MSc Sustainable Finance and Climate Change
Please note: This page is for 2027 entry. Click here for 2026 entry.
| UCAS code | 1234 |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1 year full time |
| Entry year | 2026 |
| Campus | Streatham Campus |
| Typical offer | 2:2 with honours in Accounting, Finance, Economics, Maths, Business, Quantitative degrees, Commerce, Management, Social/Natural Science or related discipline from a recognised university. |
|---|---|
Why study MSc Sustainable Finance and Climate Change at Exeter?
- Develop financial decision-making and commercial awareness in environmental sustainability with practical application to real-world sustainability challenges
- Gain a well-balanced understanding across the principles of finance and investment and the frontiers of climate change science
- Enjoy access to our industry-standard financial databases and market intelligence platforms, including Bloomberg.
- Boost your employability with advanced communication and technical skills, team-working and independent research, project-management and the very latest specialist knowledge
- Prepare for rewarding careers in various sectors, including financial institutions, green investment firms, consulting firms, and sustainability-focused organisations.
Fast Track (current Exeter students)
Contact
Programme Director: Professor Angela Christidis
Web: Enquire online
Phone: +44 (0)1392 72 72 72
Partner and member of GRASFI
The Global Research Alliance for Sustainable Finance and Investment
Triple accredited Business School
AMBA, AACSB, EQUIS
Ranked 4th in the UK for overall satisfaction
Financial Times Global Masters in Finance 2025 ranking
Learn from experts in the field of sustainable and responsible finance management
This degree recognizes essential topics from the Sustainable Investing Certificate from CFA Institute. This professional certificate offers both practical application and technical knowledge in the field of ESG investing.
"What I valued most about the programme was the opportunity to study finance and climate science together, guided by professors who are clearly dedicated and committed to both areas. It has had a lasting influence on how I currently work. I now run a climate-focused venture capital fund in Southeast Asia, investing in agri-tech, food-tech and climate adaptation, and the way I evaluate opportunities today draws directly on the approach the course taught me."
"The programme also gave me a clearer understanding of how academia can help shape economic and policy direction, rather than simply observe it. Especially, learning from both academics and professionals who are actively working on climate change, helping to see what is literally happening in the industry…[My] group [of classmates] was genuinely international, from very different industries…Above all, the University's institutional commitment to sustainability encouraged me to carry that perspective into my professional work."
Jakapol
MSc Sustainable Finance and Climate Change
Entry requirements
2:2 with honours in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Maths, Business, Quantitative degrees, Commerce, Management, Social/Natural Science (e.g. Environmental Science, Climate Science etc)
Evidence of mathematical/quantitative* ability is essential. We do consider all applications where there is evidence of exceptional performance in modules relevant to the programme of study, significant relevant work experience or professional qualifications such as CFA, ACCA, ICAEW, ICAS and CIMA. Other professional certificates issued by CFA, CISI, CBI, CII in Green and Sustainable Finance, Climate Finance, Climate Risk, ESG Investing etc are also acceptable.
*Mathematics modules may include, for example, Algebra, Calculus, Econometrics, Statistics, Probability or Optimisation.
Please also see our guidance on essential documentation required for an initial decision on taught programme applications.
Entry requirements for international students
English language requirements
International students need to show they have the required level of English language to study this course.
The required IELTS test scores for this course fall under Profile B1.
Please visit our English language requirements page to view the required test scores and equivalencies from your country.
Course content
MSc Sustainable Finance and Climate Change aims to develop graduates with financial decision-making and commercial awareness in environmental sustainability through practical application to real-world sustainability challenges.
This programme crosses discipline boundaries and is designed so you will develop an understanding and awareness of global climate challenges, tackle shared problems, and propose sustainable and responsible finance solutions that deliver tangible and sustainable social and ecological benefits. You will develop a well-balanced understanding across the principles of finance and investment and the frontiers of climate change science. You will learn to address the challenges of the financial industry’s adaptation to climate change and engage with sustainability debates in real-world contexts. Graduates will be well-positioned to pursue careers in finance, investment management, sustainable development and corporate sustainability.
Please note that the module information displayed here is subject to change.
