Saïd Business School, University of Oxford
Oxford Executive Finance Programme
Acquire the necessary knowledge of corporate finance required for making strategic decisions and delivering value at an executive level.
Start date
19 February 2025
Course duration
6 weeks
Excluding orientation
Language
English
Access resources from start date
Effort
7–10 hours per week
Self-paced learning online
Programme overview
The percentage of respondents in management and directorship positions who believe that management and leadership roles are important for driving UK economic recovery in 2021.
Chartered Management Institute (Feb, 2021).
The percentage of survey respondents who expect organizations to disclose ESG performance to investors.
Workiva (May, 2021).
Duration: 6 weeks
The dynamic and constantly evolving business environment has made it clear that social, technological, and governmental disruptions can significantly impact organisations. As a result, it is more important than ever to possess a strong understanding of finance, which is essential for effective participation in financial decision-making and discussions, and to provide value to your company.
Saïd Business School, University of Oxford offers the Oxford Executive Finance Programme, which provides practical knowledge and skills to understand the finances of any organisation and how financial decisions are made. In this six-week programme, you will delve into topics such as corporate finance, capital structure, taxation, and bankruptcy. You will also analyse the trade-offs of funding by evaluating debt versus equity and how this choice can affect investment project valuation.
By analysing current industry debates and reviewing critical expert insights, you will learn about the key topics transforming finance practices in today's fast-paced world, including corporate governance and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors. Upon completion of the programme, you will be able to use finance as part of your executive toolkit to make more informed and strategic decisions, ultimately improving overall business performance.
The content of this programme also forms part of the six-month online Oxford Strategic Management Executive Programme, designed to help you advance as a business executive.
Is this programme for you?
This online programme is designed to equip non-financial business leaders, senior executives, managers, and business professionals with the financial proficiency necessary to participate effectively in key discussions and strategic decision-making at the executive level.
The programme is ideal for those who aspire to move into strategic decision-making roles, as it helps to develop an understanding of corporate finance and the financial implications of decision-making. You'll learn how to better manage resources and use and interpret financial information to drive business growth.
The programme is accessible to all, as there are no prerequisites and no extensive finance experience or knowledge is required. Upon successful completion, you will earn a certificate of attendance from Saïd Business School, University of Oxford.
This Oxford Executive Finance Programme is certified by the United Kingdom CPD Certification Service, and may be applicable to individuals who are members of, or are associated with, UK-based professional bodies. The programme has an estimated 60 hours of learning.
Note: should you wish to claim CPD activity, the onus is on you. Oxford Saïd and GetSmarter accept no responsibility, and cannot be held responsible, for the claiming or validation of hours or points.
Programme overview
Programme overview
Duration: 6 weeks
The dynamic and constantly evolving business environment has made it clear that social, technological, and governmental disruptions can significantly impact organisations. As a result, it is more important than ever to possess a strong understanding of finance, which is essential for effective participation in financial decision-making and discussions, and to provide value to your company.
Saïd Business School, University of Oxford offers the Oxford Executive Finance Programme, which provides practical knowledge and skills to understand the finances of any organisation and how financial decisions are made. In this six-week programme, you will delve into topics such as corporate finance, capital structure, taxation, and bankruptcy. You will also analyse the trade-offs of funding by evaluating debt versus equity and how this choice can affect investment project valuation.
By analysing current industry debates and reviewing critical expert insights, you will learn about the key topics transforming finance practices in today's fast-paced world, including corporate governance and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors. Upon completion of the programme, you will be able to use finance as part of your executive toolkit to make more informed and strategic decisions, ultimately improving overall business performance.
The content of this programme also forms part of the six-month online Oxford Strategic Management Executive Programme, designed to help you advance as a business executive.
Is this programme for you?
This online programme is designed to equip non-financial business leaders, senior executives, managers, and business professionals with the financial proficiency necessary to participate effectively in key discussions and strategic decision-making at the executive level.
The programme is ideal for those who aspire to move into strategic decision-making roles, as it helps to develop an understanding of corporate finance and the financial implications of decision-making. You'll learn how to better manage resources and use and interpret financial information to drive business growth.
