Hobart, Online
Introduction
Investors and lenders have an important role with respect to sustainable development. Through directing their financial resources to socially and environmentally responsible investment options, investors and lenders have the power to make significant contribution to sustainable development. This applies to both small- and large-scale investors and lenders. Apart from the moral aspects associated with socially responsible investing, a failure to consider the social and environmental risks inherent in particular investments expose investors and lenders to potential financial loss. Investors need to be aware of the risks and opportunities that the sustainability agenda creates; they need to be aware of, and be able to critically evaluate, different approaches to ethical investment and lending; and they need to have an awareness of the products available within the market place. This unit responds to these needs as it:
- Explores the meaning and role of socially responsible investment
- Identifies the sustainability related risks and opportunities that aspects of an investee’s/borrowers operations create for investors or lenders
- Identifies and explains some tools used to assess investments from a sustainability-related perspective
- Discusses some available products available to ‘socially responsible’ investors and lenders.
Summary
| Unit name | Socially Responsible Investing |
| Unit code | BFA757 |
| Credit points | 12.5 |
| College/School | Tasmanian School of Business and Economics |
| Discipline | Accounting |
| Coordinator | Doctor Roger Colbeck |
| Delivered By | University of Tasmania |
| Level | Postgraduate |
Sustainable Development Goals
The Unit Coordinator has identified that this unit aligns with the following UN Sustainable Development Goals. We welcome your thoughts and feedback on the alignment of the unit with these goals.
Availability
Specific information on 2027 unit availability will be available in August
Key Dates
| Study Period | Start date | Census date | WW date | End date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Semester 1 | 21/2/2027 | 15/3/2027 | 18/4/2027 | 12/6/2027 |
* The Final WW Date is the final date from which you can withdraw from the unit without academic penalty, however you will still incur a financial liability (refer to How do I withdraw from a unit? for more information).
Unit census dates currently displaying for 2027 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2027 will be available from the 1st October 2026. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).
Learning Outcomes
- Critique the risks and opportunities that the sustainability agenda creates for investors and lenders
- Apply the tools for evaluating socially responsible investments
- Critically reflect on how socially responsible investments can create positive social and environmental impacts
- Appraise high-profile international guidance pertaining to socially responsible investing and lending
- Collaborate with other professionals/practitioners to communicate recommendations relating to socially responsible investing and lending to a range of stakeholders
Fee Information
2027 fee information will be available in August.
Teaching
| Teaching Pattern | Pre-recorded Blended Lecture, up to 2 hours (3-5 short lectures of maximum 20 minutes each), 13 weeks Blended workshop (face to face and via Zoom, for distance students), 50 minutes, 12 weeks |
|---|---|
| Assessment | Individual Assignment (30%)|Individual Assignment (35%)|Team Assignment (35%) |
| Timetable | View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable |
Textbooks
| Required |
Required readings will be listed in the unit outline prior to the start of classes. |
|---|
The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.