120 credits of compulsory modules, 60 credits of optional modules
You may choose either BEAM007 or BEAM079 from Optional Module Group 1, you cannot choose both
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Compulsory 1 | ||
| Investment Analysis 1 | 15 | |
| Fundamentals of Financial Management | 15 | |
| Corporate Governance and Finance | 15 | |
| Sustainable Finance Project | 30 | |
| Climate Finance and Investments | 15 | |
| Sustainable and Responsible Finance | 15 | |
| Climate Change Science and Solutions | 15 | |
BEAM032: Investment Analysis 1
Summary:
This is the first module of two in Investment Analysis. Its principal function is to ensure that you are able to use the tools available for equity valuation using annual reports. You will learn how to assess the content of annual reports critically.
Additional Information:
Pre-requisite
Basic understanding of accounting and financial statement articulation.
Internationalisation
This module uses International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), which apply to more than 100 countries worldwide and therefore prepare you for an international career.
Sustainability
Presentations, PowerPoint slides and tutorial notes are all made available on the ELE (Exeter Learning Environment).
External Engagement
The content helps familiarise you with financial reporting concepts and terminology, which are essential to operate in the corporate world.
Employability
You will learn to synthesise information from public sources and to evaluate a firm's performance and financial position. These analytical skills will be directly applicable to roles such as equity or credit analysts and professional investors.
BEAM047: Fundamentals of Financial Management
Summary:
Fundamentals of Financial Management will provide you with a thorough grounding in the principles of finance. It will cover the appraisal of models and issues in financial management. This module will introduce you to corporate finance theory and financial management. It covers techniques for capital budgeting, the role of risk and the cost of capital. It introduces the topics of financial markets and market efficiency, portfolio diversification and simple asset pricing models, the pricing of shares and bonds as well as providing an introduction to international finance.
Additional Information:
Internationalisation
Investment theory and corporate finance are international by nature and the principles taught can be applied in any country. The module also provides an introduction to international finance.
External Engagement
The module is linked with various professional bodies like CISI (Chartered Instituted of Securities and Investment) and CFAI (Chartered Financial Analysts Institute).
Employability
This module covers many different aspects of finance and prepares the students for employment in different financial sectors. Students acquire quantitative skills, analytical skills, problem-solving, and written skills.
Sustainability
BEAM052: Corporate Governance and Finance
Summary:
The module bridges the gap between corporate finance and corporate governance. It introduces the concept of corporate governance, discusses its theoretical underpinnings, and details the role of various internal and external governance mechanisms in addressing agency problems arising in modern corporations. The module also highlights the differences between governance systems across the world. The course material is based on seminal readings as well as more recent academic research in the area and it demonstrates the relevance of corporate governance issues to both business and policy makers. The teaching is organised in the form of lectures and smaller-group seminars.
Additional Information:
Internationalisation
Cross-country differences between governance systems around the world are one of the key issues the module focuses on. In particular, the syllabus highlights the variation in relevance and prevalence of various corporate governance mechanisms in different legal systems.
Sustainability
All of the resources for this module (except for the core textbook) are in electronic form only. The syllabus covers some aspects of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and its relevance for corporate governance while discussing emerging topics in corporate governance.
Employability
Students learn to apply insights from the recent academic literature in the context of real-life governance problems. They also develop their skills in team-working, presentation, and independent thinking in this module.
BEAM101: Sustainable Finance Project
Sustainable finance integrates environmental, social and governance (ESG) criteria into financial decisions. This module will introduce you to the latest developments in theory and practice in sustainable and responsible finance. You will develop an understanding of the principles underlying sustainable and responsible decision-making in finance, their theoretical underpinning, and how to apply them in business and investment practice. This module is delivered in an intensive block over two weeks. Content is delivered by experts in their field, and you will have opportunities to share, reflect, and engage with practitioners in workshops. At the end of the module, you will complete a sustainable finance project and develop an action plan that promotes sustainable finance in your professional or organisational context.
