The Sustainability Reporting in Capital Markets course, offered by the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) as a Summer School program, is an immersive face-to-face classroom course exploring how sustainability and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) reporting drive progress toward global sustainability goals and transform decision-making in capital markets. Geared toward university-level learners with foundational knowledge in economics, accounting, finance, management, or related business fields, the course is ideal for individuals aiming for careers in policy-making, asset management, sustainable investing, ESG assurance, or advisory and auditing services. The upcoming session (Session Two) takes place from June 23 to July 11, 2025, but is currently full, with applications for future sessions opening at a later date. It offers 3-4 US academic credits (or 7.5 ECTS) upon completion, with assessment based on both mid-session and final examinations, and requires 36 hours of lectures and 18 hours of classes.

Core Content

The curriculum delves into the evolution and the current development of global ESG regulation, performance metrics frameworks, and mandatory disclosure requirements placed on publicly listed companies. Students critically explore both the benefits of ESG reporting—such as enhanced transparency, responsible investment growth, and integration of sustainability into market strategies—and its challenges, including the risks of greenwashing and inconsistent reporting standards. The course uses academic research, industry analysis, case studies, and regulatory documents to highlight how capital providers, such as pension funds, private equity firms, and banks, integrate ESG data into investment and lending decisions. Major themes include evaluating the quality and usefulness of various ESG disclosures (like emissions reporting, diversity metrics, and compliance), understanding the externalities—balancing positive social impact against potential misuse—and recommending strategies to boost the reliability and impact of corporate sustainability reporting, such as standardization, mandatory disclosure, and third-party verification.

Key Skills

Participants gain the ability to understand and apply core sustainability concepts within organizations, evaluate global and sector-specific ESG reporting regulations, and identify economic drivers for ESG information from a range of market stakeholders. The course cultivates skills in critically assessing the quality, utility, and risks of ESG metrics—including their potential to inform or mislead—and balancing the societal benefits of reporting against emerging risks like greenwashing. Guided by rigorous assignments, mid-session exams, and case-based class sessions, learners can make well-founded recommendations to improve the effectiveness of sustainability reporting in corporate and financial contexts.

Target Learners

Suited to intellectually curious individuals, the course is particularly valuable to those interested in the foundational and practical aspects of sustainability reporting and its interaction with both capital and product markets. Typical learners include aspiring policy-makers, asset and investment managers, sustainable finance professionals, ESG rating agency analysts, and future auditors or assurance service providers focused on sustainability. The program welcomes international students and professionals looking to deepen their expertise for real-world business, policy, or advisory roles.

Learning Format

This intensive course is delivered face-to-face at LSE’s London campus during its Summer School. Participants engage in 36 hours of expert-led lectures and 18 hours of interactive classes, featuring group discussion, real-world case analysis, and debates. Faculty include Dr. Xi Li and Dr. Julia Morley, both renowned for their expertise in accounting, sustainability reporting, and social impact measurement. The assessment structure—comprised of a mid-session and a final examination—reinforces theoretical and practical learning, while offering the option for participants to transfer credits to their home university in the US (3-4 credits) or EU (7.5 ECTS).

Additional Benefits

Graduates of the course emerge with practical, evidence-based knowledge of sustainability and ESG reporting, enabling them to address both the challenges and opportunities facing firms and investors in capital markets. The program’s close alignment with current regulatory trends and market demands, plus strong LSE faculty guidance and vibrant peer interaction, provides valuable professional networking, insight, and career advancement opportunities in the rapidly-evolving field of sustainable finance and reporting. LSE’s Department of Accounting is distinguished globally, ensuring participants benefit from cutting-edge research, access to industry thought leaders, and the prestige of a top-ranked institution.

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