Programme Specification for the 2024/5 academic year
MSc Sustainable Finance and Climate Change
1. Programme Details
| Programme name | MSc Sustainable Finance and Climate Change | Programme code | PTS1SBEMAS01 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Study mode(s) | Level 1 |
Academic year | 2024/5 |
| Campus(es) | Streatham (Exeter) |
NQF Level of the Final Award | 7 (Masters) |
2. Description of the Programme
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.
This programme takes an interdisciplinary approach, integrating sustainable investment strategies, risk management and environmental studies, with a focus on the understanding of climate change problem as part of the wider sustainability agenda. This comprehensive curriculum enables you to grasp the complex relationships between financial systems and climate change, prepare you to address real-world challenges. The programme emphasises practical application and problem-solving research in the global context of sustainability. You will engage in case studies and projects that allow you to apply your knowledge to real-world scenarios, enhancing your employability.
Building on the core knowledge and skills developed in the programme, you will be introduced to ethical issues and dilemmas in financial decision-making and encouraged to consider the social, economic, and environmental implications of your professional behaviours and decision. 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.
3. Educational Aims of the Programme
The programme will enable you to:
- Develop a sound understanding of the science, impacts, and challenges associated with climate change, as well as the principles and practices of sustainability.
- Acquire a strong foundation in financial principles and instruments, with a focus on sustainable and responsible financial practices.
- Evaluate and manage climate-related risks and opportunities within the financial sector, integrating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors into effective risk management strategies.
- Examine the integration of sustainability principles into corporate decision-making and reporting within the financial sector, considering the evolving regulatory landscape related to climate change.
- Investigate and propose innovative financial mechanisms and ethical solutions to address challenges posed by climate change.
4. Programme Structure
The MSc Sustainable Finance and Climate Change is a 1-year full-time programme of study at Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) level 7 (as confirmed against the FHEQ). The programme is divided into units of study called modules which are assigned a number of credits. The credit rating of a module is proportional to the total workload, with 1 credit being nominally equivalent to 10 hours of work.
5. Programme Modules
The following tables describe the programme and constituent modules. Constituent modules may be updated, deleted or replaced as a consequence of the annual programme review of this programme.
120 credits of compulsory modules and 60 credits of optional modules
Stage 1
Compulsory Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| BEAM032 | Investment Analysis 1 | 15 | No |
| BEAM047 | Fundamentals of Financial Management | 15 | No |
| BEAM104 | Sustainable and Responsible Finance | 15 | No |
| MTHM054 | Climate Change Science and Solutions | 15 | No |
| BEAM052 | Corporate Governance and Finance | 15 | No |
| BEAM103 | Climate Finance and Investments | 15 | No |
| BEAM101 | Sustainable Finance Project | 30 | No |
Optional Modules
a At the discretion of the programme director you may choose either BEAM007 or BEAM079, you cannot choose both
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| MSc Sustainable Finance and Climate Change opt modules 24/25 [See note a above] | |||
| GEOM145 | Theory for Sustainable Transitions | 15 | No |
| GEOM141 | Global Challenges | 15 | No |
| GEOM143 | Global Systems Thinking | 15 | No |
| BEAM031 | Financial Instruments | 15 | No |
| BEAM102 | Financial Institutions' Risk Management | 15 | No |
| BEAM033 | Banking and Financial Services | 15 | No |
| BEAM035 | Derivatives Pricing | 15 | No |
| BEAM036 | Domestic and International Portfolio Management | 15 | No |
| BEAM038 | Investment Analysis 2 | 15 | No |
| BEAM042 | International Financial Management | 15 | No |
| BEAM046 | Financial Modelling | 15 | No |
| BEAM050 | Advanced Corporate Finance | 15 | No |
| BEAM052 | Corporate Governance and Finance | 15 | No |
| BEAM065 | Bank Management | 15 | No |
| BEAM007 | Investment Analysis Dissertation | 30 | No |
| BEAM079 | Coding Analytics for Accounting and Finance | 30 | No |
