University Certificate in Corporate Finance

Master advanced financial strategies to create sustainable value and drive growth. Experience a new standard in executive learning, part of the Solvay Executive MBA Portfolio.

Location

Duration

-

Frequency

Language

Tuition

Application deadline

Programme start:

11

SEP

Info session

Accelerated Management Programme
Online

18h00 - 19h00

13

MAR

Networking event

Executive MBA International Women's Day 2024
On-site

18h00 - 21h00

13

MAY

Info session

Accelerated Management Programme
Online

12h30 - 13h30
Leading Belgian Business School
Logo EMBA Solvay (FT + QS) (600 x 79 px) (2)-1

Who

Who is the programme aimed at?

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Profile

This certification, which is a specialisation of our flagship Executive MBA, is designed for experienced professionals who want to elevate their financial acumen and play a decisive role in shaping their organisation’s strategic direction.

 

It is particularly well-suited for senior managers, executives, and entrepreneurs responsible for driving growth, managing risks, and ensuring sustainable financial performance. Finance professionals looking to expand their expertise beyond technical analysis into strategic decision-making and value creation will also benefit greatly. Whether leading a business unit, overseeing investments, or navigating mergers and acquisitions, participants will gain the tools and confidence to make informed financial decisions that deliver long-term impact.

Key admissions criteria

  • Higher Education Diploma (Bachelor/Master/Other)
  • Minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience, ideally with responsibilities in finance, management, or strategic decision-making.
  • English proficiency
  • A clear motivation to deepen financial expertise and apply advanced corporate finance tools to real-world business challenges.

Benefits

Why the University Certificate in Corporate Finance?

Your individual and collective benefits

Individual 
Collective

Gain the confidence to analyse complex financial data, design value-driven strategies, and make informed investment and risk management decisions.

Stand out as a trusted financial expert ready to lead high-stakes projects, mergers, and sustainability initiatives that drive organisational growth.

Combine technical finance skills with a strategic mindset to influence C-level decisions and create long-term value in a rapidly evolving market.

Engage with a network of professionals who share insights, best practices, and real-world solutions, strengthening collective expertise across industries.

Equip teams and organisations with advanced financial tools, sustainable investment approaches, and robust risk management practices to thrive in uncertain markets.

Contribute to a business ecosystem that integrates profitability with ESG priorities, fostering long-term growth and thoughtful societal impact.

Curriculum

Overview & Modules

The University Certificate in Corporate Finance comprises 4 long weekends - spread over 4 months - it empowers professionals to develop deep expertise in corporate finance, risk management, ESG investing, and strategic M&A. Whether optimising capital structures, mitigating risks, integrating sustainability, or executing global growth strategies, you’ll gain the skills to make high-impact financial decisions that drive lasting value for your organisation.

Module 1
Financial Analysis & Strategic Management

Master the financial analysis tools to drive strategic decision-making, evaluate investment opportunities, and optimise value creation in dynamic business environments.

- Taught by Benjamin LORENT

Module 2
Corporate Finance & Value Creation

Explore advanced financial concepts and strategies to drive value creation, optimise capital structures, and achieve organisational objectives.

- Taught by Amit GOYAL

Module 3
Risk Management & Decision Analytics

Develop expertise in identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks while leveraging decision analytics to enhance organisational resilience.

- Taught by Pierre PONCELET

Module 3
ESG Investing & Financial Sustainability

Explore the principles of sustainable investing, emphasising the integration of ESG factors into financial decisions and portfolio management.

- Taught by Bruno FARBER

Module 4
Global M&A and Growth Strategies

Examine the complexities of mergers and acquisitions, including valuation, negotiation, and post-merger integration strategies, to achieve sustainable growth.

- Taught by Philippe MICHAUX

 

Your Output

Corporate Finance Certificate Learning Objectives

Join a community of ambitious leaders and strengthen your ability to lead financial strategy at the highest level.

Champion
Financial Analysis and Value Creation

 

  • Analyse complex financial data to assess organisational performance and identify key value drivers.
  • Apply corporate finance principles to develop strategies for optimising capital structure and resource allocation.
  • Develop robust financial models to support strategic planning and value-driven decision-making.
Champion
Risk Management and Strategic Resilience

 

  • Identify, assess, and prioritise organisational risks using advanced analytical frameworks.
  • Apply decision analytics to model scenarios and design risk mitigation strategies.
  • Develop contingency and continuity plans that enhance resilience and safeguard value creation.
Champion
Sustainable Finance and ESG Integration

 

  • Evaluate the impact of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors on financial performance and investment decisions.
  • Design and justify ESG investment strategies that strike a balance between profitability and long-term sustainability goals.
  • Demonstrate ethical and responsible decision-making in the context of sustainable finance.
More tools under (y)our belt. 

