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Triple
Crown Accredited
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Course overview
As global challenges like climate change and social inequality demand urgent financial solutions, sustainable finance has emerged as essential to our economic future. Companies and investors worldwide are recognising that long-term financial success depends on integrating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations into every decision.
Meet our graduates
What makes the MSc Sustainable Finance at Birmingham so distinctive is its powerful combination of rigorous financial training with cutting-edge insights into sustainability and ESG. You won’t just study investment and corporate finance but also will discover how these tools can be harnessed to address climate change, support responsible business, and advance the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
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Why study MSc Sustainable Finance?
Our MSc Sustainable Finance equips you with the skills to make financial decisions that address critical global challenges. You'll be prepared to meet the rapidly growing demand for professionals who can navigate this new financial landscape. The programme combines rigorous training in finance with economics-focused modules, and explores the growing political importance of global environmental issues through interdisciplinary collaboration with the School of Government.
Sustainable Finance and ESG Investing Module
Co-designed with students and employers to stay relevant and up-to-date, on this module you'll critically evaluate ESG investment strategies, assess corporate sustainability performance, analyse green finance regulations, and navigate emerging challenges like greenwashing.
Environmental Economics Module
Explore how economic theory meets environmental policy. From climate change and pollution impacts to regulatory design and green innovation, you'll apply cutting-edge theoretical and empirical methods to analyse complex environmental challenges. You'll master essential skills in cost-benefit analysis, causal inference, and non-market valuation that are critical for evidence-based environmental decision-making in both public policy and private sector roles.
Access our Bloomberg Training Suite
You will have access to our state-of-the-art Bloomberg training suite where a range of trading techniques can be practised. You can further sharpen your financial modelling and analytical skills by using various software and financial databases available in the Birmingham Business School, such as Bloomberg, WRDS, Compustat, CRSP, Capital IQ, BoardEx, Morningstar, BankFocus, CSMAR, Datastream, Thomson One, and FAME.
Study in one of the UK's largest financial services clusters
Based in the West Midlands - home to one of Europe's largest and fastest growing business, professional and financial services clusters - Birmingham is a major business hub that connects you directly with global corporations and emerging opportunities.
Triple-crown Accreditation
Birmingham Business School is one of a few schools worldwide to hold triple-crown accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), the Association of MBAs (AMBA) and the European Quality Improvement System (EQUIS).
- Top 2
UK university targeted by leading graduate employers
- 68th
QS World University Rankings 2027
- 99th
THE World University Rankings by Subject 2026 for Business and Economics
Course delivery
At Birmingham, research and teaching go hand-in-hand. Our lecturers and professors continue to research in their field, offering world-leading expertise in Sustainable Finance. The course is delivered through a mix of teaching and learning methods, including:
- Taught modules - these include lectures, practical classes and seminars.
- Assessments - these will include individual assignments, class tests, group presentation and/or written examinations in some modules.
- Dissertation Project - over the summer term, you will work with your assigned supervisors to develop your research proposal to a full dissertation.
Module information
The course comprises of 180 credits, taught through a series of 20 credit modules and a 60 credit Dissertation. You will study four core modules, two optional modules and complete a dissertation.
The modules listed below are an indication only and may be subject to change. Occasionally, it may be necessary to make changes to modules, for example, to ensure they remain current and relevant.
As a research-intensive University, our teaching is informed by the latest academic thinking and expertise of our staff. For more information on the circumstances in which the University may need to make changes to modules, please refer to the Terms and Conditions for applicants.
You will need to complete the following core modules:
| Core Modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| Financial Econometrics | 20 |
| Financial Statement Analysis and Security Valuation | 20 |
| Sustainable Finance and ESG Investing | 20 |
| Environmental Economics | 20 |
| Dissertation | 60 |
You will need to choose 40 credits from the following list:
| Optional Modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| Global Environmental Governance | 20 |
| Risk Management in Financial Markets | 20 |
| Machine Learning and Data Analytics in Finance | 20 |
Teaching staff
Meet your Programme Director
Dr Hui Li
Programme Director, MSc Sustainable Finance
Dr Hui Li's research interests include corporate finance, notably security issuance and sustainable finance.
Entry requirements
To gain a place at Birmingham you will need to meet our general entry requirements, as well as those specific to your course. Your application will be reviewed by the course’s Admissions Tutor, who will decide whether your application should receive an offer.
- 2:1 Honours degree
or postgraduate diploma from a UK university (or overseas equivalent) in a highly quantitative subject (such as Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, Economics, Finance, Accounting or Science). Applicants who demonstrate being able to exceed the minimum entry requirements will be given preference.
International entry requirements
English language requirements
If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification or a Presessional English course.
