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 and functions of renewable energy and green commodity markets and the pricing implications.
Enhanced knowledge of the financing principles, project management requirements and developments in the renewable energy and sustainability sectors.
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?
- This programme provides in-depth coverage of renewable energy finance, environmental and impact finance, and green data science, offering 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 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 complete 1 core module, plus one of three pathways. With any possible internship opportunity students have to go through a competitive recruitment process, including selection interviews with employers.
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Core modules
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Core modules
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Core Module Choose one pathway (A, B or C): Pathway A Green Data Science
Pathway B Green Data Science Pathway C
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Please be advised that the above reflects the 2024/2025 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. Note that module descriptors are updated in advance of each academic term.
The MSc in Sustainable 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 through 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 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.
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Programme Competency Goals
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Programme Learning Outcomes On successful completion of the programme students should be able to: |
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Programme Competency 1: Discipline-Specific Knowledge in a Global Context Our graduates will identify and understand how global, economic, political, environmental, social and cultural factors impact on business and management |
Programme Learning Outcome 1a: Critically assess the theory and practice underpinning investors’ decisions, exploring the challenges and opportunities associated with integrating global perspectives and sustainability factors into their decision-making frameworks. |
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Programme Learning Outcome 1b: Employ theoretical, statistical and financial modelling techniques to comprehend the risks and opportunities associated with the global shift towards a low carbon economy. |
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Programme Competency 2: Critical Thinking Our graduates will demonstrate critical thinking and independent reasoning skills in situations of decision-making and problem-solving, as supported by the appropriate use of analytical and quantitative techniques.
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Programme Learning Outcome 2a: Possess the skills to interpret existing and/or original research using quantitative tools and relevant financial, market and non-market information (utilizing appropriate databases and literature). |
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Programme Learning Outcome 2b: Undertake and present a detailed analysis of core sustainable finance valuation/risk management situations in written and oral forms. |
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Programme Competency 3: Responsible Global Business Leaders Our graduates will be informed and imaginative future global business leaders who are mindful of responsible and sustainable business objectives and practices.
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Programme Learning Outcome 3a: Draw on personal and colleagues’ cognitive and practical talents to promote effective and ethical business practices. |
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Programme Learning Outcome 3b: Understand ethical values related to the promotion of sustainability in the economy and the finance sector. |
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Programme Competency 4: Effective Problem-Solvers Our graduates will have the ability to develop and implement creative solutions to real-world problems.
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Programme Learning Outcome 4a: Understand the financial tools and resources that companies can make use of to raise funds for sustainability projects. |
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Programme Learning Outcome 4b: 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. |
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Programme Competency 5: Communication and Collaboration in Diverse Settings Our graduates will be effective communicators and collaborators in intercultural and diverse settings.
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Programme Learning Outcome 5a: Select and use appropriate communication strategies (oral, written & visual) to effectively communicate challenges in the sustainability space and to advance objectives to meet these challenges. |
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Programme Learning Outcome 5b: Engage in collaborative learning by completing business projects and assignments as part of a team |
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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.
Sustainable Development Goals
As part of the curriculum, students are engaged with issues related to sustainability in all of its many facets, including responsible leadership, responsible consumption and production, climate action, and inclusive business practices. As educators, we believe in the value of exposing our students to a variety of perspectives on the role of business in society and equipping them with the knowledge and skills they need to tackle even the most intractable problems. Our programmes seek to develop informed and imaginative leaders that are mindful of responsible and sustainable business objectives and practices and embed a number of the UN sustainable development goals (SDGs) in the curriculum.
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