Programme Overview

Study 5 modules part-time over 9 months. Designed to fit around your work commitments, the programme is delivered once a month on a half-day Thursday afternoon and all day Friday, between October and June.

The Leading and Implementing Sustainable Finance programme is designed for mid to senior level executives from across industry who are focused on the implementation of sustainable finance strategies and solutions. It addresses the need for skills in sustainable finance amidst regulatory developments and environmental concerns.

The programme includes four core modules and an Action Learning Project, covering topics from sustainable finance leadership to reporting and disclosure. Distinctive for its emphasis on practical implementation, the programme is delivered by a mix of academics and industry experts. Participants will develop their skills in sustainable finance decision-making, managing risks, ensuring transparency, and contributing to a sustainable future. 

Course Highlights

• Practical Implementation Focus: Hands-on approach to sustainable finance strategies, ensuring real-world applicability.
• Regulatory Relevance: Tailored to current EU and global sustainability frameworks, preparing leaders for evolving financial landscapes.
• Expert-Led Insights: A blend of academic and industry leaders imparting cutting-edge knowledge.

Learning Outcomes: 

• Develop a deep understanding of sustainable finance principles and their practical applications.
• Gain skills in critically evaluating and utilizing sustainable finance products.
• Enhance capabilities in transparent reporting, ethical governance, and strategic decision-making for sustainable finance.
• Apply sustainable finance strategies effectively in alignment with emerging regulations and standards.

Who is this course for?

Tailored for mid to senior-level executives in the private, public, and third sectors, this course deepens understanding and influence in sustainable finance. It is ideal for leaders eager to integrate sustainability into their financial strategies and enhance their organisation’s environmental and social impact. This program empowers professionals committed to driving meaningful change and contributing to a low-carbon, sustainable economy.

Professional Advancement 

The Leading and Implementing Sustainable Finance course is designed to elevate professionals into key roles within the sustainable finance sector. It is designed to equip you with advanced skills in strategic financial decision-making and comprehensive risk management, enhancing your ability to drive significant change within your organisation.

Admissions

The Postgraduate Certificate course is open to: 

• Graduates with a degree (or equivalent) with a strong academic record in any discipline from a recognised third-level institution
• Applicants without a degree with a proven managerial track record
• As a part-time executive programme, participants must be resident in Ireland or the EU.

All applicants are required to have a minimum of 3 years of professional or managerial work experience and should provide two references confirming their eligibility and suitability for the programme, which together with the applicant’s academic performance during their undergraduate years and their CV will be used to select the most suitable candidates. Interviews may be conducted to clarify applicants’ motivation and interest in the programme.
Language requirements for students whose first language is not English are IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL IBT 90 for non-native English speakers.

Contact jane.flanagan@tcd.ie for course enquiries. 

Programme Director:

Dr. Louise Gorman

Dr. Louise Gorman, having successfully completed her PhD in corporate governance at Dublin City  University in 2016, brings a wealth of financial and academic expertise. Specialising in accounting,  finance, corporate governance, and ESG, Louise has achieved publications at ABS 3 level. In 2022,  she joined Trinity Business School as Assistant Professor in Finance. Louise actively contributes to prestigious national and international publications and events, enhancing scholarly and professional  discourse in the corporate governance and ESG professional and academic communities.

Lecturers:

Alan Duffy

Alan has over 10 years of investment experience at tier 1 institutions. Prior to joining ILIM, he worked in the proprietary trading group of Credit Suisse AG, where he was Portfolio Manager responsible for arbitrage strategies. Alan has an MSc in Finance from Warwick Business School, and a BSc in Economics & Finance from University College Dublin. Alan holds the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation.

Kevin McConnell

Kevin leads out on the Implementing Sustainable Finance module with deep insights from a career spanning 20 years in the investment and banking industry. His expertise spans market behaviour analysis to the impact on investments, particularly in sustainable finance, where he explores current trends, ESG investments, and regulatory evolutions with participants. Kevin has significantly contributed to the asset management industry, working with international investment groups, especially in private equity.

Sean MacHale

Sean will delve into the requirements and best practices in reporting and disclosure. Sean’s professional background is in investment banking, and in his last role he was the Head of Sustainability strategy and Group Climate lead for a leading Irish financial institution. Sean has extensive experience in capital markets, risk evaluation and delivering transformational business change programmes for clients within financial services.

Ben Lynch

Ben together with Louise, will guide participants through the Action Learning Project. Benjamin completed a PhD in Sustainable Finance from Trinity Business School in 2022. His overarching research interests relates to investigating the incentives for investors and firms to alter the sustainability of their practices. His research portfolio encompasses a diverse range of topics within sustainable finance including the value and risk implications of varying levels of ESG (Environmental,  Social, and Governance) performance, Carbon markets, and the importance of materiality in ESG integration investment strategies.

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