About the degree programme

As countries across the globe commit to addressing climate change, there is an urgent need for professionals with expertise in the field of low carbon finance and investment. 

Our full-time Masters programme in Climate Change Finance and Investment has an interdisciplinary approach and covers carbon accounting, climate policy, and financial economics. 

During your studies, you will examine opportunities and challenges across sectors, financial markets, and varying levels of national economic development.

Study options

This programme runs for one academic year, starting in mid-September and ending in August.

Programme benefits

  • The University of Edinburgh is 34th in the 2026 QS World University rankings, offering a degree that is highly-regarded worldwide.
  • The Business School's strong industry links offer practical experience, insights, and networking opportunities.
  • An international community of students, alumni, and faculty will provide you with diverse perspectives and a global network.
  • A dedicated Student Development team will be an integral part of your student experience, helping you develop your employability and maximise your potential in the global market.

Completing the degree in Climate Change Finance and Investment gave me confidence in my understanding of both key financial concepts and the current state of the sustainable finance market. Once familiar with the contextual knowledge required, the degree pushed me to develop the skills necessary to identify the challenges faced across the financial sector and ultimately combat climate change.

Meet our Masters of Change

Our alumni share career stories, course highlights and how their time at the Business School shaped both their career and personal life.

Tuition fees

Tuition fees by award and duration

Tuition fees for full-time and part-time options are listed for one academic year.

Full-time

Graduate discount

If you are a University of Edinburgh graduate, you will be eligible for a 10% discount on your tuition fees for this programme. You may also be eligible if you were a visiting undergraduate student.

Find out how to receive your graduate discount

Deposit

If you receive an offer of admission, either unconditional or conditional, you will be asked to pay some of your tuition fees in advance as a deposit.

The deposit for this programme is £2,500.

You will need to pay this deposit within 28 days of receiving your unconditional or conditional offer of admission.

Costs

Additional programme costs

When budgeting you will need to consider potential additional costs, including textbooks, dissertation field work, and optional treks.

Accommodation and living costs

You need to cover your accommodation and living costs for the duration of your programme.

We estimate that you might spend £1,167 to £2,330 per month if you are a single student.

Living costs include:

  • food
  • utility bills
  • travel, clothes, books and stationery
  • recreational costs (for example, TV subscriptions and social events)

Living costs

Accommodation costs depend on where you live while studying and the type of accommodation you choose.

University postgraduate accommodation options and costs

Funding opportunities

These entry requirements are for the 2026/27 academic year and requirements for future academic years may differ. Entry requirements for the 2027/28 academic year will be published on 01 July 2026.

Qualifications

Entrance to our MSc programmes is strongly competitive. You can increase your chances of a successful application by exceeding the minimum programme requirements.

Important points to note when applying for this programme 

Academic requirements

You will need a UK first-class or 2:1 honours degree in one of the subjects below, or its international equivalent.

  • An undergraduate degree in business, economics, engineering or a social or physical science is normally required.
  • Candidates with a very good Honours degree in other areas of study or relevant work experience will be considered on an individual basis
Supporting your application
  • Relevant work experience is not required but may increase your chances of acceptance.
  • Preference will be given to those with  grades above the minimum requirements and/or relevant work experience due to strong competition for places on this programme.
Exemptions

If you do not meet the minimum academic requirement, you may still be considered if you have 2 or more years of relevant work experience. We may require you to complete the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) or Graduate Records Examination (GRE) which are internationally-recognised assessments of analytical, numerical and verbal reasoning.

If we require you to take a GMAT Exam, we would require a minimum score of 555 in the current ‘Focus Edition’ format, or a minimum score of 600 in the previous ‘10th Edition’ format. For GRE we would require a score of 315 as a minimum to qualify for our Climate Change Finance and Investment MSc.

The GMAT and GRE are not a compulsory part of the application process, but if you have a score that you wish to report to us then this would be welcomed.*

We accept scores from GMAT Exams delivered both online and at test centres.

*Official GMAT Exam website 

International qualifications

To find international equivalent qualifications, select where you studied from the country or region list.

English language requirements

You must prove that your English language abilities are at a high enough level to study this degree programme.

This is the case for all applicants, including UK nationals.

