Q&A: Want to work in green finance in Ireland? This man tells you how
Dublin City University (DCU) is just about to welcome the first students for its new MSc in Sustainable Energy Finance. This programme follows the successful launch of the Graduate Certificate in Sustainable Energy Finance last year. As this is the only programme of its kind in Ireland, we decided to ask the Programme Chair, Mark Cummins, a few questions on why it has been created. Here’s the website if you want more info.
Who do you think will be offering jobs to graduates of the MSc in Sustainable Energy Finance in Ireland?
Primarily, but not exclusively, companies within the IFSC (International Financial Services Centre) in Dublin will be interested in our graduates or in placing staff on the programme. These companies include banking and financial institutions, asset management firms, and accountancy, taxation, legal and consultancy firms.
What sort of jobs have the candidates who took the Graduate Certificate this year been able to find?
As a one-year part-time post-experience programme many of the candidates on the Graduate Certificate currently work in the areas mentioned above, with quite a number already working in the green sector. The Graduate Certificate has succeeded in developing and deepening the knowledge of the candidates in green finance.
Why was this programme set up?
The Irish government strategically identified the green economy as central to building Ireland’s smart, knowledge-based economy. The MSc – as with the Grad Cert – is a key educational initiative underlying this green agenda and the development of green financial services in Ireland. Uniquely, the course was developed in collaboration with strategic industry partners: IBEC, Summit Finuas Network, and the Green IFSC.
Have the problems in the financial markets helped or hindered the growth in demand for MSc’s like this one?
The economic problems have on the whole made it more difficult for green business to source finance for investment. Banks see the green sector as particularly risky for a host of reasons, but in particular technology and post-Kyoto regulatory risks. However, climate change cannot be ignored and it is recognised that there are strong, long-term prospects for the green sector. Hence, demand for such MSc programmes will only continue to grow.
How will this course “drive Ireland’s emergence as a global leader in green finance”?
The MSc is the first of its kind in Ireland that has been developed in close collaboration with industry. Therefore, it has been tailored to support the growing emergence of green finance activities within the IFSC and more broadly across Ireland.
Can you give me a quick overview of the programme and what students will study?
Given the broad sustainable energy finance focus of the programme, participants will be exposed to a range of topics incorporating finance, accounting, taxation, legal and management issues for sustainability. Climate change and markets are central to the programme delivery, with particular focus on the carbon, weather derivatives and catastrophe risk insurance markets. Candidates will also be introduced to the leading renewable energy technologies and will be equipped with the investment and project appraisal skills to value and assess business opportunities in the green sector.
