Nottingham Trent University

What you'll study

This programme blends core finance techniques with specialist modules on sustainability and climate risk. You study quantitative and qualitative approaches to embedding ESG into financial analysis and decision‑making through a mix of taught modules, applied practical work and a substantial final project.

• Core finance and quantitative techniques: financial modelling, valuation, portfolio construction, fixed income and derivatives techniques relevant to sustainable product design.
• ESG and sustainable investment: ESG integration, sustainable and impact investing strategies, stewardship and active ownership approaches.
• Climate risk and reporting: climate scenario analysis, transition and physical risk assessment, sustainability reporting standards and disclosure frameworks.
• Green finance instruments and markets: green bonds, sustainability‑linked loans, blended finance and carbon markets—structure, pricing and market dynamics.
• Regulation, ethics and governance: regulatory drivers for sustainable finance, fiduciary duties, corporate sustainability strategy and ethical considerations.
• Research methods and applied project: methods in finance and sustainability research followed by a dissertation or industry consultancy project that applies learning to a real‑world problem.

Teaching typically combines lectures, seminars, case studies, lab sessions using market data, guest lectures from practitioners and group consultancy projects. Assessment methods include coursework, presentations, case reports, practical modelling exercises and the final project.

Entry requirements

Typical academic entry is a UK honours degree at 2:1 or equivalent in finance, economics, business, environmental science or a related discipline. Applicants with a lower second class degree plus relevant professional experience in finance, sustainability or consultancy may be considered. Relevant professional qualifications and demonstrable quantitative skills are advantageous.

Applicants whose first language is not English will need to meet the University's English language requirement, commonly an IELTS or equivalent qualification at a level appropriate for postgraduate study (for example, an overall score with minimum component scores). Specific acceptable tests and scores should be checked with the University.

Career prospects

Graduates from this MSc go on to roles that bridge finance and sustainability across the private, public and third sectors. Typical job titles include:

• ESG analyst or sustainable investment analyst at asset managers and wealth managers
• Green finance or climate risk specialist in banks and corporate treasuries
• Sustainability consultant or advisor in consulting firms and professional services
• Corporate sustainability or strategy roles in corporates and infrastructure firms
• Policy or advisory roles in government agencies, development finance institutions and NGOs
• Risk or compliance roles focusing on transition risk, disclosure and regulatory change

The programme emphasises employability through practical projects, industry guest speakers and opportunities to work with real datasets, helping graduates demonstrate the technical and applied skills employers seek in sustainable finance roles.

Why study at Nottingham Trent University

Nottingham Trent University combines a practice‑focused teaching approach with strong links to industry. The programme is delivered through Nottingham Business School, which places emphasis on applied learning, employability and engagement with employers. Students benefit from specialist facilities such as finance labs and access to market data, as well as careers support and sector networks that help with placements and graduate recruitment.

The University supports interdisciplinary study and research in sustainability, giving students opportunities to draw on expertise across business, economics and environmental disciplines. The course is designed to give both the technical finance skills and sector knowledge employers want from sustainable finance professionals.