Program Overview

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Sustainable Finance (MSc)

About this course

Our MSc in Sustainable Finance aims to prepare you for the growing market in sustainable business and finance practices. It focuses on understanding how environmental and social changes impact the global finance industry.

You'll learn to use analytical skills to address environmental and social issues, including the impact of climate change.

Our course will enable you to:

• solve issues in investments, financial markets, and business practices
• build in-depth knowledge towards the field of sustainable finance
• develop high level of numerical and critical thinking skills
• undertake a career in the emerging field of sustainable finance
• enhance your networking and career opportunities

A degree in sustainable finance will give you the experience to work on sustainable solutions across sectors, opening diverse career opportunities.

The course has close links to the Centre for Empirical Research in Finance and Banking (CERFIB) research centre. The centre focuses on themes including ethical and sustainable finance. Visiting speakers from CERFIB may deliver workshops or guest lectures. This will allow you to gain further practical and theoretical knowledge.

The course is run in collaboration with the Sustainability and Resilience Institute (SRI). The institute focuses on tackling the critical challenges of today’s society. Our collaboration with SRI will help you to build insights into science and policy. You'll get this alongside the sustainable finance knowledge gained from this course.

We regularly review our courses to ensure and improve quality. This course may be revised as a result of this. Any revision will be balanced against the requirement that the student should receive the educational service expected. Find out why, when, and how we might make changes.

Our courses are regulated in England by the Office for Students (OfS).

Course lead

This course is led by Dr Giota Papadimitri. Giota is Associate Professor of Banking and Finance at the Southampton Business School. Her teaching responsibilities involve modules related to corporate finance and international finance topics. Her research interests include:

• bank performance and risk
• financial regulation
• corporate finance & governance
• sustainable finance

Most of her work focuses on the impact of societal qualities such as culture, social capital, and public environmental awareness on corporate decision making.

See Dr Papadimitri's Staff Profile for more information.

Learn more about this subject area

Business, accounting, finance and marketing

Learn to succeed in business and shape industry practice. At Southampton Business School you'll develop the skills to understand the real-world issues facing businesses, organisations and government.

Facilities

Business study spaces

Explore our dedicated spaces where business students can study, independently or in groups, or catch up over a coffee. This includes our MBA suite, an exclusive teaching space for our students.

Financial laboratory

The financial laboratory will give you valuable experience using Bloomberg terminals, which allow you to access to real-world financial market data.

Course location

This course is based at Highfield.

Awarding body

This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.

Download the Course Description Document

The Course Description Document details your course overview, your course structure and how your course is taught and assessed.

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Entry requirements

To apply for our MSc Sustainable Finance course, you'll need a 2:1 degree in a related subject.

You’ll need a 2.1 degree in a subject which includes quantitative study such as:

• finance
• sciences
• maths
• engineering
• computer science
• economics
• quantitative business or management

Find the equivalent international qualifications for your country.

We do not accept the following subjects:

• Language Studies: degrees that focus on learning a language or how to translate, such as 'Business English', Applied English', or 'Translation', are not acceptable. However, this restriction does not apply to ‘English’ and ‘English literature’ degrees of the kind taught in the UK.
• Art, Design, or Vocational studies: degrees that focus on learning a particular form of art, craft or vocation. These include degrees in art, graphic design, photography, television broadcasting, script writing, or performance/dance.

English language requirements

If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need all of the following scores as a minimum:

IELTS score requirements

• overall score: 6.5
• reading: 6.0
• writing: 6.0
• speaking: 6.0
• listening: 6.0

If you do not meet the English language requirements through a test or qualification, you may be able to meet them by completing one of our pre-sessional English programmes before your course starts.

If you don’t meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

Pre-masters

If you don’t meet the academic requirements, you can complete a pre-master's programme through our partnership with OnCampus. Learn more about the programmes available.

Recognition of professional experience

If you don't have the exact entry requirements, but you have significant work experience in this sector we’ll assess your relevant professional experience, your subject knowledge and your aptitude for learning.

Your application will be considered on individual merit and you may be asked to attend an interview.

Got a question?

Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email:
Tel:+44(0)

Course structure

This full-time master's course lasts for 12 months.

Semester 1 overview

Your first semester will include introductory content to sustainability and finance. You'll study a core module in sustainable finance and build your analytical skills.

There will be 4 core modules in this semester.

Semester 2 overview

In your second semester you'll explore the course content in more detail and look at how businesses can operate with sustainability in mind. Through your studies you'll get to learn about the effects of climate change and take a deeper look at corporate finance.

There will be 3 core modules in this semester. You'll also get to choose from 4 optional modules.

Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.

Modules

The modules outlined provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. As a research-led University, we undertake a continuous review of our course to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Find out why, when and how we might make changes.

We don't have module information for this course yet. Please check again later.

Learning and assessment

Learning

Our MSc Sustainable Finance course covers key concepts and theories through a blend of modules.

You'll study modules that focus on the traditional theories of finance, and later cover modules that revisit these theories to address sustainable practices.

Learning a mixture of approaches, you'll be able to analyse real-world data. This a crucial part of understanding the business landscape and decision making process.

The mode of learning for this course includes a variety of effective and engaging teaching methods. This approach helps to ensure that you can achieve all learning outcomes.

You'll learn through a combination of:

• lectures
• seminars
• workshops
• case studies
• group work

These approaches allow you to build a well-rounded set of skills. It'll also enable you to further your understanding and prepare for formal assessments.

Assessment

The assessments include, but are not limited to:

• examinations
• individual assignments
• essays
• group presentations
• in-class assessments

The combination of assessments will contribute towards assessing your individual understanding of the subject matter.

Formative feedback will be provided either through practical examples or discussion sessions in class.

