MSc in Sustainable Energy Finance

Course details

There will be no intake on this programme in September 2014. There will be an intake for the Graduate Certificate in Sustainable Energy Finance in September 2013.

Recent growth of the global green economy has been rapid. To sustain market growth, carbon and green accounting and management skills require greater professionalism, akin to that of the development of the IT industry during the 1980s.

DCU Business School in association with The Summit Finuas Network and the Green IFSC initiative has developed a new programme in Sustainable Finance.

The recently published Strategy for the International Financial Services Sector 2011-2016, Department of the Taoiseach stated that 'Ireland will be developed as a centre of excellence in green finance and carbon management, through the creation of an enabling, coordinated and supportive environment. This will be achieved through the Green IFSC initiative built on an enabling tax, legislative, regulatory and compliance framework. This will result in the expansion of many of the existing IFSC sectors and the creation of new areas of opportunity including carbon management, IP commercialisation, private equity investment and 'Green Tech' fund management.' This specialist industry led programme will be the first step towards the development of a hub of international excellence in sustainable finance educational provision.

The underlying philosophy of the M.Sc. in Sustainable Energy Finance is that the development of the human capital required to meet the needs of the emerging global green economy can best be harnessed through the integration of skills, knowledge and professional practice.

The programme will prepare participants for advanced management and leadership in all areas of sustainable finance by enhancing the depth and breadth of their knowledge of the sustainability environment and enabling them to critically evaluate processes and programmes within this context.

Furthermore, the programme will equip participants with a relevant range of analytical, technical and methodological skills, thereby enabling them to generate successful solutions to the opportunities and challenges that present themselves in the wider sustainable energy finance context, including low carbon markets, green investment project development and finance, green policy and institutional development.

Aims and Objectives:

This programme is targeted at professionals who have already built up managerial experience in core financial services functions.

While these professionals will have already developed a high level competence in the area, this programme will help them to orientate their careers more fully towards green finance by giving them a more fulsome understanding of the broader sustainability agenda, with the aim of assisting them to move into leadership roles within the green economy.

This programme is also designed for professionals working in the broader financial services domain. It will enhance their understanding of the environment and equip them with the technical skills required to develop innovative service provision in this dynamic and rapidly evolving sector.

At the same time, recent graduates who have yet to gain experience at the managerial level will benefit from the specialised knowledge provided in this programme and will develop important decision-making skills that should differentiate them in the labour market and make them more attractive to potential employers in the area.

Why DCU:

During its 29 year existence, DCU Business School (DCUBS) has been a core contributor to business education in Ireland. The School prides itself on its ability to deliver excellent management education in keeping with the needs of the market and to provide students with the knowledge, competence and ability to apply it. The hallmarks of DCU postgraduates are their capacity for creative thinking, their cross-disciplinary approach to problem solving and their ability to operate effectively. DCUBS has high quality and academically rigorous graduate education.

The Finuas Programme

The Finuas Networks Programme is dedicated to specialised training within the International Financial Services sector. Managed by Skillnets Ltd. on behalf of the Department of Education and Skills, Finuas aims to support the sector in maintaining Ireland's position as a top International Financial Services centre through investment in the specialist skills and expertise of its workforce.

Networks are developing and delivering new training in the areas of banking and capital markets, investment management, insurance and specialist professional services to the sector. Finuas Networks also facilitate networking among members and provide a range of learning opportunities from expert briefings to certified programmes with industry recognised qualifications.

Green IFSC

The Green IFSC initiative is an integral part of Ireland's response to the challenges of climate change and sustainable development, where finance, trade, products and services are developed and exchanged in support of the global transition to a low-carbon economy. The Green IFSC is an initiative of the IFSC Clearing House Group, Department of the Taoiseach.

Career Prospects:

"This innovative programme has been developed by DCU academics and leading industry practitioners for finance professionals who want to further develop their skills to work with sustainable financial vehicles and develop sustainable investment solutions.

It will also be invaluable to those who are developing sustainability projects for investment and funding."
Steven Falci, Chairman Sustainable Finance Certificate Industry Development Group, Head of Strategy Development - Sustainable Investment, Kleinwort Benson Investors

"The most promising opportunities involve the development of Ireland as a centre of excellence in Green Finance, a centre of excellence in the Management of Carbon and finally the creation of an enabling, coordinated and supportive eco-system to facilitate this development."
Strategy for the International Financial Services Sector 2011-2016, Department of the Taoiseach

"This course draws together, for the first time in Ireland, the key elements of green finance in a comprehensive and practical way enabling the participants to play a central role in the evolution of this marketplace both in Ireland and internationally."
Paul J. Harris - Head of Natural Resources Risk Management, Bank of Ireland Global Markets

"Ireland is well-positioned to become a green finance centre of excellence - where finance, trade, products and skills are developed, supported and exchanged, as the world transitions to a low-carbon economy."
David Guest - Chairman, Green IFSC Steering Group