Sustainable Finance in the spotlight for new Masters programme
A new Masters programme in Sustainable Finance has been launched by Strathclyde Business School - the programme aims to provide finance professionals with a vision of social and environmental responsibility and a clear understanding of the challenges, opportunities, and applications of sustainable finance.
A sustainable and long-term focus has always been at the core of finance and good business decision making. This programme puts sustainability and long-term thinking front and centre in the decision-making process of investments and business decision making. And crucially, disentangles and clarifies the nuances of sustainable finance and the challenges and opportunities for taking environmental, social and governance (ESG) considerations into account when making decisions.
Environmental considerations include climate change mitigation and adaptation, the potential externalities of industry, and the environment more broadly. Social considerations refer to issues such as inequality, inclusiveness, labour relations and investment in human capital and communities. Governance considerations include the oversight, incentives, and accountability of the decision-making individuals. The Governance of public and private institutions – including board structures and executive pay – are key factors for a sustainable future.
The incorporation of ESG factors in almost every dimension of investment and financing strategies is becoming pivotal for the survival and sustainability of business and investment communities.
This MSc takes a holistic approach on sustainability - it covers all aspects of sustainability considerations including climate change mitigation and adaption, and societal and governance challenges.
Programme director and professor of finance Dimitris Andriosopoulos said, “Sustainability is at the core of how the economy works. With sustainable finance, the financial sector has the ability to become the enabler for transitioning to a sustainable future. Aligning finance with sustainability is a necessity for tackling the environmental and societal challenges we face. But to have a constructive debate about our future it is important to highlight that sustainable finance is not a panacea without trade-offs.
"It's crucial to identify the challenges and opportunities that considering environmental and social issues in investment and business decisions can have and we don't shy away from that. That is why this course is firmly grounded on the latest research and covers the debate on: shareholder vs stakeholder capitalism; if and when “Green” investment delivers superior returns; the latest regulatory and disclosure requirements on sustainability; how Big Data and Artificial Intelligence can be deployed; and double materiality and what is relevant for a business regarding sustainability, among others.”
Students will gain skills in problem solving and understanding the nuances of ESG with multiple case studies and guest lectures from industry leaders as well as gaining skills in applying technology, big data and artificial technology in mobilising sustainable finance.
The MSc Sustainable Finance is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) and has been accepted into the CFA Institute University Recognition Program. As part of the course, a week-long Boot Camp is run in partnership with Amplify, a global financial trading and training company, providing students with the opportunity to experience a real-lie trading simulations, covering multiple roles in the process.
The programme will start in September 2023 and more information on the course is available on the Strathclyde Business School website https://www.strath.ac.uk/courses/postgraduatetaught/sustainablefinance/
