Sustainable and Responsible Finance
| Module title | Sustainable and Responsible Finance |
|---|---|
| Module code | BEAM104 |
| Academic year | 2024/5 |
| Credits | 15 |
| Module staff |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 11 |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 60 |
|---|
Module description
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 key factors that underpin the science of climate change, and the ways in which the finance sector can support the transition to a sustainable, low-carbon economy.
Module aims - intentions of the module
- To gain a comprehensive understanding of the principles, frameworks, and tools used in sustainable and responsible finance.
- To apply frameworks and tools to integrate ESG considerations into financial analysis and decision-making.
- To critically analyse the challenges and opportunities associated with sustainable finance.
- To demonstrate an understanding of the potential impact of sustainable finance on corporate performance and investment returns.
- To propose solutions and recommendations to enhance sustainable and responsible practices in the finance industry
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. discuss the fundamental concepts of sustainable and responsible finance, including environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors
- 2. evaluate the relevance of ESG factors in investment decision-making and assess the performance of sustainable investment strategies.
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 3. apply different sustainability assessment frameworks and tools to evaluate the ESG risks of financial projects and portfolios.
- 4. critically assess the challenges and opportunities associated with integrating sustainability into financial markets and institutions.
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 5. apply sustainable finance principles in real-world scenarios and case studies.
- 6. communicate effectively on sustainable and responsible finance topics, both orally and in written form.
Syllabus plan
The syllabus list is indicative.
- Introduction to Sustainable and Responsible Finance
- Sustainable Investing Approaches and Strategies
- Integrating ESG Factors into Financial Analysis
- Climate finance and Impact investing
- Governance and Sustainability Reporting
- Policy and Regulatory Landscape
- Challenges and Opportunities in Sustainable Finance
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 30 | 120 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | 20 | Lectures |
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | 10 | Workshops (all students in one weekly session) |
| Guided Independent Study | 120 | Reading, research, reflection; preparation for lectures, workshops and assessments |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Discussion of academic papers | Assigned academic papers | 1-6 | Oral feedback from the module lead |
| Presentation of the proposal (group) | 5-minute oral presentation in the workshop | 1-6 | Oral feedback from the module lead |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 20 | 80 | 0 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Presentation of real-life cases (group) | 20 | 20-minute oral presentation in workshop and accompanying slides | 1-6 | Oral feedback from the class and written feedback from the module lead |
| Examination | 80 | 2 hours | 1-4, 6 | General feedback provided on ELE |
Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)
| Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Presentation of real-life cases (group) (20%) | Individual written report on a case (20%, max.1,200 words) | 1-6 | Referral/deferral period |
| Exam (80%) | Exam (80%, 2 hours) | 1-4,6 | Referral/deferral period |
Re-assessment notes
Deferral – if you miss an assessment for certificated reasons judged acceptable by the Mitigation Committee, you will normally be either deferred in the assessment or an extension may be granted. The mark given for a re-assessment taken as a result of deferral will not be capped and will be treated as it would be if it were your first attempt at the assessment.
Referral – if you have failed the module overall (i.e. a final overall module mark of less than 50%) you will be required to sit the written examination and/or practical examination as necessary. If you are successful on referral, your overall module mark will be capped at 50%.
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
- Edmans, A. (2020). Grow the pie: How great companies deliver both purpose and profit. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
- La Torre, M. and Chiappini. H. (Eds.) (2021). Contemporary Issues in Sustainable Finance: Financial Products and Financial Institutions. Cham: Springer International Publishing: Imprint: Palgrave Macmillan.Scott, M. C. (2022) Sustainable Finance: Using the Power of Money to Change the World. Cham: Springer International Publishing: Imprint: Palgrave Macmillan, 2022. Sherwood, M.W. and Pollard, J. (2023). Responsible Investing: An Introduction to Environmental, Social, and Governance Investments (2nd ef.). Oxon: Routledge.
- Thompson, S. (2023). Green and sustainable finance: principles and practice (2nd ed). London, England; New York, New York: Kogan Page Limited.
Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources
- All lecture and tutorial materials are posted on the intranet.
Indicative learning resources - Other resources
- Supplementary reading materials are indicated in the references of each lecture.
| Credit value | 15 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 7.5 |
| Module pre-requisites | None |
| Module co-requisites | None |
| NQF level (module) | 7 |
| Available as distance learning? | No |
| Origin date | 14/06/2023 |
| Last revision date | 01/10/2023 |
