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Core Competencies in Investment and Finance

Investments and Corporate Finance is an English-language microdegree designed to systematically develop competencies in investment and financial management, supporting informed and responsible financial decision-making. The programme integrates investment management, corporate finance, and financial ethics and law into a comprehensive skill set that helps participants understand both financial markets and the drivers of company value. The studies are practical and analytical, focusing on risk–return dynamics, capital structure, financing decisions, and the regulatory environment. An international learning environment and strong academic foundation provide a solid basis for succeeding in the global financial landscape.

Practical info

Time

Sep 1, 2026 - Dec 18, 2026

Capacity

9 ECTS (234 academic hours, of which 72 in classroom and 162 individual work)

Prerequisites

  • Higher secondary education diploma or an equivalent qualification.
  • Sufficient proficiency in English (minimum level B2), as the programme is delivered entirely in English.
  • Valid temporary residence permit or EU citizenship (if applicable).
  • Passed online consultation with EBS consultant before August 20, 2026.

Study Level

Current microdegree belongs to Bachelor's study level

Language

The lectures and study materials are in English.

Method

In class - Students meet with the instructor in class at regularly scheduled times.

Price

€1,320

Location

EBS University, A.Lauteri 3, Tallinn

Comprehensive Financial Competence for Experienced Learners

Investments and financial decisions shape which ideas get funded and which remain unrealised. The quality of these decisions depends on understanding how company value is created, how risk and return interact, and how financial markets operate.

The Investments and Corporate Finance microdegree develops a systematic understanding of investment management, corporate finance, and financial regulation. Through practical and analytical study, participants learn to evaluate investment opportunities, analyse financial decisions, and understand how capital structure, financing choices, and regulation influence corporate value.

Who is Core Competencies in Investment and Finance intended for?

The microdegree is designed for learners and professionals with prior knowledge of finance and accounting who wish to deepen their competencies in investment management and corporate finance.

The programme is suitable for:

  • students and graduates of economics and business who aim to specialise in finance;
  • finance professionals involved in or aspiring to make investment and corporate financial decisions;
  • professionals interested in entrepreneurship and financial management who seek to strengthen their analytical and strategic decision-making skills.

As this is an advanced-level programme, participants are expected to read and interpret financial statements and understand core finance concepts such as the time value of money, risk and return, financial instruments, and capital budgeting.

Topics Covered

Certificate

Graduates of the programme will receive a certificate of microdegree with ECTS credits 

Microdegree structure

The on-site learning of the microdegree programme takes place from period 1 September to 20 December 2026. Lectures and seminars are held twice a week on weekdays in a classroom setting. Classes are scheduled during daytime hours, generally between 10:00 and 17:00, and no online or live streams options are provided.

For the exact timetable, please contact us for details.

Register for the microdegree

Core Competencies in Investment and Finance starts at Sep 1, 2026

Microdegree details

Leading lecturer

Juan R. Sáenz-Diez

Juan R. Sáenz-Diez

Head of the Centre for Free Economic Thought

Juan Sáenz-Diez is a lecturer in Economics and Finance at EBS, teaching undergraduate finance specialization courses such as Investment Management, Finance Ethics and Law, Personal Finance, and Risk Management. He is a Doctoral Researcher at EBS, with research interests in the strategic management of professional service firms, digital automation in wealth management, and Austrian Economics. Juan has international professional experience as a technology entrepreneur, financial consultant, and project manager for automated anti–money laundering systems. He holds a degree in aeronautical engineering, an MA in Business Administration from EBS, an Executive MBA from IE Business School, and is a CFA charterholder. He is a member of the CFA Institute, the Mises Institute, and the Academy of Management.

Course reviews

  • The microdegree programme fully met my expectations and justified both the time and financial investment. I was very satisfied with the programme overall. I especially appreciated the Corporate Finance lecturer, Taivo Reintal, who explained the topics in a very clear and understandable way and was able to make complex subjects simple. It was evident that he has deep expertise in the field, and his practical background added significant value to the learning experience. For me, the greatest benefit was gaining a comprehensive understanding of how finance and investment topics are interconnected. As I had no prior experience in investing, the concrete analytical methods were particularly valuable, as I can now immediately apply them when making investment decisions. The study pace suited me well, and balancing the programme alongside work was manageable. All materials were available online, which allowed for independent learning at a convenient time. Overall, it was an excellent learning experience, and I am very pleased to have gained valuable experience studying at EBS.

    Laura Laksberg

    accountant

    participant in the 2025 programme

  • I truly enjoyed the programme. The teachers were extremely supportive, always open to questions, and the extra time and open sessions were very helpful. The learning experience exceeded my expectations. I gained a clearer understanding of key financial concepts and practical tools that I can confidently apply. The pace and workload were manageable and well worth the investment. Overall, it was a valuable and enriching experience.

    Sarah Elsakka

    Legal Consultant & Finance Enthusiast

    participant in the 2025 programme

  • All the lessons included a lot of applicable real-world examples, which made the content relevant and useful. Different lecturers used different approaches - visuals, videos, and current discussions – and all of them were clearly very experienced in their fields. At times the pace felt fast, as a lot of material was covered in a limited time, which is something working professionals should take into account. That said, I especially appreciated the corporate finance and law classes, where it felt comfortable to ask questions and get clarifying answers. Overall, the microdegree offers strong, practice-oriented content that can be valuable alongside work, as long as you are ready to actively keep up with the intensity.

    Maria Lasprilla

    Mentor and consultant

    participant in the 2025 programme

Register for the microdegree

Core Competencies in Investment and Finance

Course Date

01.09.2026 - 18.12.2026

Calendar

Study sessions are expected to take place twice a week on weekdays, typically either 10:15–13:30 or 14:00–17:15. Some weeks include two sessions, others three to four. The exact schedule will be confirmed in June. Contact us to receive a notification when registration and the timetable are available.

Price

  • €1,320
  • VAT will not be added to course price
  • Would you like to split the invoice? Part can be issued to a company and the rest to an individual.

Prerequisites

NB! Participants from non-EU countries: If you intend to take this microdegree or any other short-term courses (all Open university courses), you will not be issued a residence permit for your studies. Be sure you have a valid temporary resident permit already given.

Prior knowledge of finance and accounting is required. Applicants are expected to be able to read and interpret financial statements and to understand core finance concepts such as the time value of money, risk–return relationship, main financial instruments, and capital budgeting principles.

Register for the microdegree

Applications are open until 18.08.2026

Participation in a microdegree requires attending an online consultation by August 15, 2026. We will review your experience, goals, and how the program supports your role, as well as explain the study format so you can make an informed decision. Early consultation helps secure your place and allows more time to plan your studies.

Apply now

Not quite sure about your choice yet?

Ask our specialist for advice. Please contact via e-mail or book consultation

Book your consultation before Midsummer – applications open on 1 July and places fill quickly.

Learning Journey Advisor

Kadri Osula

Learning Journey Advisor

kadri.osula@ebs.ee
    Investments and Corporate Finance Microdegree | EBS