The pillars of learning

Your Return on Investment is the ability to emerge as a trusted financial leader who can confidently analyse and interpret complex financial data, make sound investment and risk management decisions, and embed sustainability and ESG principles into financial strategies. With this expertise, you will be equipped to execute mergers, acquisitions, and growth initiatives that generate sustainable long-term value for your organisation and its stakeholders.

Every module lasts over four weeks, including an intensive long weekend, a dynamic mix of interactive online & on-campus lecturescase discussions, and collaborative exercises, which invites participants to tackle real-world problems, test new ideas, and strengthen both creative and critical thinking skills. Throughout the programme, a curated set of practical management tools and resources — including e-books, cases, articles, and online references — supports immediate application and serves as a lasting toolkit for future business decisions.

Academic Tools
Vector

Flipped-Classroom

Foundational content — such as readings, videos, and expert lectures — is explored before class. This means classroom time is dedicated to high-impact discussions, real-world application, and collaborative problem-solving. The result: more active participation and deeper learning during every session.

Vector

Blended Learning

Each course combines flexible online activities with dynamic in-person sessions. This hybrid format supports different learning styles, encourages self-paced preparation, and ensures that valuable classroom time focuses on meaningful interaction and practical application.

Vector

Active Learning

Participants are at the heart of the learning journey. Through lively discussions, simulations, debates, and peer learning, active participation becomes second nature. This approach strengthens critical thinking, deepens understanding, and builds lasting knowledge.

Vector

Authentic Assessment

Assessments mirror the challenges faced in real business settings. Whether developing a strategic plan, navigating a simulation, reflecting on personal leadership practice, or delivering a persuasive presentation, each task is designed to test practical application, not just knowledge.

 Corporate Finance Statistics

Industry Insights

60

%

of CEOs plan M&A deals this year, skilled leaders are essential to manage valuation, negotiation, and integration risks.

 

(Source: PwC Global CEO Survey & M&A Industry Trends, 2024)

74

%

of CFOs say that expertise in corporate finance and M&A is now critical for stepping into senior executive roles.

 

(Source: Deloitte CFO Signals Survey, 2024)

88

%

of institutional investors consider ESG performance as a core part of financial decision-making.

 

(Source: EY Global Institutional Investor Survey, 2023)

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Apply now. Learn tomorrow.

Apply for the University Certificate in Corporate Finance

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Contact

Any Questions?

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Still have questions about the programme? Want to discuss how to make your personal and professional development plan a reality? I will be happy to hear from you! 

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What are the admission criteria?

To enter the programme, participants must hold a university degree and be proficient in English. Candidates are selected based on their application form and an interview.

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Financial Aid

DISCOUNTS

 

    • Alumni of the Solvay Brussels School, Solvay Lifelong Learning, Université libre de Bruxelles and Vrije Universiteit Brussel benefit from a 10% discount on tuition fees. 
    • Ruling: Your tuition fees may be recognised by the Belgian authorities as professional expenses and could therefore be eligible for a deduction under personal income tax (IPP) and corporate tax (ISOC). This potential tax saving could cover up to 25% of your tuition fees. For more information, please contact us or visit the SPF website.

 

 

SUBSIDIES & FINANCIAL AIDS
Subject to renewal of the regional agreements

  • Brussels region - Educational Subsidy: Self-employed, or employees working for SME in Brussels, under certain conditions, are entitled to an Educational Subsidy. You must submit the subsidy application within 30 days of the start of the programme/module/course start date. (for more information: Economie-Emploi)

  • Brussels region - Paid Training Leave: Paid educational leave allows workers (private sector) to train during the day or in staggered hours while retaining their salary. Employers receive reimbursement from Brussels Economy and Employment, based on specific criteria. The employee must submit the certificate of enrollment (a specific certificate for educational leave issued by the school) to their employer within 20 days of the course start date. This certificate must be delivered to the employer either by registered mail or with a receipt acknowledgement. In case of a late registration after the launch of the programme at the latest within 8 days of the registration. (for more information: Economie-Emploi).

  • Flanders region - SME Wallet: The SME e-wallet is oriented towards practitioners of ‘liberal professions’ and SMEs whose operational headquarters are located in the Flemish Region. You must submit the subsidy application within 14 days of the programme/module/course start date. (for more information: VLAIO)
  • Wallonia region - Training Vouchers: Full- or part-time employees from SMEs with a maximum of 250 workers, as well as self-employed individuals. You must submit the subsidy application within 14 days of the programme/module/course start date. (for more information: Forem).