Henley Business School Launches MSc In Sustainable Business and Green Finance

As one of the world’s most influential industries—the financial sector makes up an estimated 20-25% of the world’s economy—there’s large pressure on banks and financial institutions to help build a more sustainable future. 

Today, sustainability is changing finance. There's a growing emphasis on sustainable company practices and investment strategies, we’re also seeing an ever-increasing number of jobs in sustainable finance. 

Henley Business School, a triple accredited business school in the UK, aims to prepare students to take advantage of these opportunities and help the green finance transition with an innovative new climate focused business master’s.

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Henley MSc in Climate Change, Sustainable Business and Green Finance | Curriculum

Henley’s new MSc in Climate Change, Sustainable Business, and Green Finance targets a broad range of applicants. The school hopes students from a variety of disciplines will sign up to study for the 12-month, full-time degree. 

“We are targeting new graduates from any discipline, business professionals, and public sector employees who wish to learn what the business sector and the finance industry can do to adapt to and mitigate the effects of climate change,” says Simone Varotto, professor of finance at Henley who has led the creation of the program. 

Henley has devised a curriculum combining a focus on climate science with key management skills and financial theories. Modules range from Sustainable Investments, to Weather and Climate Discussion, to Econometric Analysis for Finance. 

Science-based modules will be delivered by climate scientists from the University of Reading’s meteorology department, while financial experts from the business school will teach the financial aspects of the program. 

“Students will be introduced to the science of climate change and learn quantitative techniques and new business models to manage climate risk,” Simone explains. 

“The program offers an opportunity to develop a unique blend of competencies in climate change management, sustainability in business practices, and green financing. All of which are in high demand in both the private and public sectors.” 

To help students launch careers in the financial sector after graduation, Henley will offer careers support and the chance to undertake a summer work placement with financial firms. 

Why is now the right time for a Master’s in climate finance? 

Initiatives including the Paris Agreement and Glasgow Climate Pact have set a global target to keep global warming below 1.5c by 2050. This requires businesses and entire industries to rethink and reduce their impact on the planet. 

Increasingly, investors’ demands are becoming more ethically conscious: investments in ESG (environmental, social, governance) funds rose by 53% in 2021. Regulations also set benchmarks for companies to establish greener practices and report on their emisions performance. 

Finance, like all other sectors, must act to keep in line with this drive for sustainability. 

“The new degree aims to prepare graduates who understand and can face the new challenges posed by changing weather conditions and who can contribute to a successful transition to net zero and to the creation of fairer and more resilient economies and societies,” says Simone. 

Applications for the MSc in Climate Change, Sustainable Business and Green Finance are now open via the school’s website. 

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