What will I learn?
As well as a comprehensive knowledge of finance, you will acquire an in-depth understanding of the practical integration of environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors in financial decision making. You will also develop the professional and personal knowledge and skills necessary for a career in the sustainable finance and impact investing field. Through this Masters you will gain:
A comprehensive understanding of the industries integrating sustainable development into financial markets, including the quantitative approaches to best model opportunities and risks, discussions of recent technological developments and a close connection to relevant professional organisations such as Sustainable Nation Ireland.
Critical awareness of the operation & functions of renewable energy commodity markets and the pricing implications.
Enhanced knowledge of the financing principles, project management requirements and developments in the area of renewable energy.
Strong emphasis on the development of interpersonal skills, leadership and problem-solving, as well as tracking recent activity at Irish and European levels, ensuring that graduates are well-informed on industry developments.
How will I benefit?
- As the only Masters in the world which has an in depth coverage of environmental and impact finance and green data science, this course offers an unrivalled level of specialisation in global clean energy and sustainable finance markets with significant career opportunities. Graduates of this programme are in high demand, both internationally and within Ireland.
- The invaluable knowledge of top-class academics combined with the participation of key figures from the areas of sustainable business and finance results in an especially rich and relevant curriculum. The breadth of the course content is reflected by the flexibility of the course (students can choose from three different pathways of completion) as well as the varied approach to assessment (examination, research papers, empirical projects, presentations, course work, internship/research project).
- It provides a springboard for a career in a wide range of public and private sector organisations, from asset management firms, venture capital funds, renewable energy and green data companies through to national governments and banking institutions.
Curriculum
The curriculum encompasses a substantial set of finance modules to ensure a deep financial background of every student, the major theoretical aspects of renewable energy and environmental finance, along with modules focusing upon the tools and techniques for evaluating a comprehensive range of global, regional and firm level environmental and financial issues.
Students must complete 12 core modules.
Knowledge of mathematics foundations will be required for several core finance modules in the Autumn Trimester. Mathematics foundations involving set theory, calculus, linear algebra, and probability and statistics will be tested.
In the Summer Trimester, students must complete 1 core module, plus 1 of 3 pathways as outlined below. With any possible internship opportunity students have to go through a competitive recruitment process, including interviews with employers, to be selected.
| Autumn Trimester | Spring Trimester | Summer Trimester |
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Core Module
Choose one pathway:
Pathway A Green Data Science
Pathway B Green Data Science
Pathway C |
Please be advised that the above reflects the 2023/2024 curriculum structure and is subject to change each year. Option modules listed are indicative of what has been delivered in previous years and are also subject to change.
The MSc in Sustainable Finance (formerly called the MSc in Renewable Energy and Environmental Finance) is aimed at those who would like to pursue a career in the growing number of sustainable finance sectors. The programme is suitable for students from a wide variety of disciplines such as business/finance/economics, environmental science, engineering, geography, mathematics or physics.
The educational values of the programme are to provide students with the knowledge and skills to: critically evaluate the financial and business management decisions of investors and firms in the context of the transition to a low carbon and sustainable economy; apply statistical analysis techniques to the valuation and management of portfolios of financial securities, including green portfolios; apply data science tools to the mining and analysis of environmental data; develop a deep understanding of policy implications in the area of environmental finance and sustainable energy and enhance the students teamwork and leadership skills to succeed as future leaders in the area of sustainable development.
The learning environment consists of both theoretical and applied components. Lectures combine theory and practice and are complemented with small group tutorials. Students engage in autonomous learning though individual assignments including literature reviews. Team work is also encouraged through presentations of data analysis and case studies. Students also have access to state of the art financial databases in a designated dataroom. An optional internship programme is also integrated into the programme (the nature of the learning environment for students).
The programme uses multiple teaching, learning and assessment approaches. Modules are presented mainly by academics and also feature many guest lectures and presentations delivered by practitioners with significant industry experience. Industry experts in the area of environmental and renewable energy finance also contribute to the design, delivery, and evolution of the curriculum. Assessment strategies include traditional exams, case study presentations and written reports. Group projects and presentations are also a key feature of this programme (key approaches to teaching, learning and assessment).
On successful completion of the programme students should be able to:
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Programme Goals: |
Programme Learning Outcomes: |
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Programme Goal 1: Our graduates will be current in their knowledge of the theory and practice of how investors integrate environmental considerations in their investing and lending processes. |
Critically assess the theory and practice underpinning the decisions of investors and their challenges and opportunities to integrating environmental considerations in their decision-making processes. Employ theoretical, statistical and financial modelling to understand the risks and opportunities associated with the transition to a low carbon economy. |
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Programme Goal 2: Our graduates will be able to navigate the complexity of firm financial decision making in the context of the transition to a low carbon economy. |
Understand the financial tools and resources that companies can make use of to raise funds for environmental projects. |
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Programme Goal 3: Our graduates will be effective communicators in the environmental finance and impact investing space and the implications for global business. |
Synthesise and summarise data, information and results from market and non-market models to professionally communicate outcomes of the analysis and their recommendations to key stakeholders. Select and use appropriate communication strategies (oral, written & visual) to effectively communicate challenges in the energy-environmental space and to advance objectives to meet these challenges. |
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Programme Goal 4: Our graduates will be able to analyse environmental and financial datasets, industry and market interactions and will be able to critically evaluate suitable modelling and data issues and their relevance to the wider economy. |
Undertake and present a detailed analysis of core environmental finance valuation/risk management situations in written and oral forms. Utilise relevant financial, market and non-market information, drawing on appropriate databases and literature. They will possess the skills to interpret existing and/or original research using quantitative tools to inform the business/policy decision making process. |
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Programme Goal 5: Our graduates will be able to engage in collaborative learning and will be able to promote ethical business practices. |
Draw on personal and colleagues’ cognitive and practical talents to promote effective and ethical business practices. Engage in collaborative learning by completing business projects and assignments as part of a team. |
Global Leadership Programme (GLP)
Our optional Global Leadership Programme (GLP) offers you a unique opportunity to engage in a diverse range of co-curricular professional development activities alongside the modules you take on the Master's programme. Participation in the GLP can give you an advantage over similarly qualified job candidates and increase your readiness for success in the workplace.
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