Foundations of Corporate Finance is a comprehensive online course offered by the University of Cambridge as part of the Principles of Financial Leadership Specialization. Designed for learners with some prior exposure to business or finance, the course introduces the concepts, analytical tools, and financial frameworks that underpin strategic business decision-making. It explores how financial principles influence corporate performance, capital allocation, and long-term value creation. Updated as recently as August 2025, the course helps learners understand the financial foundations necessary for strong, sustainable business leadership.

Core Content

The programme spans five modules covering financial statement analysis, cash flow assessment, capital budgeting, risk evaluation, and business valuation. Learners examine how sustainable businesses generate predictable profits, how different accounting techniques shape financial reporting, and how investment decisions contribute to shareholder value. The course also demystifies financial statements, KPIs such as total shareholder return, and the financial implications of capital investments. Through hands-on assessments and real-world examples, participants learn to analyse risks and opportunities and make informed financial judgments aligned with organisational goals.

Key Skills

Learners develop practical expertise in financial analysis, capital budgeting, valuation, financial statement interpretation, business risk management, stakeholder considerations, and return-on-investment assessment. These skills equip participants to make balanced financial decisions and engage confidently in discussions about corporate performance and investment strategy.

Target Learners

This course is designed for professionals seeking to strengthen their finance capabilities, including business managers, aspiring financial leaders, sustainability professionals interfacing with finance teams, and analysts aiming to broaden their corporate finance knowledge. It is also suitable for learners within ESG roles who need to understand financial mechanisms that influence sustainability strategy and capital allocation.

Learning Format

Delivered fully online through Coursera, the programme combines expert video instruction, practical exercises, and 33 structured assignments that reinforce applied learning. Learners proceed at their own pace, typically completing the course within 2.5 months. As part of the Principles of Financial Leadership Specialization, enrolment also grants access to the entire learning pathway.

Additional Benefits

Participants earn a shareable certificate from the University of Cambridge, strengthening their professional profile in finance, strategy, and sustainability contexts. The course provides a strong grounding in financial literacy, empowering learners to interpret financial data accurately, contribute to investment decisions, and support long-term sustainable business growth.

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