Sustainable Finance and Accounting MSc

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

University of Sussex

Program Overview

The MSc Sustainable Finance and Accounting at the University of Sussex is designed for students who want to make a real difference in the world of finance. You’ll learn how accounting and financial practices can support sustainability, tackle climate challenges, and promote ethical business, preparing you for a career where your work truly matters.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1 (Full‑time / Core Year)
In your first year, you’ll dive into the foundations of sustainable finance and accounting. Modules like Accounting, Organisations and Society, Sustainability Accounting and Reporting, and Sustainable Business Finance will help you understand how businesses can be both profitable and responsible. Alongside this, Sustainable Development: Politics and Policies and Climate Finance explore the big picture, showing how finance interacts with global sustainability challenges. You’ll also learn essential research skills in Research Methods for Finance, giving you the tools to analyse data and make informed decisions.

By the summer, your learning comes together in a Research Project, where you’ll apply everything you’ve studied to a real-world issue. This hands-on experience will give you the confidence and skills to tackle complex problems and impress future employers.

Focus areas:

Environmental accounting, corporate governance, climate finance, sustainability reporting, ethical decision making, independent research.

Learning outcomes:

You’ll graduate able to apply sustainable finance and accounting principles in real-world situations, assess environmental and social impacts, carry out independent research, and communicate your findings effectively to businesses, regulators, and communities.

Professional alignment (accreditation):

This program is delivered by the EQUIS and AMBA-accredited University of Sussex Business School and aligns with recommendations from leading professional bodies like the Global Association of Risk Professionals (GARP) and Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI) — giving your degree strong recognition in the finance industry.

Reputation (employability rankings):

The University of Sussex is 1st in the world for Development Studies (QS 2025) and ranks among the top 20 in the UK for Finance and Business & Economics, helping graduates stand out to employers in sustainability, finance, and ESG sectors.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Sussex, learning goes far beyond lectures — you’ll get hands-on experience that prepares you for the real world of sustainable finance. From using industry-standard tools in the Bloomberg Financial Markets Lab to working on live projects, the program is designed so you can practise what you learn and build confidence in your skills. You’ll also have plenty of opportunities to connect with professionals, tackle real challenges, and apply your knowledge in ways that make a difference for organisations and communities.

Some of the ways you’ll gain practical experience include:

Professional Placement Year (optional): Spend an extended period working in a real organisation, gaining experience in finance, ESG, or sustainability, with full support from Sussex’s careers team.
Short-term Internships: Flexible placements (4–10 weeks) that let you test your skills in the workplace without disrupting your studies.
Bloomberg Financial Markets Lab: Practice using the same financial software and market tools professionals use every day.
Industry Engagement & Networking: Hear from guest speakers, participate in employer-led competitions, and get mentoring to build your professional network.
Research Opportunities via SPRU: Work alongside world-leading researchers at the Science Policy Research Unit on climate finance and sustainability policy projects.
Campus Resources: Access the University Library, Skills Hub, and Careers & Employability services to support your learning, research, and career planning.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Completing the MSc Sustainable Finance and Accounting at Sussex sets you up for an exciting range of careers where you can make a real impact. Graduates often move into roles like ESG Analyst, Sustainable Finance Professional, Sustainable Debt Analyst, or Environmental Reporting Manager, helping organisations make smarter, more ethical financial decisions:

Tailored careers support: You’ll have ongoing guidance from Sussex’s Careers and Entrepreneurship team, with one-to-one appointments, CV and interview support, and sector-specific workshops to help you stand out.
Strong employability: Around 91% of Sussex postgraduates gain work experience by the end of their course, giving you real-world skills and confidence for the job market.
Industry connections: Through internships, placements, and employer engagement events, you’ll meet organisations looking for graduates with sustainability and finance expertise.
Accreditation matters: Sussex Business School is EQUIS and AMBA accredited, giving your degree long-term recognition and credibility with employers worldwide.
Graduation outcomes: Graduates go on to work in NGOs, governments, international organisations, and global businesses, equipped with skills to lead sustainability initiatives in finance.

Further Academic Progression:
If you want to take your studies further, this MSc provides a strong foundation for PhD research in climate finance, sustainable accounting, or sustainability policy — perfect if you’re aiming for academic roles, think tanks, or high-level strategy positions in industry or policy.