Mode of study:
Distance learning with real-time participation in weekly online meetings.
Course Description:
In this course students develop a deeper understanding of the relationship between environmental science and financial markets. Students learn current methods for structuring green and sustainable finance frameworks, issuance process, certification.
This course covers main methods and concepts related to impact reports. Students learn how sustainable finance frameworks are used in practice after issuance within financial institutions. This course covers ESG risk assessments, main methods and practical use in the investment process and portfolio structuring. This course covers main indicators reported by financial institutions regarding their loan and investment portfolios, i.e., GAR (green asset ratio) and BTAR (book taxonomy aligned ratio). This course covers different types of climate risks as defined by the TCFD (Task force on climate related financial disclosures). Students learn about responsible and impact investment methodologies and the goals investors seek using such methodologies. This course covers the legal requirements regarding disclosures, in particular the EU Taxonomy and related regulations. Students learn about financed emissions using the PCAF methodology (Partnership for carbon accounting financials). This course will also cover the relationship between the insurance sector and sustainability.
See the course in the UI course catalog here.
Course schedule and assessment:
The course is delivered online and consists of weekly sessions over an eight-week period starting in late September. Active engagement and participation are an integral part of the course.
Assessment is based on written assignments (50%) and a final examination (50%). The final exam will be conducted online under closed-book conditions. Students are responsible for arranging the examination at their home institutions. Further details will be provided to admitted students at the beginning of the course.
Students can expect the final exam to take place in late November or early December.
Learning outcomes:
- Students understand main concepts and KPI’s related to sustainable finance.
- Students can structure a sustainable finance framework and understand main methods used for impact reports.
- Students understand main laws and regulations related to sustainable finance
- Students understand the benefits and drawbacks of ESG risk assessments and can put those to practical use.
- Students can use sustainability disclosures to structure investment portfolios.
Application procedure:
Students apply via the University of Iceland’s Aurora application portal, where they log in using their home university credentials. All students must attach a copy of their current transcript from their home institution and the information page of their passport or another form of valid travel ID to their application.
Application deadline 19 June 2026.
Applications will be answered by the end of June.
