Sustainable Finance and ESG
Micro-credentials are short courses that are usually offered on a flexible basis. They are accredited and assessed by SETU or MTU. Our courses range from 1 to 5 credits. As a guide, a standard undergraduate module is 5 credits. In general, you can expect between 5 to 10 hours of class time for a 1 credit module and 24 to 36 hours for a 5 credit module, spread over several weeks. Micro-credentials can be offered at any level on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF), ours are at level 6 (Higher Certificate Level), level 7 (Ordinary Degree Level) or level 8 (Honours Degree Level). The courses are delivered on a flexible basis, to fit into the demands of a busy working life. Most of our programmes are delivered on a fully online basis with the learning taking place on a synchronous basis (i.e. live online classes) or asynchronous basis (i.e. pre-recorded material that you can view in your own time).
This course will provide learners with a foundation in sustainability and ESG, with an emphasis on the role that finance and the investment fund industry has to play in this regard. Participants will develop an understanding of the key concepts and their evolution, i.e. sustainability, sustainable finance and ESG. The challenges facing companies and investment funds in developing sustainable and ESG-friendly business models will be discussed. The measurement of ESG performance and the implications of this for the investment funds industry will be considered. The emerging regulatory landscape will be set out along with the opportunity that this provides for the finance sector.
Subject to approval (see Cost and Applications Section).
This course is at Level 7 on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) and will attract 5 Credits (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System - ECTS).
Subject to approval (see Cost and Applications Section).
On successful completion of this module, a student will be able to:
- Discuss and apply the concepts of sustainability, sustainable finance and ESG.
- Explain the importance of ESG and sustainability in the context of corporate and fund risk management.
- Identify the core standards and regulations in the sustainable finance space.
- Explain the features of the key sustainable finance products
Indicative Content
Evolution: The evolution of sustainability, sustainable finance and ESG (including UN SDGs, European Green Deal and net zero goals)
Risk Management: The importance of ESG factors for corporate and financial risk management
Data: Understanding the link between the necessity for underlying ESG data, the role of ESG rating agencies and reporting requirements.
Reporting Standards An introduction to the core reporting frameworks and standards in this sphere including but not limited to Global Reporting Initiative and International Sustainability Standards Board and associated IFRS-S
Regulations: An introduction to the core regulations in this sphere, including but not limited to Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), EU Taxonomy, Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation
Greenhouse Gas Emissions: An understanding of greenhouse gas emissions (scope 1,2 and 3)
Integration of ESG Factors: How ESG factors may be integrated into corporate decision making and the investment processes of funds
Sustainable Finance Products: Green bonds, Social Bonds, Social Venture Capital, Green Loans & Mortgages, Sustainable Investment Funds,
Anti-ESG: The emergence of the anti-ESG lobby and its impact.
This course is subject to approval (see Cost and Applications Section).
Candidates will have an award at level 5, or equivalent, in any discipline.
Applicants whose first language is not English must submit evidence.
This course is subject to approval (see Cost and Applications Section).
This course will be delivered online over zoom or equivalent.
Content will be delivered live with come pre-recorded content.
It is envisaged that there will between 20 to 24 hours of lecture contact over a 12 week period. This will be delivered in blocks.
This course is subject to approval (see Cost and Applications Section).
The fees for this course is 80% funded through the Human Capital Initiative
The cost of the course to the student is €100.
As the course is subject to approval, it is not possible to accept applications yet.
To check if you are eligible for the funding please follow this link (external site - Higher Education Authority). If you have any doubts, please contact us.
However, if you are interested please complete 'the register your interest' form OR scan the QR code below and we will contact you when applications open.
