The unprecedented climate risk is the biggest challenge we face today, and the world needs dedicated people to change the course of development to a greener future. The investment and banking sectors are playing a leading role in the transformation of the industry for the long-term sustainable development of humanity.
Introduction
The newest addition to our Accounting and Finance Group, the Green Finance and Sustainability Accounting MSc integrates the mainstream principles of traditional Accounting and Finance with specialist knowledge of modern sustainability concepts.
This programme equips you with the skills to promote sustainable investments in the financial and corporate sectors while allowing you to focus on the industry’s more caring and compassionate facet.
You will gain a deep understanding of financial markets and instruments and how they can be leveraged to address environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues. You will learn how to measure and analyse sustainable business practices and form insights to make strategic decisions to reverse environmental damage, reduce climate risk and stay on a path of sustainable long-term economic prosperity.
Please note that this course is subject to final approval by the University.
Who is this course for?
Our Green Finance and Sustainability Accounting MSc is designed for motivated students passionate about making a positive impact on the global environment and social scene.
This course is open to graduates from any discipline, or those with extensive professional experience, who wish to pursue a career in the most rapidly developing area within the financial sector and contribute to the future direction of investment, innovation, and sustainable development.
What you'll learn
TBC
Accreditation
The University of Liverpool Management School is one of an elite group of institutions worldwide to hold the gold standard ‘triple-crown’ accreditation from AACSB, AMBA and EQUIS.
Course content
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
Semester one
The modules in this programme will deliver the knowledge of quantitative techniques needed to analyse information for making financial and business decisions and set up a strong foundation of financial accounting and management.
These insights will then be utilised to measure and evaluate sustainable practices and understand how to make strategic business decisions and investment choices to reverse the damage to the environment, reduce climate risk, increase social well-being and stay on a path of sustainable long-term economic prosperity.
Your modules will be taught by world-class academics who publish in leading academic journals on the very topics they teach and maintain close relationships with businesses, governments, and non-profit organisations, connecting their research to real-world impact.
Compulsory modules
Quantitative Techniques for Accounting and Finance (ACFI815)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 1
The aim of this module is to provide students with the foundation necessary to successfully understand and apply the quantitative techniques commonly used in the accounting and finance industry. The module starts with an overview of basic mathematical functions and operations. It then goes on to discuss the ordinary least squares estimation technique. In particular, students will learn how to develop a well-specified econometric model, test interesting hypotheses, interpret the results and formulate recommendations. The module draws on different areas of accounting and finance to illustrate the use of the quantitative techniques, thus offering students exposure to various fields. Students will also improve their computing skills by using a statistical software to carry out the empirical analysis.
Managerial Finance (ULMS767)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 1
Managing Finance is designed to develop your expertise in problem solving, numeracy and commercial awareness through a lecture and workshop program that helps you understand, apply and competently practice in accounting and finance. The module aims to take you from an introductory-level beginning, designed for those who have not studied accounting and finance before, through to a level of understanding that will allow you to engage confidently with finance professionals.
This module aims to provide students with an in-depth understanding of the conceptual principles and key techniques of financial reporting practices. The module evaluates the key elements of financial reporting systems set out in International Financial Reporting Standards with particular reference to the preparation and interpretation of financial statements. It identifies the key stakeholders of businesses and develops a framework for understanding their main interests and accounting information needs, related to business operations. It thus enhances students’ practical financial accounting skills, explores the role of financial accounting in assessing financial performance, and explains the main principles and purpose of the subjects in contemporary organisations.
Optional modules
Advanced Management Accounting (ACFI816)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 1
This module aims to provide students with an in-depth understanding of the conceptual principles and key techniques of management accounting practice. The module explores the roles of management accounting information in planning, coordination, decision making, control, performance measurement, and business strategy. The module enhances students’ practical management accounting skills, explores the role of management accounting in assessing financial performance, and explains the main principles and purpose of the subject in contemporary organisations.
Enterprise, Corporate Governance and Sustainability (ULMS623)
Credits: 20 /
Semester: semester 1
Business enterprise typically entails corporate governance, defined as the system of company ownership, control and direction. Corporate governance is an embedded institutional and legal feature of societal approaches to economy and enterprise that is fundamental to understanding the character and conduct of business locally, regionally, nationally and globally.
With attention to varieties of corporate governance at national and firm levels the module will consider essential principles and practices of corporate governance as they relate to boards of directors, managerial control, stakeholder and other external relations. ‘Sustainability’ affords the module a context constituted by an array of substantive existential societal challenges by which to consider and critique how governance and managerial actors, notably company boards of directors and managerial leaders, enact the role of business in society for good or ill. In this regard the module will focus on the “G”(governance) to enable students to learn about “E”(environmental) and “S” (social) challenges that constitute attention to “ESG”.
By the end of the module students will be able to relate corporate governance to: sustainable corporate strategy and leadership; value creation and destruction; company responsibility and accountability; corporate ownership, investor behaviour and stewardship; company purpose and the role of business in society. Furthermore they will do so with a contextual awareness and appreciation of varieties of capitalism, ownership and business systems in the world today.