Dissertation

The dissertation stage of your course involves an extended and independent investigation of a topic of your own choosing. You'll need to write a 15,000 word dissertation. It will need to demonstrate a master's level understanding of a particular subject issue.

Academic Support

We'll assign you a personal academic tutor, and you'll have access to a senior tutor.

Careers and employability

The employability and enterprise skills you'll gain from this course are reflected in the Southampton skills model. When you join us you'll be able to use our skills model to track, plan, and benefit your career development and progress.

Download skills overview

Work experience opportunities

Choosing to do work experience is a great way to enhance your employability, build valuable networks, and evidence your potential. Learn about the different work and industry experience options at Southampton.

Read more

Careers services and support

We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). Our Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise team will support you. This support includes:

• work experience schemes
• CV and interview skills and workshops
• networking events
• careers fairs attended by top employers
• a wealth of volunteering opportunities
• study abroad and summer school opportunities

We have a vibrant entrepreneurship culture and our dedicated start-up supporter, Futureworlds, is open to every student.

Your career ideas and graduate job opportunities may change while you're at university. So it is important to take time to regularly reflect on your goals, speak to people in industry and seek advice and up-to-date information from Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise professionals at the University.

More about careers support

Fees, costs and funding

Tuition fees

Fees for a year's study:

• UK students pay £15,800.
• EU and international students pay £31,500.

Check fees for other versions of this course.

Deposit

If you're an international student on a full-time course, we'll ask you to pay £2,000 of your tuition fees in advance, as a deposit.

Your offer letter will tell you when this should be paid and provide full terms and conditions.

Find out about exemptions, refunds and how to pay your deposit on our tuition fees for overseas students page.

What your fees pay for

Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and any exams. The fee you pay will remain the same each year from when you start studying this course. This includes if you suspend and return.

Find out how to pay your tuition fees.

Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. There may also be extra costs for retake and professional exams.

Explore:

• accommodation costs
• living costs
• budgeting advice
• fees, charges and expenses regulations

10% alumni discount

If you’re a graduate of the University of Southampton, you could be eligible for a 10% discount on your postgraduate tuition fees.

Postgraduate Master’s Loans (UK nationals only)

This can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate master's course. Find out if you're eligible.

Funding your postgraduate studies

A variety of additional funding options may be available to help you pay for your master’s study. Both from the University and other organisations.

Funding for EU and international students

Find out about funding you could get as an international student.

How to apply

1. Use the blue 'apply for this course' button on this page to take you to our postgraduate admissions system.
2. Create an account which gives you access to your own application portal. .
3. Search for the course you want to apply for.
4. Complete the application form and upload any supporting documents.
5. Pay the £50 application assessment fee, (there are some exemptions, check terms and conditions).
6. Submit your application.

For further details of our admission process, read our step by step guide to postgraduate taught applications.

Application deadlines

UK students

The deadline to apply for this course is Tuesday 9 September 2025, midday UK time.

We advise applying early as applications may close before the expected deadline if places are filled.

International students

The deadline to apply for this course is Tuesday 26 August 2025, midday UK time.

We advise applying early as applications may close before the expected deadline if places are filled.

Application assessment fee

We’ll ask you to pay a £50 application assessment fee if you’re applying for a postgraduate taught course.

This is an extra one-off charge which is separate to your tuition fees and is payable per application. It covers the work and time it takes us to assess your application. You’ll be prompted to pay when you submit your application which won’t progress until you've paid.

If you're a current or former University of Southampton student, or if you’re applying for certain scholarships, you will not need to pay the fee. PGCE applications through GOV.UK and Master of Research (MRes) degree applications are also exempt. Find out if you’re exempt on our terms and conditions page.

Supporting information

When you apply you’ll need to submit a personal statement explaining why you want to take the course.

You’ll need to include information about:

• your knowledge of the subject area
• why you want to study a postgraduate qualification in this course
• how you intend to use your qualification

You'll also need to submit two academic references.

Please include the required paperwork showing your first degree and your IELTS English language test score (if you are a non-native English speaker) with your application. Without these, your application may be delayed.

What happens after you apply

You'll be able to track your application through our online Applicant Record System.

We will aim to send you a decision 6 weeks after you have submitted your application.

If we offer you a place, you will need to accept the offer within 30 working days. If you do not meet this deadline, we will offer your place to another applicant.

Unfortunately, due to number of applications we receive, we may not be able to give you specific feedback on your application if you are unsuccessful.

Equality and diversity

We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.

Got a question?

Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email:
Tel:+44(0)

Related courses

Sustainable Finance (MSc) is a course in the Business, accounting, finance and marketing subject area. Here are some other courses within this subject area:

• MSc Accounting and Finance
• MSc Accounting and Management
• MSc Business Analytics and Finance
• MSc Business Analytics and Management Science
• MSc Business and Heritage Management
• MSc Business Strategy and Innovation Management
• MSc Digital Business
• MSc Digital Marketing
• MSc Digital Strategy and Information Systems
• MSc Finance
• MSc Finance and Econometrics
• MSc Finance and Economics
• MSc Human Resource Management
• MSc International Accounting and Governance
• MSc International Accounting and Sustainability
• MSc International Banking and Financial Studies
• MSc International Entrepreneurship and Management
• MSc International Financial Markets
• MSc International Management
• MSc Logistics and Supply Chain Analytics
• MSc Management
• MSc Management and Artificial Intelligence
• MSc Marketing Analytics
• MSc Marketing Management
• MBA Master of Business Administration
• MSc Operational Research
• MSc Operational Research and Finance
• MSc Project Management
• MSc Risk and Finance
• MSc Risk Management
• MSc Shipping Finance
• MSc Strategic Operations and Supply Chain Management