asset classes, including stocks, bonds, mutual funds, real estate, and alternative investments such as commodities, hedge funds, private equity, direct lending, and cryptocurrencies. Through a combination of concepts and practical applications, the course will include key topics such as portfolio management, asset allocation, market efficiency, and behavioral finance.
What makes the course special is the hands-on approach, use of actual and relevant cases, and the focus on new developments in AI, Fintech and behavioral finance. A logical follow up
course is the five-day course Sustainable Investing: ESG Investment Strategy Making. Besides this course is a logical follow-up of the course Introduction to Finance and Banking for those interested in advancing in this field.
This course will focus on the following topics:
This course is a logical follow-up on the course (B23) 'Introduction to Finance and Banking' (the week before this course).
Also, many students combine this course with the advanced course 'Sustainable Investing: ESG Investment Strategy Making'.
What previous students (summer 2024) say about this course
"Amazing. Never thought learning finance could be this interesting, fun and enjoyable"
"I enthusiastically recommend this course to all future students seeking a transformative learning experience. From the outset, it captivated my curiosity and fueled my passion for the subject matter. The engaging curriculum, expert instructors, and collaborative atmosphere fostered a profound understanding of the material. Undoubtedly, enrolling in this course will be a decision you won't regret, as it equips you with invaluable skills and knowledge that extend far beyond the classroom."
Frans Boumans, MSc MBA
This course is ideal for anyone looking to build a strong foundation in investment principles, whether for personal enrichment or as a stepping stone to advanced financial studies.
The programme is intended for students in banking, asset management, accounting and finance of advanced bachelor or at master level, and for those interested in becoming investment professionals, finance advisors, consultants, and business and non-profit leaders.
If you have no or a limited background in finance or banking, we advise you to first take part in the five-day course ‘Introduction to Finance and Banking’ and then take this course as a follow-on.
A good command of English is necessary! Given the interactive nature of teaching, students must have the capabilities to actively contribute in class and communicate (understand and speak) in English well, ideally min level B2.
This course aims to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental principles of investing, enabling them to make informed financial decisions in personal pension plans and professional contexts, like as assetmanager of a pensionfund.
By the end of the course, students will be able to:
Recognize the impact of market trends and economic indicators on investment decisions, particularly regarding alternative assets.
This course is ideal for anyone looking to build a strong foundation in investment principles, whether for personal enrichment or as a stepping stone to advanced financial studies.
Fifty hours of lectures/field excursions including assignments (self-study).
Please note: You must attend all learning activities (e.g. workshops, fieldwork) to be able to receive the Certificate of Participation and/or the credits for this course, unless absence is officially approved by the teachers and the coordinator of the Utrecht Summer School.
The course fee presented applies to all students currently enrolled in a bachelor, master or PhD programme and to 'Fresh Alumni'.
If this applies to you and you therefore believe that you are eligible for this fee, please mention this in your motivation when applying for this course.
If you are NOT currently enrolled in a bachelor, master or PhD programme or not a 'Fresh Alumni' , a professional fee of € 936 is applicable, and will be invoiced and visible for you in your account once you are accepted to the course. Please note: if you do not provide proof that you are currently enrolled in a bachelor, master or PhD programme or that you are a Fresh Alumni', we will charge the ‘professional (higher) fee!
Lunch options
During the summer, food courts and food trucks on the campus are closed. The supermarket and restaurant are open, and in our dormitories there is a kitchen and fridge for home-made lunch. Besides we offer a 5 Days’ Sandwich Lunch package that you can collect at the restaurant on Utrecht Science Park everyday in the lunchbreak.
You can add this 5 Days’ Lunch package as a separate product once you are fully enrolled to the course. The price for the package is 60 Euros per week and can be ordered until two weeks prior to the start of your course.
The housing costs do not include a Utrecht Summer School sleeping bag and travel pillow (which you can take home after the course). Please note that the Sleeping bag is to be chosen as a separate product on the invoice (€50).
If you wish not to buy the Summerschool Sleeping bag and travel pillow and rather bring your own bedding (sleeping bag and pillow), do not forget to bring your own sleeping bag and pillow! In all cases, do bring your own towels, please.