Environmental and Sustainability Policy (ULMS624)
Credits: 20 /
Semester: semester 1
Designed for the forward-thinking student, this module delves into the dynamics of environmental, social, and economic systems, offering a comprehensive understanding of how they interconnect in the context of global sustainability. Students will engage with key economic theories and analytical tools used to navigate and resolve the pressing challenges of the 21st century, such as achieving net zero emissions and advancing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) endorsed by the United Nations.
Through a critical examination of the mutual dependencies between human and ecological systems and the constraints posed by natural resources, students will gain invaluable insights into the socio-environmental implications of economic activities.
This module prepares students to become proficient in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria, enabling them to contribute effectively to sustainability policies in both governmental and business sectors. With a focus on interdisciplinary perspectives, students will emerge equipped to address real-world problems and influence global sustainability practices.
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Semester two
The modules in this programme will deliver the knowledge of quantitative techniques needed to analyse information for making financial and business decisions and set up a strong foundation of financial accounting and management.
These insights will then be utilised to measure and evaluate sustainable practices and understand how to make strategic business decisions and investment choices to reverse the damage to the environment, reduce climate risk, increase social well-being and stay on a path of sustainable long-term economic prosperity.
Your modules will be taught by world-class academics who publish in leading academic journals on the very topics they teach and maintain close relationships with businesses, governments, and non-profit organisations, connecting their research to real-world impact.
Compulsory modules
Measuring and Disclosing Sustainability (ULMS625)
Credits: 20 /
Semester: semester 2
This module will drive an in-depth examination the practices of measuring and reporting environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices as well as the role of financial and non-financial stakeholders shaping the development of the measurement and reporting standards and practices. The discussion surrounding these issues will be framed using theories such as agency theory, stakeholder theory and institutional theory for critical analysis.
Students will develop comprehensive knowledge about the reporting standards issued by the SASB (Sustainability Accounting Standards Board) as well as the latest standards framework on sustainability being developed by the IASB. Cases and events will be used to explain and analyse the emergence and development of standards and practices in sustainability reporting.
Corporate Governance and Sustainability (ACFI818)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 1
This aim of this module is to present key issues in corporate governance and discuss their impact on corporate financial performance. These include most common big-scale “agency” problems, where top executives of the firm have opportunities to take actions that benefit them, while shareholders and other stakeholders bear the cost of these actions. In particular, it covers various aspects of internal governance including the role of the board of directors, reviews the importance of executive compensation, equity ownership structure and turnover as an internal control mechanism. The module also explores numerous external governance devices from non-executive to non-equity shareholders, and addresses the role that accounting, legal and regulatory interventions play in corporate governance. Academic research and real-world case studies will be used to enhance the understanding of why corporate governance matters, and how directors, managers and shareholders respond to these issues in their daily corporate affairs.
On the topic of sustainability, this module provides a structured discussion on the basics of sustainability and its role in business. The lectures include several case studies on sustainability. In follow-up seminars, students will lead a debate on a recent sustainability event. Furthermore, we will explore the opportunity to engage with practitioners including business leaders, consultants, and sustainability experts to gain real-world insight. Students are encouraged to closely follow recent developments in sustainability and get involved in sustainability initiatives on campus and in local communities. By providing a comprehensive education that incorporates sustainability principles, we are equipping our students with the knowledge and skills they need to thrive in a modern world that is increasingly focused on sustainability.
By the end of this module, students will gain: (i) the ability to look at the “big-picture” questions in the area of corporate governance, (ii) skills to critically discuss the practical solutions/mechanism to improve the effectiveness of corporate governance, and (iii) understanding of corporate sustainability and the role of business in modern society.
Optional modules
Security Analysis and Investment (ACFI825)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 1
This module aims to enrich students’ understanding and enhance their practical skills by building the core competency of investment analysis inspiring careers in finance. Students will be given a general introduction to the different asset classes and financial instruments; study the most popular techniques in financial analysis and valuation models rooted from research-led teaching contents; learn and practice investment strategies inspired by theoretical insights and empirical rigors.
Financial Statement Analysis and Valuation (ACFI810)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 1
Financial Statement Analysis and Valuation comprehensively reviews accounting reporting requirements under IFRS to support understanding of corporate performance and position. Students are introduced to all of the main accounting standards with a strong focus on the development application skills to underpin accurate interpretation of corporate financial statements. The methods and flaws of corporate valuation are demonstrated as a key element of the module.
Measuring and Disclosing Sustainability (ULMS625)
Credits: 20 /
Semester: semester 2
This module will drive an in-depth examination the practices of measuring and reporting environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices as well as the role of financial and non-financial stakeholders shaping the development of the measurement and reporting standards and practices. The discussion surrounding these issues will be framed using theories such as agency theory, stakeholder theory and institutional theory for critical analysis.
