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.

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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 AACSB and 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:

  • demonstrate a critical understanding of key theories and concepts underpinning sustainability and its integration into contemporary digital marketing and consumer engagement strategies
  • engage in informed and critical discussions about sustainability-related challenges and opportunities in digital business environments, considering their impact on consumer behaviour and brand communication
  • analyse and interpret an organization’s digital marketing strategy for promoting sustainability, with attention to communication techniques, platform use, and stakeholder engagement
  • evaluate the effectiveness of a chosen organization's approach to integrating sustainability into their consumer engagement strategies and assess the resultant impacts on both organizational performance and consumer perception
  • develop innovative proposals to enhance consumer engagement in sustainability initiatives, considering current trends and the potential effects on consumer behaviour and corporate reputation. 

  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, you may want to explore the Session Two module Innovative and Sustainable Finance. 

• Accounting and Finance Decision Making with AI

  Module to be launched soon.

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.

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