Course unit details:
Sustainable Finance and Accounting
| Unit code | BMAN74551 |
|---|---|
| Credit rating | 15 |
| Unit level | FHEQ level 7 – master's degree or fourth year of an integrated master's degree |
| Teaching period(s) | Semester 1 |
| Available as a free choice unit? | No |
Overview
Sustainability has stepped onto the centre stage of finance and accounting. This course covers various theoretical and empirical aspects relating to the social and environmental sustainability in the financial system and corporate finance. It also covers the evolving legal and regulatory framework and policy instruments that govern the sustainability conduct of investors and companies. Apart from acquiring advanced knowledge of the principles, challenges and opportunities relating to sustainability issues, students will also gain insights into analytical, quantitative, and practical skills that enable them to integrate sustainability into financing, investing, governance and management decisions.
Aims
The course will develop students' in-depth knowledge, understanding, analytical expertise as well as quantitative and practical skills required to critically evaluate sustainability in both the financial system and corporate sector. It will enable students to master the theories, principles, and practices of sustainable finance and the related environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues. Broadly, the course will expose students to the challenges, opportunities and solutions of sustainability in the financial system (e.g., investing, banking, bonds, regulations) and the corporate sector (with a focus on corporate social responsibility - CSR), covering various but related CSR/ESG topics, such as the role of investors and stakeholders, ESG risks (e.g., climate physical and transition risks), sustainability disclosure, socially responsible investing (SRI), sustainable banking, policy framework and instruments, and financing sustainability, among others. Students will gain analytical, quantitative, and practical skills that enable them to analyse the impact of
sustainability conduct and embed sustainability into business practices, through a combination of lecture material, group-based coursework, seminars by guest speakers, workshops, and case studies. Students will also gain exposure to the legal and policy framework in which investors and companies conduct their businesses and adopt measures to respond to the challenges in the transition to sustainability.
Learning outcomes
Category of outcome | Students will be able to: |
|---|---|
Knowledge and understanding | - Understand and articulate the aims, objectives, and principles of social and environmental sustainability (CSR/ESG issues). - Understand and discuss the determinants of the social and environmental conduct of investors, financial institutions, and companies, and critically evaluate the implications of CSR/ESG and SRI for corporate performance as well as shareholders and investors. |
Intellectual skills | - Critically evaluate sustainability-related challenges and the ESG risks that investors, financial institutions and companies encounter, as well as the responses that these entities could adopt to manage such challenges and risks. |
Teaching and learning methods
The course will be delivered through a package containing lectures, seminars by guest speakers, workshops, and activities such as online discussions.
Assessment methods
Group coursework project (30%)
Exam (70%)
Study hours
| Scheduled activity hours | |
|---|---|
| Assessment written exam | 2 |
| Lectures | 20 |
| Practical classes & workshops | 10 |
| Independent study hours | |
|---|---|
| Independent study | 118.5 |
Teaching staff
| Staff member | Role |
|---|---|
| Ning Gao | Unit coordinator |
| Viet Anh Dang | Unit coordinator |