Introduction
Key information
Duration: 1-year full time
Start date: September 2021
Apply by: 1 August (International), 1 September (UK)
Environmental, social and governance issues are now a major factor in investment. This creates rapid growth in accounting and finance careers with a specific focus on sustainability.
This MSc is designed in line with recommendations by major professional bodies, including Global Association of Risk Professionals (GARP) and the Chartered Institute of Securities and Investment (CISI). On this course, you’ll:
expand your skills in environmental accounting, corporate governance, and climate and green finance
explore the role of accounting and finance in the growing integration of sustainability and accountability practices
develop valuable skills, including breaking down complex problems, decision-making under uncertainty, intercultural communication and awareness of the business context.
You’ll be taught by world-class researchers and enthusiastic teachers in the University of Sussex Business School. Our research strengths are:
corporate reporting and sustainability, governance and social responsibility
climate finance
energy policy.
Benefitting from the expertise at our SPRU – Science Policy Research Unit, you’ll also have the opportunity to explore policies on sustainability development in the corporate world.
Accreditation
The University of Sussex Business School is accredited by EQUIS, the most comprehensive institutional accreditation system for business and management schools. Accreditation ensures a rigorous quality control, benchmarking against international standards and is acknowledged worldwide.
The vision of our Business School is to drive innovation for social progress, supported by distinctive strengths in the areas of sustainability and climate change. PRME (Principles for Responsible Management Education) accreditation has also been achieved by the School.
Entry requirements
Degree requirements: You should have a lower second-class (2.2) undergraduate honours degree or above.
Subject-specific requirements: Your qualification should be in a subject which has a basic coverage of accounting and finance. Candidates with degrees in economics, business or management will also be considered on a case by case basis. You may also be considered for the course if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing.
Modules
Core modules are taken by all students on the course. They give you a solid grounding in your chosen subject and prepare you to explore the topics that interest you most.
Autumn teaching
Accounting, Organisations and Society
Global Business Environment
Sustainability Accounting and Reporting
Sustainable Development
Spring teaching
Accountability and Ethics
Climate Finance
Research Methods
Summer teaching
Research Project (Accounting and Finance)
Options
Alongside your core modules, you can choose options to broaden your horizons and tailor your course to your interests.
Business Finance
Corporate Governance
Ethics and Organisation: Responsibility and Justice
Energy, Policy and Sustainability
How much does it cost?
Fees
Home students: £12,450 per year for full-time students
Channel Islands and Isle of Man students: £12,450 per year for full-time students
International students: £22,500 per year for full-time students. Find out about the £3000 University of Sussex Business School International Masters Award
If you’re a self-funded international student, you’re required to pay a tuition fee deposit. Find out more about Masters tuition fee deposits
Careers
The course looks at the global nature of sustainability in the context of accounting and finance.
You’ll understand the role of accounting and finance in meeting the key challenges surrounding sustainability development goals, climate finance, environmental reporting and corporate governance. You’ll be prepared for rewarding and socially beneficial employment in sustainability-related accounting and finance roles.
As a graduate, you can pursue careers in a wide range of sectors. This could include roles in local and national government, NGOs, global organisations, business and industry, such as:
ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) analyst, or transparency and ESG reporting manage
sustainability reporting manager
sustainable debt analyst or sustainable innovation associate.
This degree can also be helpful to get into research roles in climate finance or early career roles in sustainability management.
