Master
2025/2026
Building DCF Models in Practice
Type:
Elective course (Financial Analyst)
Delivered by:
HSE Banking Institute
Where:
HSE Banking Institute
When:
2 year, 2 module
Open to:
students of one campus
Instructors:
Lidia Bulushova
Language:
English
ECTS credits:
3
Contact hours:
30
Course Syllabus
Abstract
A financial model is an essential tool for understanding and evaluating an investment project – from both quantitative and qualitative perspectives. It brings together all key business assumptions, accounts for opportunities and constraints, and reflects the regulatory and business environment. A good financial model not only helps measure risk and uncertainty but also clearly presents the “base case”—the most likely scenario – for stakeholders.
In this course, you’ll learn step-by-step how to build a financial model for your project. We’ll cover the entire process: starting from a blank Excel workbook, you’ll create pro-forma financial statements and key financial ratios commonly used by investors and lenders. Along the way, we’ll explore best practices in financial modeling, as well as the technical and financial principles behind the tools you use.
The approach and structure you’ll learn here are practical and adaptable – whether you’re starting a new business, launching a product, or exploring a venture investment. By the end of the course, you’ll have built a universal financial model you can use as a template for your future projects.
Learning Objectives
- This course aims to equip you with practical financial modeling skills for investment projects. You’ll learn best practices through interactive discussions with the instructor and by building your own financial models in hands-on exercises
Expected Learning Outcomes
- After the course, students will have necessary knowledge and skills to build a fully fledged financial model for a project or a company. The model can be used to support investment decisions, raise capital or apply for debt financing
Course Contents
- Basics of financial modelling
- Sales, OPEX, CAPEX, working capital, taxes
- Financial reports in the model
- Financing: loans, lease. Ratios
- Discounted cash flow analysis
- Scenario analysis
Assessment Elements
- Test 1
- Test 2
- Test 3
- Final ProjectThe students are required to choose a project with a new business (either a green field project or a new business line for an existing company) and develop a financial model
- Test 4
- Test 5
- Test 6
Interim Assessment
- 2025/2026 2nd module0.52 * Final Project + 0.08 * Test 1 + 0.08 * Test 2 + 0.08 * Test 3 + 0.08 * Test 4 + 0.08 * Test 5 + 0.08 * Test 6
Bibliography
Recommended Core Bibliography
- Damodaran, A. (2015). Applied Corporate Finance (Vol. Fourth edition). Hoboken, New Jersey: Wiley. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=1639191
- McKinsey & Company Inc, Tim Koller, Marc Goedhart, & David Wessels. (2020). Valuation : Measuring and Managing the Value of Companies, University Edition. Wiley.
- Rosenbaum, J., & Pearl, J. (2013). Investment Banking : Valuation, Leveraged Buyouts, and Mergers and Acquisitions (Vol. 2nd ed). Hoboken: Wiley. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=981384
Recommended Additional Bibliography
- Nantell, T. J. (1991). Valuation: Measuring and Managing the Value of Companies. Journal of Finance (Wiley-Blackwell), 46(1), 459–463. https://doi.org/10.2307/2328707