Program Overview

Expert in Preparation and Verification of Sustainability Reports

The course "Expert in the Preparation and Verification of Sustainability Reports" from the Rey Juan Carlos University and the General Council of Economists is a response to the urgent demand in the business, legal, and social fields for transparency and accountability in sustainability reporting. This course offers a unique opportunity to acquire knowledge and practical skills that will position students at the forefront of a rapidly evolving field. To obtain this degree, students must pass the final exam for the in-person course, attend 80% of the live sessions, and complete the assessment tests for the sessions on the platform. The course is aimed at students with a previous university degree who are looking to specialize in the preparation and verification of sustainability reports. Candidates are expected to have a solid foundation in topics related to sustainability, data analysis, and an understanding of current regulations in this area. Those students who have already passed one of the first two editions of the course organized by the CGE will have to follow the registration instructions that appear in the following link. In any case, they must also pass the final in-person exam for the corresponding modules on July 1, 2026, as well as mandatory attendance at 80% of the live sessions and completing the assessment tests on the platform, in order to obtain their own degree. Students enrolled in a Bachelor's or Double Degree who have a maximum of 30 ECTS credits of an official university degree in Spain whose profile matches the functions legally provided for in the corresponding field will be able to access conditionally. In this case, no type of certification will be obtained until it is proven that one is in possession of the official university degree required for access to postgraduate education. Exceptionally, they will also be able to access these professional studies without a previous official university degree that certifies work experience in this field. In this case, they will only be eligible for a diploma or a university extension certificate with the same name and number of credits as this Title, in accordance with the equivalence table included in Annex I of the Own Teaching Regulations of the Rey Juan Carlos University.

Objectives

• Become an expert in the preparation and verification of sustainability reports.
• Acquire knowledge on non-financial reporting statements (NFRS)/sustainability statements and the first European sustainability reporting standards (NEIS/ESRS).
• Immediately apply the knowledge acquired in professional work.

Programme

The course is structured into several modules, including:

• MODULE 1. STATE OF THE QUESTION: Introduction to the course with practical cases and real experiences.
• MODULE 2. SUSTAINABILITY, CSR AND GOOD GOVERNANCE: Covers topics such as sustainability, corporate social responsibility, and good governance.
• MODULE 3. PREPARATION OF NON-FINANCIAL OR SUSTAINABILITY INFORMATION: REGULATION: Focuses on the preparation of non-financial information and its regulation.
• MODULE 4. TRANSVERSAL ESRS: Explores general requirements and information for ESRS.
• MODULE 5. THEMATIC ESRS: ENVIRONMENT: Delves into environmental aspects such as climate change, pollution, and biodiversity.
• MODULE 6. THEMATIC ESRS: SOCIAL: Covers social themes including workers, communities, and consumers.
• MODULE 7. THEMATIC ESRS: GOVERNANCE: Discusses business conduct and governance.
• MODULE 8. SPECIFIC CASES: SECTORAL AND SME DEVELOPMENT: Examines specific cases and sectoral development.
• MODULE 9. DUE DILIGENCE: Focuses on due diligence in sustainability reporting.
• MODULE 10. VERIFICATION OF THE SUSTAINABILITY REPORT: Details the process of verifying sustainability reports.
• MODULE 11. GLOBAL CASE STUDY NEW REPORT: Presents a global case study on new reports.
• MODULE 12. FINANCE AND SUSTAINABLE TAXATION: Covers sustainable finance and taxation.

Quality Commission

The quality of the course is ensured by a commission composed of:

• José Ángel Rivero Menéndez (URJC)
• Miguel Ángel Sánchez de Lara (URJC)
• Salvador Marín Hernández (Director of the Research Service of the General Council of Economists)
• Esther Ortiz Martínez (Vice President of Accounting Economists of the General Council of Economists)

Recipients

The course is aimed at students with a previous university degree looking to specialize in the preparation and verification of sustainability reports. Candidates should have a solid foundation in sustainability-related topics, data analysis, and an understanding of current regulations.

Access Requirements

Students with a university degree can access the course. Those with foreign qualifications must submit their degree and other required documents. Students without a university degree but with relevant work experience may also be considered, but they will only be eligible for a diploma or a university extension certificate.

Selection Criteria

In case of excessive applications, selection will be based on:

• Degree affinity (0-25%): The relevance of the student's academic degree to the course objectives.
• Academic record (0-25%): The student's academic performance.
• English level (0-25%): The student's proficiency in English.
• CV and motivation letter (0-25%): The student's attitudinal and vocational aspects.

Academic Management and Faculty

The course is directed by:

• José Ángel Rivero Menéndez
• Miguel Ángel Sánchez de Lara With a faculty that includes various experts from URJC and other institutions.

Duration and Development

The course is blended/online, with 15 credits, and runs from January 2026 to June 2026. It includes online class sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Reservation of Place and Enrollment

Pre-registration and registration period: 17/09/2025 to 17/12/2025. The title price is 1,300, with the possibility of scholarships. The start of the course is subject to a minimum of 40 enrolled students.

Documentation to Attach, Forms, and Place of Delivery

Applicants must submit scanned documentation, including their national identity document, university degree, curriculum vitae, and a responsible declaration of veracity of the data provided. Students with foreign qualifications must also submit their passport or residence card and foreign higher education degree. All documentation should be submitted through the specified link.