The module aims to:
- introduce you to cutting-edge theory and practice in sustainable and responsible finance
- develop your in-depth insight into the strategic implications of environmental and sustainability challenges for financial systems
- enhance your employability by engaging you with the latest developments in sustainable and responsible finance and their implications for business and investment practice
- develop your critical understanding of how sustainability principles are applied in practice
- equip you with practical application and technical knowledge relevant to the CFA Sustainable Investing Certificate (optional)
BEAM103: Climate Finance and Investments
Climate finance and investment refer to the allocation of financial resources and investment activities towards projects and initiatives that address climate change mitigation and adaptation. This module introduces you to the role of finance and investment in the transition to a sustainable, low-carbon economy, the sources of financial risk and opportunity related to climate change and sustainability, and how organisations navigate them. You will explore the science of climate change and its related economic and environmental impacts. You will learn about climate and sustainability public policy developments, their economic impacts, and carefully examine the financial tools that can be used to mitigate and adapt to climate change. You will gain an overview of the key concepts, strategies, and challenges associated with mobilising and deploying financial resources to support climate action, and with managing and disclosing climate- and sustainability-related financial risks and impacts.
Module aims:
BEAM104: Sustainable and Responsible Finance
This module provides you with a comprehensive understanding of the principles, practices, and frameworks related to sustainable and responsible finance. The module aims to explore the integration of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors into financial decision-making processes, with a focus on sustainability and responsible investing. You will examine the role of financial institutions, investors, and regulators in promoting sustainable and responsible practices in the global financial system. The module will also address the challenges and opportunities associated with sustainable finance and the transition towards a more sustainable economy. You will understand the ways in which the finance sector can support the transition to a sustainable, low-carbon economy.
- To introduce cutting edge sustainable and responsible finance theories and practices through research-led teaching.
- To boost student employability by engaging students with the latest developments in sustainable and responsible finance along with their implications for business and investment practices.
- To apply ESG considerations to financial analysis and decision-making effectively. To critically analyse the challenges and opportunities associated with sustainable finance.
- To present the potential impact of sustainable finance on corporate performance and investment returns.
- To outline the methods for enhancing sustainable and responsible practices in the finance industry.
MTHM054: Climate Change Science and Solutions
This module will expose you to some of the most vibrant frontiers in the science of anthropogenic climate change. It will provide an overview of the natural science underlying projections of future climate change, enabling you to distinguish between what is known with high-certainty from aspects that remain uncertain. These latter ‘Frontiers in Climate Change Science’ will be introduced by a number of international experts from the University and other renowned research institutions (such as the nearby Met Office-Hadey Centre). Though natural science led, the module is interdisciplinary with a focus on understanding the climate change problem as part of the wider sustainability agenda.
The module will equip you with an understanding of the science that underpins projections of anthropogenic climate change, and separate what is well known from what remains unknown. It will help you to understand the frontiers of climate change science, through guest lectures by international experts (from the university, the Met Office and other centres), and through student-led discussions. There will be opportunities for peer-to-peer as well as independent learning, and expectations for you to engage in debate and discussion during module sessions. As part of the module assessment, you will work in interdisciplinary groups to explain a proposed climate change solution through a group presentation.
Optional modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Optional 1 | ||
| Investment Analysis Dissertation | 30 | |
| Banking and Financial Services | 15 | |
| Domestic and International Portfolio Management | 15 | |
| Investment Analysis 2 | 15 | |
| International Financial Management | 15 | |
| Financial Modelling | 15 | |
| Advanced Corporate Finance | 15 | |
| Corporate Governance and Finance | 15 | |
| Mergers, Management Buyouts and Other Corporate Reorganisations | 15 | |
| Coding Analytics for Accounting and Finance | 30 | |
| Financial Institutions' Risk Management | 15 | |
| Low Carbon Vehicles and Transport | 15 | |
| Global Challenges | 15 | |
| Theory for Sustainable Transitions | 15 | |
| Green Planet | 15 | |
Fees
2026/27 entry
UK fees per year:
£19,900 full-time
International fees per year:
£32,600 full-time
Scholarships
The University of Exeter offers a wide range of scholarships to support your education, with £7 million available for international students applying to study with us in the 2026/27 academic year, including our prestigious Exeter Excellence Scholarships. We also provide awards for sport, music and other achievements, as well as regional and partner scholarships with organisations such as Chevening, The Beacon Trust and the British Council. For more information on scholarships and other financial support, please visit our scholarships and bursaries page.
University of Exeter Alumni Scholarship
We are pleased to offer the University of Exeter Alumni Scholarship, a scholarship for University of Exeter alumni beginning a standalone postgraduate programme in 2026/27 with us a scholarship worth 20% of the cost of your first year tuition fees.
