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University College Dublin

Dublin , Dublin ,Ireland

MSc in Sustainable Finance

The MSc in Sustainable Finance (formerly called the MSc in Renewable Energy & Environmental Finance) is designed to provide students with real-world insights into the application of finance in achieving sustainable outcomes for corporations, and the process of investing, financing, and building renewable energy projects. 

It is estimated that achieving the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030 will require investments of $5-7 trillion annually across both the public and private sector. The estimated $2.5 trillion investment gap every year in the developing world is a significant challenge but also an opportunity for policy makers, investors and businesses alike.

In this respect, the course will advance your understanding of finance theory and the application of sustainability factors (with a focus on environmental issues) to financial markets. The course also features a strong low carbon energy component and aims to equip students with creative and analytical approaches to problem-solving in the sustainable finance context as well as enhance the students’ interpersonal and leadership skills. Additionally, our programme prepares our students with skills necessary in today’s world, such as coding and building green portfolios.

The programme is suitable for graduates with backgrounds not only in business, finance and economics, but in fields such as environmental science, physics, engineering, and math who are keen to pursue a career in the sustainable business and finance industry.

The programme can be undertaken on a part-time basis, thus enabling current professionals with the relevant background to combine working life with study. Note that this is not a dedicated part-time programme and students will be required to attend lectures, tutorials and complete group assignments in conjunction with the full-time  cohort, for whom the schedule is primarily during working hours for a block of hours on several days a week.  Modules in autumn trimester will be delivered in a compressed format meaning that modules are taught intensively over two 6 week periods, requiring additional attendance at lectures and tutorials. Employer support is therefore essential.

Intakes

  • Jan
  • May
  • Sep

Application Processing Time in Days: 20

Application Process

Conditional/Unconditional Offer Letter
20 Days
Visa Process
30 Days

Minimum English Language Requirements

English Level Description IELTS (1.0 -9.0) TOEFL IBT (0-120) TOEFL CBT (0-300) PTE (10-90)
Expert 9 120 297-300 86-90
Very Good 8.5 115-119 280-293 83-86
Very Good 8 110-114 270-280 79-83
Good 7.5 102-109 253-267 73-79
Good 7 94-101 240-253 65-73
Competent 6.5 79-93 213-233 58-65
Competent 6 60-78 170-210 50-58
Modest 5.5 46-59 133-210 43-50
Modest 5 35-45 107-133 36-43
Limited 4 32-34 97-103 30-36
Extremely Limited < 4 < 31 < 93 < 30

Job Opportunity Potential

UCD Careers Network joins the dots between your time at University and your future career

If you are a UCD student based on the Belfield campus, or a recent graduate (up to two years after graduation), you can book a 20 minute 1-2-1 consultation with one of our Belfield based Career & Skills Consultants to:

  • talk about your options
  • get advice on an application
  • prepare for interview
  • cover anything else career-related

If you are a Smurfit Graduate School of Business student or recent graduate, you can make a 30 minute consultation appointment with one of the Smurfit Careers Network team, based on the Blackrock campus.

Current and recently graduated, UCD Graduate Researchers (PhDs and Research Masters students), can book a 60 minute appointment with a dedicated Career & Skills Consultant to discuss:

  • Individual Career Planning
  • Academic and non-Academic Career Options 
  • Job Applications
  • Interviews and Presentations
All appointments can be booked via CareersConnect.

PSW Opportunity

2 years

Admission Requirement / Eligibility Criteria

Graduate Taught Programmes

The normal requirement is a recognised bachelor’s degree at second class honours, grade one (2:1), or equivalent. Applicants should check the programme specific requirements as some degrees may require a higher standard for entry. For applicants who do not have the required minimum academic entry standard, a year-long qualifying course, such as a Higher or Graduate Diploma, may be available in some cases.

English Language Requirement

Graduate Taught and Graduate Research programmes in UCD are taught in English. Applicants must meet the minimum University English language proficiency requirements. In the case of IELTS Academic Version, a minimum score of 6.5 is required with not less than 6.0 in any strand. Please note, some courses may require a higher standard for entry.  Please check the entry requirements of the course that you intend to apply for.