Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Postgraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2023-2024 (archived)

Module FINN41515: Climate Finance

Department: Finance

FINN41515: Climate Finance

Type Tied Level 4 Credits 15 Availability Available in 2023/24 Module Cap None.
Tied to N3K409
Tied to N3K709
Tied to N3K209
Tied to N3K109
Tied to N3KC09

Prerequisites

  • None

Corequisites

  • None

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None

Aims

  • The goal of this course is to become equipped with analytical tools in Economics and Finance applied to the study of Green Finance and Sustainable Economics. There are many professional opportunities in the Green Finance sector. It is a rapidly emerging sector and it also plays a key role in the consulting and the traditional banking and finance sectors that face the threats of climate change. Moreover, in recent time, Green Finance sector has been a hotbed of new startup ventures. This makes green economy as one of the most important areas to understand.

Content

  • Sustainable investment methodologies;
  • ESG Megatrends;
  • ESG & Fixed income products;
  • ESG & Banking;
  • ESG & Equity, Private Equity & alternative investments;
  • Climate risks assessments;
  • Sustainable Real Estate;
  • The course is on a contemporary set of issues, so the topics above are indicative and subject to change as the various political and economic mechanisms evolve with the ongoing debate on how to pay for climate change mitigation and resilience.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • By the end of the module students should understand:
  • and long-run climate risks;
  • how to value financial instruments associated with climate investments.
  • cap and trade policies and mechanisms;
  • the impact of climate change on private and public financing.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • By the end of the module students should be able to:
  • apply appropriate quantitative techniques to climate risk;
  • develop and price new financing products linked to green initiatives and low carbon investments;
  • derive the term structure of climate risk;
  • value investment in resilience.
Key Skills:
  • By the end of the module students should have developed:
  • quantitative modelling and analysis skills;
  • group work and presentation skills;
  • application of models and simulations in pricing and risk analysis;
  • undertake applied empirical analysis.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • Blended teaching model, with some in person lectures, video-based discussion and presentations.
  • Synchronous class blended in person and virtual classrooms with small group teaching.
  • Flipped classroom using the prepared materials to deliver summaries of models and instruments needed in climate finance.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Lectures 10 1 per week 2 hours 20
Seminars 4 1 per fortnight 1 hour 4
Preparation and Reading 126
Total 150

Summative Assessment

Component: Individual Written Assignment Component Weighting: 100%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Individual Written Assignment 2500 words 100% same

Formative Assessment:

1. Group presentation in flipped classroom is assessed with oral feedback during the class. 2. A practice essay is undertaken as part of a group submission; written feedback will be provided


Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University