For this course we require IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band, which is equivalent to:
- TOEFL iBT taken before January 2026: 88 overall with no less than 21 in Reading, 20 Listening, 22 Speaking and 21 in Writing
- TOEFL iBT taken from January 2026: 4.5 Overall with no less than 4.5 in any 2 skills and 4 in the other two skills
- Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 67 with no less than 64 in all four skills
- Cambridge English: C1 Advanced - minimum overall score of 176, with no less than 169 in any component
- LanguageCert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 'Communicator' with no less than 33 in each skill
English presessional programmes
If you have a conditional offer for Birmingham where English is a requirement, you can take a Presessional English course as an alternative to retaking IELTS or a similar qualification. We offer on-campus courses all year round starting from September including additional online courses in the summer term. Teaching takes place in small classes with no more than 18 students to maximise class participation.
Fees and scholarships
The University tuition fee covers the cost of your tuition, supervision, assessment and includes membership to the Guild of Students.
- £18,900
Full-time
We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for 2026 entry are above.
The fees quoted are for one year only. For those studying courses that are longer than one year, tuition fees will also be payable in subsequent years of your programme.
Paying your tuition fees
Tuition fees can either be paid in full or by instalments. You can check whether you are eligible for UK or international fees with our admissions team.
Learn more about postgraduate tuition fees and funding.
Tuition fee deposits for international students
International students undertaking a postgraduate taught degree are required to pay a tuition fee deposit before an electronic Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) can be issued.
Postgraduate Masters loan
To help with the cost of studies, this loan is available to all UK students. You can use this loan towards fees, maintenance or other costs at your own discretion. It’s available for all full-time, part-time and distance learning Masters programmes, as long as you don’t already have a Masters qualification (or equivalent). If you’re a student from Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, you can apply for Masters loans from your country’s government.
Scholarships
To help you afford your studies, we have put more than £33 million into student support and scholarships. We also offer a range of advice on searching for funding and managing your finances.
Application process
To apply for a postgraduate programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online.
- Applications open on 1 October
Applications for September 2026 have now closed.
How to apply to our taught courses
Find out how to apply to our postgraduate taught programmes. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have a question about our admissions process, including how to apply, your offer and how to track your application, please visit our admissions portal.
Ask us a question
If you have a question about our admissions process, including how to apply, your offer and how to track your application, please speak to our team.
Career opportunities
Our MSc Sustainable Finance will equip you to step into one of the fastest-growing sectors in finance. From green bonds and ESG consulting to impact investing and climate risk analysis. Employers are increasingly looking for finance professionals who can combine strong financial expertise with the ability to embed sustainability into strategic decision-making, ultimately making our graduates exceptionally well-prepared to lead in this growing field.
From ESG Analysts and Impact Investment Associates to Climate Finance Consultants, Policy Advisors, and Sustainable Finance Specialists, this programme empowers the next generation of leaders in sustainable finance. Whether you're aiming to influence policy or lead sustainable investment strategies, you'll be equipped to shape the future of finance.
Your careers toolkit
Gain skills, confidence and experiences ready for the world of work with your dedicated careers toolkit. With Careers Network, your dedicated careers service, and the variety of opportunities available at Birmingham, you can build your own toolkit of skills and experiences to get you ready for an ever-changing world after graduation.
Your careers toolkit connects you with the opportunities, support and experiences across the university, including:
- Careers support services and Careers Network
- Work experience and placements
- Enterprise and entrepreneurship
- Alumni and employer connections
- Global opportunities and life experience
- Careers in the curriculum
We are consistently one of the top universities targeted by graduate employers
We are one of the most consistently targeted UK universities by top graduate employers (High Fliers report, The Graduate Market 2026). Read more about the achievements of our alumni and the way their university experience shaped their journey.
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Student experience
At Birmingham, your university experience isn’t just about studying. You will have the opportunity to discover new experiences, develop different skills and make friends for life.
Our bustling campus with its beautiful grounds, friendly community and excellent facilities will quickly make you feel at home. We offer you a huge variety of accommodation options in the UK’s second city, exciting activities to get involved in outside your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.
Accommodation
Coming to Birmingham to study might be your first time living away from home. Our student accommodation will allow you to enjoy your independence in safe, welcoming and sociable surroundings.
Birmingham: a city built for students
As one of the original pioneering cities, Birmingham is a melting pot for shopping, food and drink, nightlife, sport, culture, and industry. It’s no wonder our students fall in love with the city.
Student support
Whoever you are and wherever you come from, we are committed to providing the best possible support to all of our students so that you can get the most out of your university experience.
Campus life
Our green and spacious campus is the place where our community comes together to learn, relax and socialise. Like a town of its own, just minutes from the hustle and bustle of the UK’s second city.
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Student stories
Find new perspectives. Hear first-hand about life at Birmingham from our students, past and present.