Summer School: Business School

Explore key business issues with modules on sustainability, accounting and finance.

The business world of today and tomorrow

The business sector is evolving rapidly. Technological advances such as artificial intelligence and cryptocurrency are causing huge changes in the way businesses operate and innovate.  

On our Business School modules you can engage with these seismic shifts, from sustainable consumption to smart cities, green finance to supply chains.

---

Modules you can study

Select from the following modules:

Session One

• Engaging Consumers with Sustainability

  Module code: IS451

  This module provides an in-depth understanding of how digital marketing strategies can be used to promote sustainable consumption and responsible business practices. It explores the intersection of sustainability, consumer engagement, and digital technology, making it ideal for those interested in how marketing can contribute to positive environmental and social change.  

  Throughout the course, you will examine key topics such as sustainable consumption, green and ethical marketing, circular economy models, corporate social responsibility, and the role of digital platforms in shaping consumer attitudes and behaviours. You will also explore how social media, content marketing, influencer strategies, and data-driven campaigns can be leveraged to communicate sustainability messages effectively and authentically. 

  Through collaborative workshops and real-world case studies, you will critically analyse how organizations integrate sustainability into their digital marketing initiatives and explore the challenges and opportunities in engaging consumers through online channels. The module emphasizes strategic thinking, creativity, and critical reflection on how digital marketing can both enable and constrain sustainable business practices.  

  The University of Sussex Business School has EQUIS accreditation: the most comprehensive institutional accreditation system for business and management schools in terms of governance, programmes, students, faculty, research, internationalisation, ethics, responsibility, and sustainability, as well as engagement with the world of practice.  

  This module is ideal for students with an interest in how global business marketing and sustainability can contribute to positive environmental and social change. 

  Learning outcomes:

  • explain key theories and concepts related to sustainability and describe how they inform digital marketing and consumer engagement.

  • participate in informed discussions about sustainability challenges and opportunities in digital business environments, with reference to their influence on consumer behaviour and brand communication.

  • identify and analyse how an organization uses digital marketing strategies to communicate sustainability, including platform choices and stakeholder engagement techniques. 

  • evaluate the effectiveness of an organization’s sustainability communication and propose improvements to enhance consumer engagement

  Teaching method: Workshops
  Assessment: 50% group presentation, 40% essay, 10% observation
  Contact hours: 40 hours
  Credits: 15 Sussex Credits 
  Level: 4 

  If you are interested in this module, study with us for six weeks over summer to apply your learning to the complementary module Business Law and Human Rights.

• Accounting and Finance Decision Making with AI

  Module code: IS460

  This module is designed to assist you in understanding some of the fundamental concepts of accounting and some of the accounting tools and techniques which will be useful to you in your career as a decision maker. The module requires no previous knowledge of accounting and is not designed to help you prepare to become an accountant. Instead, it is designed to equip you with the relevant concepts, understanding and language needed to give you confidence as you work with accountants during your career.
  We explore the relationship between accounting, accountability, and stewardship. We also consider how accounting is not facts but based upon professional judgement and forms part of a wider narrative.

  We will also explore concepts in relation to artificial intelligence. The first professor of AI related studies was appointed at the University of Sussex in 1968, so the University has a rich heritage in this area. We will discuss to what extent Large Learning Modules (e.g. ChatGPT) can be considered to be AI, and the impact of the LLMs and AI on accounting.

  This module is ideal for students with little or no prior accounting experience, or those who have studied accounting in a technical way without exploring its underlying principles. Accounting concepts and language are used in all organisations (for example, budgets), so understanding them will be valuable in any future career.

  Learning outcomes:

  • examine key accounting concepts and principles and the process involved in producing financial reports
  • interpret and analyse financial reports, using appropriate tools and explain the nature of earnings management and its relevance to users of financial reports
  • appraise the need for regulation of financial reporting, including accounting standards and describe the problems faced by standards setters in an international context
  • assess and apply key concepts and techniques in management accounting and control.

  Teaching method: Workshops
  Assessment: 80% in class exam, 20% MCQ Test
  Contact hours: 40 hours
  Credits: 15 Sussex Credits 
  Level: 4 

  If you have an interest in this area, please see our Session Two module, Innovative and Sustainable Finance.

Session Two

• Innovative and Sustainable Finance

  Module code: IS452

  This module offers an immersive experience, empowering students with cutting-edge tools. You'll gain practical skills using Bloomberg Terminals, incorporating new AI tools exploiting Natural Language Processing (NLP) for real-time data analysis, and utilise Bloomberg's extensive resources to understand sustainable finance and ESG metrics. 

  We'll explore how innovative technologies such as Blockchain, Large Language Models (LLMs), Augmented Reality, Quantum Computing, and the Internet of Futures (IoF) can serve as powerful solutions for supporting sustainability projects, particularly in the context of smart cities. Imagine leveraging these technologies for everything from optimised resource management and transparent supply chains, to enhanced citizen engagement and predictive urban planning.

  Through interactive group work and team-building, you will tackle real-world case studies, developing crucial collaboration and problem-solving abilities. We'll link learning to best practices, including the valuable Bloomberg ESG Certificate, equipping them with highly sought-after expertise for a sustainable future.

  This module is suitable for students who have an interest in sustainable finance and the use of cutting-edge technologies. A background in business or finance is not required. 

  Learning outcomes:

  • systematically engage with different market participants of economy to create sustainable innovations in the economy

  • critically discuss the implementation of government and local policy and the modern role of sustainable innovation in the development of smart environment friendly solutions such as smart cities and smart buildings

  • analyse recent trends of technology development and their impact on the green finance development and conduct green-friendly projects

  • Critically evaluate management innovation processes and possible challenges for the development of sustainable solutions.

  Teaching method: Workshops 
  Assessment: 80% in class exam, 20% MCQ Test 
  Contact hours: 40 hours  
  Credits: 15 Sussex Credits 
  Level: 4 

  If you have an interest in this area, please see our session one modules Engaging Consumers with Sustainability and Accounting and Finance Decision Making with AI. 

Read our top tips for choosing your modules. You can also find out about our teaching structure, assessment process and how your credits transfer back to your home institution.

---

You might also be interested in:

• fees and costs
• entry requirements
• how to apply.