Master's Programme in Sustainability Reporting and Financial Analysis 60 credits
About the programme
Do you want to develop strong expertise in financial analysis while also gaining an in-depth understanding of sustainability reporting and sustainable finance? In this programme, you study accounting and finance with a clear sustainability perspective at two leading Nordic business schools. After graduation, you can work as a sustainability expert in areas such as sustainable finance or CSRD, while also being well prepared for traditional roles in finance and accounting. The programme’s international design and unique integration of sustainability enable you to apply sustainability principles in both financial analysis and accounting decisions.
This innovative one-year programme provides advanced knowledge in accounting and finance with a sustainability perspective, taught across two prominent Nordic learning environments: Umeå School of Business, Economics and Statistics (Umeå University), Sweden and Hanken School of Economics, Vaasa, Finland. You will receive a degree from each institution upon completion.
While studying
During the first semester, you will study at Umeå School of Business, Economics and Statistics (USBE), where you will study our 30 credit course, Financial Analysis, Sustainability and Reporting, you will study four different modules, Financial Reporting and Analysis; Advanced Management Accounting; Advanced Financial and Sustainability Reporting; and Risk Management. These modules will give you a deep understanding of topics that are essential in the current business landscape. All modules integrate sustainability perspectives to the key themes of the corresponding modules.
During the second semester, you will study at Hanken School of Economics, where the courses will focus on areas such as Financial Modelling, Sustainable Finance and ESG Analysis. You will also write your Master's thesis at Hanken School of Economics. After completing the Master's programme, you will receive two degrees, one from each business school.
Courses
Semester 1 (Umeå)
Financial Analysis, Sustainability and Reporting, 30 credits
Financial Reporting and Analysis, 7.5 credits
Advanced Corporate Finance, 7.5 credits
Advanced Financial and Sustainability Reporting, 7.5 credits
Risk Management, 7.5 credits
Semester 2 (Hanken School of Economics, Vaasa, Finland)
Sustainable Finance, ESG analysis and thesis project, 30 credits
Financial Modelling Using MS Excel and VBA, 5 credits
Sustainable Finance, 5 credits
Financial Reporting and ESG Analysis, 5 credits
Thesis project, 15 credits
Programme coordinator is Tobias Svanström.
Applies to all 60 credit Master's programmes at USBE
We integrate competencies in our programmes
In our programmes and courses we focus on competencies that are needed for your future professional life.
Read more about integrated competencies
Sustainability perspective all the more important
Sustainability get a whole lot bigger attention in today's firms and organizations and we lifted these questions up early in our educational programmes. Together with our students are we working for a more sustainable business school and to revise the courses to improve the education about, and for, sustainable development at the programme independent of your choice between business administration and economics. Our work on sustainability takes as a starting point the 17 sustainable development goals and Agenda 2030.
We are certified by the environmental management system ISO 14001 and we are members of the international networks GBSN, PRME and SDSN.
Read more about our work on sustainability
Academic quality, international recognition, and education with purpose
At Umeå School of Business, Economics and Statistics, your master’s studies are part of something larger – a commitment to academic excellence, societal relevance, and sustainable development. Our quality assurance system, grounded in both Swedish national standards and leading international frameworks, ensures continuous improvement of our programmes. We are proud to be accredited by AACSB – a prestigious mark of quality held by fewer than 6% of business schools worldwide.
Through student-centred learning, active collaboration with business and society, and an integrated sustainability perspective, you will develop the skills and insights needed to lead change and contribute to a better future.
Corporate connections
The business school interacts with companies and organisations in various ways. This can be done through, for example, guest lectures, company visits, career lectures, essay assignments, cases or internships, and in this way we create the conditions for a mutual exchange that benefits all parties.
Continued studies
You are eligible for doctoral studies after the programme.
Future and career opportunities
After graduation, you can work both in traditional accounting and finance roles as well as in positions that require sustainability expertise, including roles such as Financial Analyst, CFO, Chief Accountant, Auditor, Controller.
The programme prepares you for careers in accounting and finance, with particular readiness to work with sustainable finance and the preparation of sustainability reports. Its international profile also offers strong opportunities for a career abroad. The programme may also make you eligible for doctoral studies.
Apply
Film about the programme
Hear from the programme coordinator and students about the programme.
Voices about the programme
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Henrik Johansson, CEO Grant Thornton, Sweden
A programme like this is much needed and it’s a prerequisite to cater to growing demand of competence in the market.
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Karin Schäfer-Juslin, Sustainability Reporting Leader, PwC
The future workforce needs to understand and learn to balance financial targets and expectations with sustainability perspectives and considerations.
Frequently asked questions
What are the language skills required?
Students are required to have proficiency in English equivalent to English course B/6 from Swedish upper-secondary school (high school). Proficiency in English can be proven by test scores from a number of internationally recognised tests.
Read more about language and entry requirements
What selection criteria are used?
The first selection criterion is the GMAT (Graduate Management Admissions Test) result. You need to indicate Umeå University to mba.com and also upload a copy of the results to universityadmissions.se. If you have no GMAT result, you are still eligible to apply for the programme but will be ranked after applicants with a GMAT result and according to the number of academic credits you have.
Are there any tuition fees?
Citizens outside of EU/EEA and Switzerland will have to pay application fee and tuition fee.
Can I get any scholarships?
Some scholarships are offered by the Swedish Institute and some by Umeå University.
Do I need to send in CV, Motivation letter or Recommendation letters?
No, none of those documents are required. If you submit them anyway they will not be considered.
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