Terms and conditions, including deadlines, apply.
Teaching and research
Our postgraduate taught programmes utilise a range of teaching methods including lectures, seminars and tutorials.
Lectures
The aim of lectures is to give you information on ideas that are central to the module and to help you in developing your understanding of complex ideas. Many of the teaching materials for lectures are made available to you electronically to accompany the notes you take during the lecture. Lectures are given by a range of staff members, including leading professors, who integrate their latest research findings into the teaching that you receive. Guest lecturers, including members of industry, also contribute to some modules.
Seminars and tutorials
Seminars and tutorials involve an in-depth exploration of the issues covered in lectures as well as giving you the opportunity to discuss various concepts and theories and receive feedback on your written assignments.
Research-led teaching
Our research is rated as world-leading or internationally excellent in the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021.
We are a research intensive faculty and cover a wide range of themes which inform our teaching. Our research is driven by the understanding that accounting and finance continues to play a fundamental role in organisations and society. As a result, many of our inspiring academics are regularly invited to advise policy-makers at institutions including H.M Revenue and Customs, International Accounting Standards Board, Financial Reporting Council, the Pensions Regulator, and the Bank of England.
Taught by leading experts
You will be taught by internationally respected academics who are at the forefront of their research. We draw upon disciplines across the social sciences and give emphasis to the dynamic nature of enterprise, global connectivity and the management and leadership of the global challenges that lie ahead. We are now a partner and member of The Global Research Alliance for Sustainable Finance and Investment (GRASFI), promoting rigorous and highly impactful academic research on sustainable finance and investment.
The Business School is home to the following research centres
- Centre for Innovation in Business Education
- Centre for Responsible Innovation (CRI)
- Centre for Simulation, Analytics and Modelling (CSAM)
- Exeter Centre for Leadership (ExCL)
- Exeter Centre for Social Networks (ECSN)
- Exeter Sustainable Finance Centre (ESF)
- Initiative in the Digital Economy at Exeter (INDEX)
- Land, Environment, Economics and Policy Institute (LEEP)
- Research Methods Centre
- Tax Administration Research Centre (TARC)
- The Exeter Centre for Circular Economy (ECCE)
The Geography Department is home to the Global Systems Institute
The Global Systems Institute is thought-leading in understanding global changes, solving global challenges and helping create a flourishing future world together, through transformative research, education and impact.
Careers
Preparing you for success
This Masters degree is designed to prepare you for a successful career, wherever in the world you plan to work. We’ll prepare you for your career by teaching you advanced communication and technical skills, team-working and independent research, project-management and the very latest specialist knowledge.
Develop skills that employers value
Our MSc Sustainable Finance and Climate Change will enable you to develop the professional and financial skills and subject expertise that makes you a valuable asset from day one of your career. Climate change is humanity's foremost challenge. Governments, businesses, and the finance industry must act now to cut carbon emissions, mitigate global warming, and build resilient, sustainable societies and economies. Sustainable Finance knowledge is becoming an increasingly sought after expertise.
Developing applied quantitative analytical skills through using Bloomberg, S&P capital IQ, WRDS Datastream and other financial databases and software systems as part of your modules, you will also have the latest technical know-how to kick-start your career.
Select modules to suit your future career
By carefully selecting your optional modules such as global challenges, investment analysis, financial modelling, bank management, corporate finance and domestic and international portfolio management.
Potential employers
- Investment management companies where analysts provide information to in-house fund managers
- Stockbrokers and investment banks, where the analysts' research assists clients of their company, usually fund managers but sometimes also company executives and directors
- Wealth management divisions of investment banks
- Institutional investors, such as large charities, pension funds and life assurance companies
- Hedge funds
- Government or public organisations
- SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises)
Graduate training routes
Multi-nationals such as Bank of America Merrill Lynch, Barclays, HSBC, Vanguard Asset Management, Credit Suisse, Citibank, Amundi and Deutsche Bank have graduate training routes in many countries in which they are based. Country-specific banks like China Construction Bank and Bank of China (Hong Kong) and smaller organisations across the world also offer graduate training routes and employment opportunities with specific recruitment cycles appropriate to their local employment market.
Developing your skills and career prospects
The University of Exeter Business School provides a range of support to help you develop skills attractive to employers. Visit our Business School careers service web page for more information.