The programme is accessible to all, as there are no prerequisites and no extensive finance experience or knowledge is required. Upon successful completion, you will earn a certificate of attendance from Saïd Business School, University of Oxford.
This Oxford Executive Finance Programme is certified by the United Kingdom CPD Certification Service, and may be applicable to individuals who are members of, or are associated with, UK-based professional bodies. The programme has an estimated 60 hours of learning.
Note: should you wish to claim CPD activity, the onus is on you. Oxford Saïd and GetSmarter accept no responsibility, and cannot be held responsible, for the claiming or validation of hours or points.
What will set you apart
A contemporary executive finance toolkit, enabling you to make more informed, strategic financial decisions.
The ability to confidently engage in financial discussions and communicate your decisions to stakeholders.
An overview of the topics that are changing financial practices such as corporate governance, and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) investing.
Insights into some of the critical decisions firms make based on research from leading academics, field experts, and business practitioners, as well as a global network of like-minded professionals. 
Unlimited access to both the official Oxford Executive Education Alumni group on LinkedIn and edX’s Career Engagement Network, offering you exclusive resources and events to support your professional journey and drive your career forward.Programme curriculum
Orientation module
Welcome to your Online Campus
Module 1
Valuation: Time value of money, net present value (NPV), and internal rate of return (IRR)
Module 2
Financial decision-making: Measuring risk, return, and the cost of capital
Module 3
Corporate finance: Raising capital effectively
Module 4
Exit strategies: Initial public offerings (IPOs) and mergers and acquisitions (M&As)
Module 5
Corporate governance
Module 6
Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors
Programme Director
Joel Shapiro
Professor of Financial Economics, Saïd Business School, University of Oxford
About the certificate
Learn about corporate finance and earn an official certificate of attendance from Saïd Business School, University of Oxford.
Assessment is continuous and based on a series of practical assignments completed online. In order to be issued with a digital certificate, you’ll need to meet the requirements outlined in the programme handbook. The handbook will be made available to you as soon as you begin the programme.
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Payment options
You can pay your course fees before the course starts, or you may opt for a split payment plan on courses that are nine weeks and shorter. For courses 10 weeks and longer, there is a three-part payment plan available. To find out more about payment options please visit our Payment and Financing page, or contact an Enrollment Adviser, to find out which option you qualify for.
Manage your time
GetSmarter's learning model is designed to help you, as a working professional, improve your skills without compromising on work and family responsibilities. The course work is broken up into weekly, manageable bite-sized modules, with incremental deadlines, designed to help you pace yourself over the duration of the course and allow you the legroom to work when it suits you best.
At the beginning of each module you'll be presented with the course content and assignments necessary for completion. You also have access to your Success Adviser who will help you manage your time, and support you with any administrative or technical queries you might have.
Seek employer assistance
By improving your skills and industry knowledge, you'll have an influence on the success of your organization. Why wouldn't you ask your boss to help you fund your studies if it's going to have an impact on the way you do business?
Of our past students, 37 percent have received financial assistance from their employers. You can ask for help, too. Here is a guide to show you how to request financial assistance from your employer.
If you are a Learning & Development (L&D) manager, or involved in training and upskilling for an organization, you can request information regarding our corporate offering on our GetSmarter for business page.
How to change your start date
As part of our commitment to your professional development, GetSmarter offers you a two-week period to change your course start date or request your money back if you’re not fully satisfied.
To qualify for a deferral of your course start date, or to cancel your enrollment and receive a refund of your course fee, your request would need to reach our Success Advisers before the release of Module 2. For more information, please read our Terms and Conditions.
Discover the Online Campus
The Online Campus will be your virtual classroom for the duration of your course. Through its easy-to-use interface you'll have access to a diverse variety of course content formats including: interactive videos, module notes, practice quizzes, presentations, assignment briefs, and additional web resources.
On the Online Campus, you'll also be able to ask questions and interact with your fellow students and teaching team through the discussion forums. If you are looking for your Online Campus login, please visit your Account page here.
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