Students will develop comprehensive knowledge about the reporting standards issued by the SASB (Sustainability Accounting Standards Board) as well as the latest standards framework on sustainability being developed by the IASB. Cases and events will be used to explain and analyse the emergence and development of standards and practices in sustainability reporting.
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
How you'll learn
This course is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, workshops, case studies, tutorials, and project work.
Lectures serve as the primary method of imparting core subject knowledge, complemented by substantial case study and practical work to demonstrate real-world application of theoretical principles. The programme’s practical aspects include both team-based and individual exercises.
Designed to accommodate students with diverse industrial and business experiences, and to accommodate prior learning backgrounds from any subject, this interdisciplinary programme is built around six 20-credit modules, and one final 60-credit module.
Three modules are taught in each of the first two semesters, punctuated by four, week-long enhancement weeks delivered.
At the end of semester two, students can select from three 60-credit modules and undertake an applied project or research dissertation.
Teaching time will account for an average of 10 hours per week, and you should anticipate an additional 20 hours of self-directed study and group work.
How you're assessed
Students are required to complete 180 credits to achieve a full MSc.
Subject to meeting specific criteria outlined by the University, students will graduate with a Pass, Merit or Distinction.
Assessment tasks are varied, and some may be designed specifically to meet the learning outcomes of a particular programme of study, including through presentations, digital business analyses and traditional timed exams. The weighting of individual components will vary from one module to another.
Liverpool Hallmarks
We have a distinctive approach to education, the Liverpool Curriculum Framework, which focuses on research-connected teaching, active learning, and authentic assessment to ensure our students graduate as digitally fluent and confident global citizens.
Your experience
This programme is delivered by the triple-accredited University of Liverpool Management School. The School has a thriving international master’s community with a comprehensive, interdisciplinary programme of social and extra-curricular events and dedicated careers and employability support.
Virtual tour
Supporting your learning
From arrival to alumni, we’re with you all the way:
Careers and employability support, including help with career planning, understanding the job market and strengthening your networking skills
A dedicated student services team can help you get assistance with your studies, help with health and wellbeing, and access to financial advice
Support for students with differing needs from the Disability advice and guidance team. They can identify and recommend appropriate support provisions for you.
Completing this programme enhances your career prospects in Accounting and Finance and beyond – you will emerge as employable, future-fit graduates professionally trained and well-equipped to contribute to global sustainability.
Accounting firms and financial institutions are increasingly looking for employees with specialisation and in-depth knowledge of new developments in investment strategy, making you highly desirable graduates. This programme also enables you to pursue a career as valuable insiders in ethically minded companies outside the industry to advance their sustainable strategy and reporting quality.
Career support from day one to graduation and beyond
From the moment you start your master’s programme, you’ll have access to a specialist, in-house careers team and one-to-one careers guidance, workshops, seminars and employability initiatives as such as our wide-ranging and rewarding Enhance programme events and benefit from the School’s close ties with local, national and international organisations.
As well as developing a range of subject-specific and technical skills in sustainability and business, students will also gain more general skills to enhance their employability. These include:
• Knowledge and awareness of business organisations
• Numerical and quantitative skills
• Problem-solving and analytical skills
• Oral and written communication skills
• The ability to construct an argument as a basis for building a commercial case and for developing negotiation skills
• Knowledge of global business issues and business language skills.
Graduates from this course will be equipped to meet the growing demand from diverse industries for professionals who can integrate sustainable practices into business operations.
Fees and funding
Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.
Tuition fees
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support.
If you're a UK national, or have settled status in the UK, you may be eligible to apply for a Postgraduate Loan worth up to £12,167 to help with course fees and living costs. Learn more about paying for your studies..
Additional costs
We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This could include buying a laptop, books, or stationery.
Non-graduates with very extensive professional experience and/or other prior qualifications may also be considered.
We are able to offer a level of flexibility for applicants. Those with a 2:2 honours degree will be considered on an individual basis.
International qualifications
If you hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, but don’t meet our entry requirements, you could be eligible for a Pre-Master’s course. This is offered on campus at the University of Liverpool International College, in partnership with Kaplan International Pathways. It’s a specialist preparation course for postgraduate study, and when you pass the Pre-Master’s at the required level with good attendance, you’re guaranteed entry to a University of Liverpool master’s degree.
International applicants who do not meet the minimum required standard of English language can complete one of our Pre-Sessional English courses to achieve the required level.
English language qualification
Requirements
IELTS
6.5 overall, with no component below 6.0
PRE-SESSIONAL ENGLISH
Do you need to complete a Pre-Sessional English course to meet the English language requirements for this course?
The length of Pre-Sessional English course you’ll need to take depends on your current level of English language ability.
Liverpool bursts with diversity and creativity which makes it ideal for you to undertake your postgraduate studies and access various opportunities for you and your family.
To fully immerse yourself in the university experience living in halls will keep you close to campus where you can always meet new people. Find your home away from home.
Discover what expenses are covered by the cost of your tuition fees and other finance-related information you may need regarding your studies at Liverpool.
Contact us
Have a question about this course or studying with us? Our dedicated enquiries team can help.
