Communicating for Influence and Impact online short course

Companies across all industries need leaders who can leverage communication to better meet business objectives, influence stakeholders and drive positive change.

The Communicating for Influence and Impact online short course provides a comprehensive understanding of how to communicate effectively using a range of tools and practical insights. Gain insight into how to embed purpose in your organisation using impactful communication, storytelling and other techniques to overcome barriers and influence change.

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CISL's courses are delivered in collaboration with digital education provider GetSmarter, a brand of 2U, Inc. This link will take you to their site.
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Course start dates

  • 22 July 2026
  • 7 October 2026

Sector

  • The course is applicable to any business or industry

Language

  • English

Format

  • Online, tutor-assisted

Length 

  • 8 weeks online, 7–10 hours per week

Who should attend?

Existing and aspiring leaders looking to develop effective communication skills to influence stakeholders.

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Study Communicating for Influence and Impact and learn how to influence stakeholders and drive positive change.

Module 1: The need for impactful communication
Gain insight into the critical role of communication to create positive change in a volatile, uncertain and increasingly complex world.

Module 2: The role of communication in shaping society
Understand how communication can be used to build more inclusive communities. 

Module 3: Attributes of an effective communicator
Explore the attributes that contribute to becoming an effective influencer.

Module 4: Communicate effectively using listening and storytelling
Examine different communication approaches and techniques. 

Module 5: Purpose-driven communication and influence
Learn how embedding and cultivating a purpose driven organisational culture can affect change within an organisation.

Module 6: Influence change within and beyond your network
Explore how communication can be used to influence change, infuse confidence, and overcome barriers.  

Module 7: Collaborating to achieve impact
Gain insight into how to achieve cooperation with stakeholders through effective communication.

Module 8: Maximising your influence and impact
Reflect on your Personal Impact Plan and create a network of peers.

An online education that sets you apart

Gain valuable and relevant skills that will enable you to:

  • Communicate persuasively and effectively with stakeholders to achieve meaningful change
  • Inspire andmotivateothers to drive innovation and sustainability at a systems level
  • Collaborate with professionals around the world and become a member of the CISL global alumni network

CISL Connect: Online live sessions

CISL has developed three bonus CISL Connect: Online Live Sessions for all students joining any of our ten business sustainability leadership courses. Through these sessions, you’ll get direct access to CISL's leading voices on today’s most urgent business topics – competitiveness, AI and resilience.  This format gives you the chance to connect, collaborate and exchange ideas with a far broader global network of professionals beyond your cohort.

CPD certified

This course is certified by the United Kingdom CPD Certification Service, and may be applicable to individuals who are members of, or are associated with, UK-based professional bodies. The course has an estimated 80 hours of learning.

Note: should you wish to claim CPD activity, the onus is upon you. CISL and GetSmarter accept no responsibility, and cannot be held responsible, for the claiming or validation of hours or points.

Learn to lead in a changing world

This University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership online short course is delivered in collaboration with digital education provider GetSmarter.

Join over 24,000 students globally who have already benefited from the opportunity to:

  • Gain verifiable and relevant competencies and earn invaluable recognition from a top-tier university, entirely online and in your own time.  
  • Enjoy a personalised, people-mediated online learning experience that consistently achieves over 90 per cent course certification rate.
  • Experience a flexible but structured approach to online education as you plan your learning around your life to meet weekly milestones.

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Delivered in Collaboration with GetSmarter

The University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL) is collaborating with digital education provider GetSmarter, a brand of 2U, Inc., to provide an interactive and supported online learning experience.