You can meet our English language requirements with one of the following:

  • an English language test
  • a degree that was taught and assessed in English
  • certain professional qualifications

English language tests we accept

We accept any of the following English language tests, at the specified grade or higher:

  • IELTS Academic: total 7.0 with at least 6.0 in each component We do not accept IELTS One Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements.
  • TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition): total 100 with at least 20 in each component We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
  • C1 Advanced (CAE) / C2 Proficiency (CPE): total 185 with at least 169 in each component.
  • Trinity ISE: ISE III with passes in all four components.
  • Oxford ELLT: total 8 with at least 6 in each component.
  • Oxford Test of English Advanced: total 155 with at least 135 in each component.
How old your English language tests can be
Tests no more than two years old

The following English language tests must be no more than two years old on the 1st of the month in which your programme starts, regardless of your nationality:

  • IELTS Academic
  • TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition)
  • Trinity ISE
  • Oxford ELLT
  • Oxford Test of English Advanced
Tests no more than three and a half years old

All other English language tests must be no more than three and a half years old on the 1st of the month in which your programme starts, regardless of your nationality.   

Degrees taught and assessed in English

We accept an undergraduate or postgraduate degree that has been taught and assessed in English in a majority English-speaking country, as defined by UK Visas and Immigration.

UKVI list of majority English speaking countries

We also accept a degree that has been taught and assessed in English from a university on our list of approved universities in non-majority English-speaking countries (non-MESC).

Approved universities in non-MESC

How old your degree can be

If you are not a national of a majority English-speaking country, then your degree must be no more than five years old on the 1st of the month in which your programme starts.

This time limit does not apply to your degree if you are a national of a majority English-speaking country.

Find out more about our English language requirements

Find out about other English language qualifications we accept, including professional qualifications.

English language requirements

What you will study

The MSc in Climate Change Finance and Investment will provide you with the opportunity to understand climate change science and policy, their relationship to finance and investment, and the procedures and issues within the energy sector and carbon markets.

Climate Change Finance and Investment study overview

Compulsory courses

At the start of the programme, you study compulsory courses which you take in semester one. These are the foundation upon which the whole Masters programme is built and ensure a common basis of knowledge across the different areas.
 

Option courses

Through the selection of various option courses, you can tailor your studies towards your career interests.

Find courses for this programme

Find out what courses you can study on this programme and how each of them are taught and assessed.

The courses on offer may change from year to year, but the course information will give you an idea of what to expect on this programme.

Full-time

We link to the latest information available. This may be for a previous academic year and should be considered indicative.

Disclaimer

Detailed programme information for 2026/27 will be published in Spring 2026.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching

Learning will primarily be through:

  • lectures
  • set reading
  • class discussions
  • exercises
  • group-work assignments
  • problem-solving in tutorials
  • case studies

Assessment

Assessment methods may include examinations, assignments, presentations or continuous assessment.

In your final semester, your MSc dissertation brings all of the year’s learning together in a piece of work unique to you. You have the option to pursue a research dissertation, exploring gaps in academic literature, or an applied research dissertation, applying existing theories to real world challenges either individually or through a client sourced dissertation.

Learning outcomes

We believe that by the end of this programme, you will be able to apply finance skills and knowledge to low-carbon investment. Alongside this, you will have improved your critical judgement and understanding.

Climate Change Finance and Investment learning outcomes

Support for your studies

You will have access to a range of support services if you need them throughout your degree.

We will assign you to a student adviser, and this should be the first person to contact if you need help. They can guide you to other University service teams depending on what support you need.  

How we support you

Our academic staff

The University of Edinburgh Business School has over 157 academic staff members from across the globe. Their research explores some of the most pressing problems facing society, proposing innovative and evidence-based solutions.

During your postgraduate studies you will work closely with faculty members, benefiting from their knowledge, experience, and commitment to high-quality teaching. Our researchers' partnerships with national and international collaborators further enriches your learning.

Meet our faculty

Where you will study

Study location

The University of Edinburgh Business School is ideally located in the heart of Edinburgh's vibrant city centre. As such, our students are well positioned to take advantage of the city’s cultural and social amenities. The balance of buildings, landmarks and green space makes Scotland’s capital an inspiring place to live and learn.

For entrepreneurs and Business School students in particular, Edinburgh is one of the best places to be. The city has the second largest financial sector in the UK with a thriving, diverse economy. Consequently, the Business School has strong industry links and students benefit from networking and collaboration opportunities.

Academic facilities

Located in the University's Central Campus area, the Business School is a modern building which houses offices, lecture theatres, computer labs, syndicate rooms, and a café.

As a postgraduate Business School student, you will have exclusive access to the Hub Library which provides access to business-related books, reports, news and data. The building also features a variety of spaces suitable for individual study, group work and video conferencing.

Accreditation

Not only is the University of Edinburgh Business School part of a world renowned University, but it is also accredited by the three most influential business accreditation bodies: 

  • the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
  • the EFMD Quality Improvement System (EQUIS)
  • the Association of MBAs (AMBA).

This triple accreditation highlights the quality of teaching and excellence of research at the Business School.

