Undergraduate Diploma in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) in Organisations
Undergraduate Diploma
ESG
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Course Description
This program is designed to educate learners about ESG concepts and their application in various organisational contexts.
The programme begins with an introduction to the fundamental ideas behind ESG, including the origins and historical context of ESG.
The first module, therefore, aims to provide a foundational understanding of ESG concepts, which is crucial for appreciating the current state of ESG practices both in Europe and Malta. The programme then moves on to focus on the roles and responsibilities of various professionals within an organisation relating to ESG, recognising the importance of managerial roles in driving the transition toward an ESG-oriented organisation. Topics such as leadership, decision-making, and accountability in ESG initiatives will be discussed. Students will then move on to learn about the collection, structuring, and analysis of ESG-related data. The importance of formal reporting systems for ESG metrics and their use in managing risks will be emphasised. Compliance with regulations and best practices in ESG risk management will also be tackled.
Lastly, the programme focuses on the practical application of ESG knowledge and skills. It encourages students to use what they’ve learned to drive change and implement ESG principles within their organisations. Furthermore, students will have the possibility to discuss change management strategies and tactics specific to ESG. Overall, this program offers a comprehensive education in ESG, from foundational concepts to practical implementation. It equips students or professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the evolving landscape of ESG and make meaningful contributions to sustainability and responsible business practices in their organisations.
Entry Requirements
Candidates who apply for this course will possess:
- A qualification at MQF Level 4 (one ‘A’ Level or equivalent in any subject) and a pass in English Language* and Mathematics at MQF Level 3 (‘O’ Level or equivalent).
- In the case of students who do not possess all the formal required academic qualifications, then the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process could be applied such that if evidence of equivalent learning is found then the applicant could still be accepted in the course. Such RPL process will subject applicants to an interview held with a board of experts within the field, chosen specifically by IDEA Academy, so as to verify their experiences and prior learning.
*Students whose first language is not English and do not possess an ‘O’ level pass in English Language will be required to demonstrate English language capability at IELTS level 6.0 or equivalent.
Target Audience
- Individuals seeking to advance their academic and professional knowledge in ESG.
- Individuals wanting to incorporate and implement ESG practices and sustainability within their organisations.
- Experienced professionals working in industries such as insurance and banking who would like to gain a solid knowledge and skill set relating to ESG regulations, standards, and practices.
Career Paths
ESG principles are typically managed and overseen by a combination of entities within and outside of organisations. The roles and responsibilities vary depending on the organisation’s size, structure, and industry. This programme will prove to be useful in entities and roles involved in managing ESG principles such as the following:
- Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO) or ESG Officer
- Sustainability Committees
- Investors and Shareholders
- Regulatory Bodies
- ESG Rating Agencies
- Internal ESG Teams
- External Consultants and Advisers
- Industry Associations
Modules
You are required to complete all 4 compulsory modules (60 ECTS) to fulfil the requirements of this Undergraduate Diploma.
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Undergraduate Diploma in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) in Organisations
How you’ll be assessed
The course comprises:
- Evening classes for part-time courses.
- Classes held throughout the day for full-time courses.
- Guided learning, presentations, comprising synchronous online discussions, tutorials and/or videos.
- Self-study hours comprising research, reading and assignment work.
Assessment
Assessment is carried out via two mandatory components:
- Modular Assessment
- Summative Assessment
The programme includes different forms of assessment which allow for and promote students’ critical engagement. The formative and summative assessment tasks may include an in-class assignment and/or a home-based written assignment using diverse assessment tools which may take the form of online and in-class discussions, examinations, case studies, reports, proposals, essays, and presentations, etc., as applicable to the diverse modules.
Course Intake Dates
March/ April 2025
Learning Outcomes
For Knowledge:
At the end of the module/unit the learner will have acquired the responsibility and autonomy to:
- Navigate key sustainability concepts and trends and apply them in different contexts.
- Contribute to the planning and implementation scenarios focused on incorporating ESG into strategic plans, operational processes, and daily decision-making for different management roles.
- Become proficient in monitoring and assessing progress toward ESG targets.
- Contribute to sustainable business practices and drive positive outcomes in their respective organisations.
- Make use of data analytics to gain insights into ESG impacts and trends.
- Evaluate how sustainability can be integrated into an organisation’s design and core business processes.
- Carry out collaborations with external stakeholders to further promote a sustainable culture.
At the end of the programme, the learner will be able to:
- Explain the historical development and significance of ESG principles in the context of Europe and Malta.
- Identify key ESG concepts and their relevance to sustainable business practices.
- Discuss the evolution of ESG frameworks and standards.
- Describe the roles and responsibilities of managers and professionals in promoting ESG within an organisation.
- Recognise and examine the impact of leadership and decision-making on ESG initiatives.
- Identify strategies for integrating ESG considerations into organisational culture.
- Gather and organise ESG-related data using appropriate metrics.
- Develop formal reporting systems to communicate ESG performance and compliance.
- Apply ESG data to identify and manage risks and opportunities within an organisation.
- Explain the role of change management principles in overcoming resistance and fostering a culture of sustainability.
- Evaluate the progress of ESG initiatives and adjust strategies as needed.
For Skills:
By the end of the programme, the learner will be able to:
- Analyse historical ESG developments and their impact on contemporary business practices.
- Apply knowledge of fundamental ESG concepts and their relevance.
- Integrate knowledge from diverse fields to address ESG challenges effectively. d) Assume leadership roles and responsibilities in driving ESG initiatives within organisations. e) Effectively communicate the importance of ESG principles to diverse stakeholders.
- Develop strategies for aligning ESG with organisational goals and values.
- Make use of the appropriate tools and methods to manage and evaluate ESG data.
- Create ESG reports that comply with standards and effectively communicate performance.
- Utilise ESG data to identify, assess, and mitigate environmental and social risks.
- Develop and implement effective change management strategies for ESG integration.
- Address resistance and challenges during the ESG implementation process.
- Communicate and present ideas, problems, solutions, work, and findings effectively, verbally or in writing, to peers, lecturers, and specialist and non-specialist audiences (Communication skills).
- Collect, organise, manage, and interpret ESG data effectively, ensuring data quality and reliability and informing decision-making. (Digital skills).
- Navigate through the online learning platform to find, download, and upload assignments, discussion boards, literature, tutorials, etc. (Digital skills).