| BEAM053 | Mergers, Management Buyouts and Other Corporate Reorganisations | 15 | No |
6. Programme Outcomes Linked to Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods
Intended Learning Outcomes
A: Specialised Subject Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
1. Critically analyse and implement sustainable investment strategies, including the evaluation of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors in financial decision-making. | Teaching is delivered by scheduled taught lectures and classes including seminars, tutorials, and workshops/practical sessions (A1-4). Learning takes place through assigned reading of the relevant literature, assigned problem sets and solutions, which may be either individual or group work, and by completion of a sustainable finance project (A1-4). Teaching follows the problem-based and research-led approaches (A1-4). Additionally, all teaching and learning activities are supported by online resources including ELE2. | Assessment takes place in two formats: There will be a range of regular formative assessment which seeks to build your skills and confidence whilst keeping you engaged with the programme, including online quizzes, applied exercises and problem sets, and presentation. Summative assessment includes written examinations, applied exercise, written assignments (e.g., case studies, business/research projects, proposals, and essays), and presentation. |
Intended Learning Outcomes
B: Academic Discipline Core Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
5. Develop rigorous arguments based on critical and analytical reasoning. | Teaching and learning activities in taught lectures, seminars, tutorials, and workshops Classes, assigned exercises, practical classes accommodate and facilitate B5-B7. Guided preparation and presentation of reports and individual or group projects require critical surveys of the existing literature (B8-9). Class solution of assigned problems develops the use of concepts and models (B5-B7). | Academic discipline core skills and knowledge are assessed by both formative and summative assessment methods. Specifically, formative assessment includes online quizzes (B5-B6), applied exercises and problem sets (B5-B7) and presentation (B7-B9). Summative assessment includes written examinations (B5-B8), applied exercise, written assignments (B5-B10) (e.g., case studies, business/research projects, proposals, and reports), and presentation (B9-B10). |
Intended Learning Outcomes
C: Personal/Transferable/Employment Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
11. Confident Communicator: Able to adapt and adjust both written and verbal communication styles, to meet the needs of diverse audiences. | C11 MTHM054 requires your engagement in discussion and presentation on a climate change solution. BEAM032 requires you to communicate a detailed and convincing company assessment, appropriate both to a practitioner as well as an academic audience. BEAM052 requires you to present the results of a project effectively. BEAM047 requires you to communicate theoretical arguments based on analytical reasoning in written forum. BEAM101 requires your engagement with online discussion forum in relevant areas and receive feedback from peers and lecturer. BEAM103 requires your engagement in discussion of academic papers and presentation of real-life cases. BEAM104 expects you to communicate effectively on sustainable finance topics, both orally and/or in written form. C12 MTHM054 requires you to engage in debate and discussion during module session and explain a proposed climate change solution through a pamphlet and a short group presentation. BEAM032 requires you to analyse and interpret a firm’s financial performance and position. BEAM052 expects you to propose novel solutions in problem solving and make decisions in unpredictable situations. BEAM047 expects you to acquire quantitative and analytical skills both in classes (taught lectures and seminars with assigned problem sets) and guided independent study (reading and preparation for classes and assessments). BEAM101 requires you to explore the current and future impacts of climate change on environment, economy, society, and the financial services sector. BEAM103 expects you to propose innovative climate finance solutions. BEAM104 expects you to apply developed skills to real-world issues. C13 MTHM054 requires you to work in interdisciplinary groups and present results in group presentation. BEAM032 requires you to work effectively in a group setting. BEAM052 requires you to develop your skills in team-working and presentation. BEAM047 expects you to work collaboratively