Career opportunities

Hugely respected by global employers, our programmes provide students with access to world-class academics and courses that are underpinned by real-world insights. From energy manager to compliance associate, our MSc in Climate Change Finance and Investment can lead to a variety of specialised careers.

Graduate profiles

Axelle Bodwell

A portrait image of Axelle Bodwell, MSc Climate Change Finance and Investment graduate.

Degree: MSc Climate Change Finance and Investment

Year of graduation: 2024

Current work: Finance Analyst, Seychelles Ministry of Finance National Planning and Trade

My degree prepared me to become Seychelles' first climate finance advisor.

Read Axelle's story

Careers Service

Our award-winning Careers Service plays an essential part in your wider student experience at the University, providing:

  • tailored advice
  • individual guidance and personal assistance
  • internships and networking opportunities (with employers from local organisations to top multinationals)
  • access to the experience of our worldwide alumni network

We invest in your future beyond the end of your degree. Studying at the University of Edinburgh will lay the foundations for your future success, whatever shape that takes.

Careers Service

Student Development Team

Transitioning into a future career after achieving a degree is a priority for our students. Our dedicated Student Development team will be an integral part of your student experience, helping you maximise your potential in the global market. They will support your career development through activity such as:

  • one-to-one coaching
  • the Edinburgh Award in Global Employability
  • alumni panels
  • the Employability and Careers Expo

Students can also benefit from workshops and one-to-one sessions that cover:

  • CV advice
  • LinkedIn profile reviews
  • careers guidance
  • Assessment Centre practice

Climate Change Finance and Investment career development

How to apply

Applications are only accepted via our online application portal. By applying online, you will be redirected to the relevant page on the University site where you can begin the process.

Climate Change Finance and Investment application guidelines

If you are considering applying to more than one programme, you should be aware that we cannot consider more than 5 applications from the same applicant.

When to apply

Due to high demand, the school operates a number of selection deadlines. We will make a small number of offers to the most outstanding candidates on an ongoing basis, but hold the majority of applications until the next published selection deadline when we will offer a proportion of the places available to applicants selected through the competitive process described on the school website.

Full details on the admissions process and the selection deadlines are available on the Business School website:

Admissions strategy

Deadlines for applicants applying to study in 2026/27

RoundApplication deadlineDecisions by
115 October 20254 December 2025
210 December 202519 February 2026
311 February 202623 April 2026
422 April 20264 June 2026
510 June 202623 July 2026

Application fee

A non-refundable application fee of £60 is payable before your application can be considered. 

You must pay this once you have submitted your online application and received your UUN (universal username), and before the application deadline of the round you are applying in.

What you need to apply

As part of your online application, you will need to provide: 

You will also need to submit some or all of the following supporting documents:

When you start your application, you will be able to see the full list of documents you need to provide.

Apply

Select the award, duration and delivery mode you want to study. Then select the start date you want to apply for.

After you apply

Once you have applied for this programme, you will be able to track the progress of your application and accept or decline any offers.

Checking the status of your application

We will notify you by email once we have made a decision. Due to the large number of applications we receive, it might take a while until you hear from us.

Receiving our decision

What to do if you receive an offer:

Our community

The Business School has a vibrant community featuring students and faculty from a diverse range of nationalities and backgrounds. Across all postgraduate programmes, there is strong focus on collaboration, debate, and knowledge exchange. You will also benefit from the opportunity to create global networks with their classmates, industry professionals, and Business School alumni. 

Find out more about student life

Accommodation

We guarantee an offer of University accommodation for all new, single postgraduate taught students from outside the UK and new, single postgraduate research (typically PhD) students who:

  • apply for accommodation by 31 July in the year when you start your programme
  • accept an unconditional firm offer to study at the University by 31 July
  • study at the University for the whole of the academic year starting in September

University accommodation website

Accommodation guarantee criteria

We also offer accommodation options for couples and families.

Accommodation for couples and families

If you prefer to live elsewhere, we can offer you advice on finding accommodation in Edinburgh.

Accommodation information from the Edinburgh University Students' Association Advice Place

Societies and clubs

Our societies and sports clubs will help you develop your interests, meet like-minded people, find a new hobby or simply socialise.

Societies

Sport Clubs

The city of Edinburgh

Scotland's inspiring capital will form the background to your studies — a city with an irresistible blend of history, natural beauty and modern city life. 

Find out more about living in Edinburgh

Health and wellbeing support

You will have access to free health and wellbeing services throughout your time at university if you need them.

The support services we offer include: 

  • a student counselling service
  • a health centre (doctor's surgery)
  • support if you're living in University accommodation
  • dedicated help and support if you have a disability or need adjustments

Health and wellbeing support services 

Disability and Learning Support