on problem set discussion in classes (taught lectures and seminars). BEAM101 requires you to engage in online discussion forum with peers and lecturer. BEAM103 requires you to collaborate effectively in teams. BEAM104 requires you to work in a group to prepare for the presentation of the proposal and case studies. C14 MTHM054 requires you to evaluate data, theory, and evidence from digital learning resources. BEAM032 expects you to apply structured techniques and make good use of digital learning resources to reach a well-defined decision. BEAM052 requires you to access, synthesise and evaluate a body of relevant existing research on digital resources. BEAM047 requires you to interpret financial data and problems in the light of established theories with appropriate use of digital learning resources. BEAM101 requires you to work on a contemporary research project with appropriate use of learning resources, data analysis and processing various information in solving financial problems. BEAM103 requires you to apply financial tools in digital platforms to analyse and make informed decision regarding climate finance and investment. BEAM104 requires you to apply different suitability assessment frameworks and tools to evaluate the ESG risks of financial projects and portfolios on digital platforms. C15 Students in this programme are expected to manage time and tasks (submission of group work, presentations, mid-term assessments, final written exams); work independently (using resources to plan own learning, review answers and identify own learning points); adapt to change (reflecting the core difference between thought, critical analysis, use of evidence; management of ever-changing circumstances related to group work; different technical approaches such as bookkeeping procedures to process a transaction); seek and use feedback (using formative and summative feedback to develop); drive towards personal goals (reflect on input and align to personal goals). C16 MTHM054 expects you to synthesise and critically evaluate data, theory and evidence across subject areas. BEAM032 requires you to develop a critical awareness of the limitations of financial statements. BEAM052 requires you to critically appraise how research insights have informed policy debate. BEAM047 requires you critically analyse problems arising in both academic and practical contexts. BEAM101 requires you to critically evaluate concepts, theories and techniques and develop theory-practice links between ESG and financial decisions. BEAM103 requires you to critically evaluate climate change and its impact on the environment, economy, society and the financial services sector. BEAM014 requires you to critically assess the challenges and opportunities associated with integrating sustainability into financial markets and institutions. C17 MTHM054 expects you to evaluate major international efforts to address climate change such as the IPCC. BEAM032 uses International Financial Reporting Standards which apply to more than 100 countries around the world. BEAM052 focuses on cross-country differences between governance systems around the world. BEAM047 expect you to apply investment theory and corporate finance in international case studies. BEAM101 requires you to evaluate broader sustainability context and global initiatives and appraise contemporary issues and trends. BEAM103 requires you to explore the international policy frameworks and regulatory mechanisms that influence climate finance and investment decision. BEAM104 expects you to apply sustainable finance principles in real-world scenarios and case studies. | Formative and summative assessments: C11 MTHM054 – group work: pamphlet and group work: presentation (ILOs 3,5,6-8) BEAM032 – group assignment (ILOs 1-10) BEAM052 – individual written assignment (ILOs 1-11) BEAM047 – class test and written examination (ILOs 1-13) BEAM101 - online discussion forum (ILOs 1-8) and Coursework (ILOs 1-8) BEAM103 – group presentation (ILOs 1-6) and Assignment (ILOS 1-5) BEAM104 – case study presentation (ILOs1-6) and exam (ILOs 1-4, 6) C12 MTHM054 – group work: pamphlet and group work: presentation (ILOs 3,5,6-8); Questions on core lectures + mini essays on guest lectures (ILOs 1-8) BEAM032 – group assignment (ILOs 1-10) and written exam (ILOs 1-9) BEAM052 – individual written assignment (ILOs 1-11) and written exam (ILOs 1-7, 11) BEAM047 – written examination (ILOs 1-13) BEAM101 – MCQ test (ILOs 1-8) and Coursework (ILOs 1-8) BEAM103 – group presentation (ILOs 1-6) and Assignment (ILOS 1-5) BEAM104 – case study presentation (ILOs1-6) and exam (ILOs 1-4, 6) C13 MTHM054 – group work: pamphlet and group work: presentation (ILOS 3,5,6-8) BEAM032 – group assignment (ILOs 1-10). BEAM052 - academic paper discussion in seminar setting (ILOs 1-5, 7, 11) BEAM047 – problem sets discussion in seminar setting (ILOs 1-13) BEAM101 - online discussion forum (ILOs 1-8) BEAM103 – group presentation (ILOs 1-6) BEAM104 – case study presentation (ILO1-6) C14 MTHM054 – Mentimeter and problem sheets (ILOs 1-9); group work: pamphlet and group work: presentation (ILOS 3,5,6-8) BEAM032 – group assignment (ILOs 1-10). BEAM052 – individual written assignment (ILOs 1-11) and written exam (ILOs 1-7, 11) BEAM047 – ELE quiz interactive exercises using online digital tools (ILO1-7) BEAM101 - Coursework (ILOs 1-8), online discussion forum (ILOs 1-8) and ELE quiz interactive exercises using online digital tools (ILOs 1-8) BEAM103 – group presentation (ILOs 1-6) and Assignment (ILOS 1-5) BEAM104 – case study presentation (ILOs1-6) and exam (ILOs 1-4, 6) C15 C15 is very general, and across the programme it is assessed through a mixture of individual/group assignments, presentations, MCQ exams, and written examinations. C16 MTHM054 – group work: pamphlet and group work: presentation (ILOS 3,5,6-8); Questions on core lectures + mini essays on guest lectures (ILOs 1-8) BEAM032 – group assignment (ILOs 1-10) and written exam (ILOs 1-9) BEAM052 – individual written assignment (ILOs 1-11) and written exam (ILOs 1-7, 11) BEAM047 – class test and written examination (ILOs 1-13) BEAM052 – individual written assignment (ILOs 1-11) BEAM101 - online discussion forum (ILOs 1-8), MCQ test (ILOS 1-8) and Coursework (ILOs 1-8) BEAM103 – group presentation (ILOs 1-6) and Assignment (ILOs 1-5) BEAM104 – case study presentation (ILOs1-6) and exam (ILOs 1-4, 6) C17 MTHM054 – group work: pamphlet and group work: presentation (ILOS 3,5,6-8); Questions on core lectures + mini essays on guest lectures (ILOs 1-8) BEAM032 – group assignment (ILOs 1-10) and exam (ILOs 1-9) BEAM052 – individual written assignment (ILOs 1-11) and written exam (ILOs 1-7. 11) BEAM047 – written examination (ILOs 1-13) BEAM101 - online discussion forum (ILOs 1-8), MCQ test (ILOS 1-8) and Coursework (ILOs 1-8) BEAM103 – group presentation (ILOs 1-6) and Assignment (ILOs 1-5) BEAM104 – case study presentation (ILOs1-6) and exam (ILOs 1-4, 6) |
7. Programme Regulations
Classification
Full details of assessment regulations for all taught programmes can be found in the TQA Manual, specifically in the Credit and Qualifications Framework, and the Assessment, Progression and Awarding: Taught Programmes Handbook. Additional information, including Generic Marking Criteria, can be found in the Learning and Teaching Support Handbook.
8. College Support for Students and Students' Learning
9. University Support for Students and Students' Learning
Please refer to the University Academic Policy and Standards guidelines regarding support for students and students' learning.
10. Admissions Criteria
Undergraduate applicants must satisfy the Undergraduate Admissions Policy of the University of Exeter.
Postgraduate applicants must satisfy the Postgraduate Admissions Policy of the University of Exeter.
Specific requirements required to enrol on this programme are available at the respective Undergraduate or Postgraduate Study Site webpages.
11. Regulation of Assessment and Academic Standards
Each academic programme in the University is subject to an agreed College assessment and marking strategy, underpinned by institution-wide assessment procedures.
The security of assessment and academic standards is further supported through the appointment of External Examiners for each programme. External Examiners have access to draft papers, course work and examination scripts. They are required to attend the Board of Examiners and to provide an annual report. Annual External Examiner reports are monitored at both College and University level. Their responsibilities are described in the University's code of practice. See the University's TQA Manual for details.
14. Awarding Institution
University of Exeter
15. Lead College / Teaching Institution
Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy (ESE)
16. Partner College / Institution
Partner College(s)
Not applicable to this programme
Partner Institution
Not applicable to this programme.
17. Programme Accredited / Validated by
Not applicable to this programme.
18. Final Award
MSc Sustainable Finance and Climate Change
19. UCAS Code
Not applicable to this programme.
20. NQF Level of Final Award
7 (Masters)
21. Credit
| CATS credits | 180 |
ECTS credits | 90 |
|---|
22. QAA Subject Benchmarking Group
23. Dates
| Origin Date | Date of last revision | 02/07/2024 |
|---|
