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Education Bachelor's degree programmes Business Administration
Header image Business Administration

Business Administration

How can you produce efficiently while keeping your organisation financially healthy and your staff motivated? Business Administration focuses on all aspects of entrepreneurship.

Business specialists study organizations from a variety of perspectives. They observe how the different sections of organizations affect each other and analyze their strengths and weaknesses. This may include issues such as making better working agreements, adjusting production lines, changing the company culture, introducing more effective marketing strategies, or even carrying out comprehensive reorganizations or outsourcing. In short, Business Administration focuses on all of the aspects that contribute to the successful running of businesses.

The Bachelor’s degree programme in Business Administration is a varied programme. In your second year, you will choose one of the profiles:

  • Accountancy and Controlling
  • Business and Management
  • Technology Management

Each profile consists of several core course units imparting knowledge that is important for any business expert, as well as course units that focus on a certain specialization in depth. This means that upon completion of the Bachelor’s degree programme, you will have been broadly trained in the field of business administration, while also distinguishing yourself with your expert knowledge in your chosen specialization.

Facts & Figures
Degree
BSc in Business Administration
Course type
Bachelor
Duration
36 months (180 ECTS)
Croho code
50645
Language of instruction
Dutch, English
Start
September
Faculty
Economics and Business
AACSB AccreditedEQUISStudie in Cijfers
Why study this programme in Groningen?

Business Administration at the University of Groningen is a varied programme that provides a solid academic basis as well as a wide range of specialization options. Students can follow the entire registered accountant (RA) and registered controller (RC) programmes in less time than at most other universities.

Bachelor's graduates can also further develop in the field of business administration in one of the many follow-up Master's degree programmes on offer.

Programme

In the first year, you will follow course units in the field of the marketing of products and services, financial and management accounting, human resource management and operations management. You will learn the tricks of the trade: how to map a business case, how to quantify and interpret data, how to conduct a literature study and how to set up a marketing research project. In addition, you will go on company visits or conduct research at a company.

Semesters
CoursesCourse Catalog >1a1b2a2b
Management Science (5 EC)
Marketing BDK (5 EC)
Organisatie en technologie BDK (5 EC)
Academic Skills I (5 EC)
Academic Skills II (5 EC)
Financial Accounting BDK (5 EC)
Gedrag in organisaties (5 EC)
Informatiemanagement BDK (5 EC)
Management Accounting BDK (5 EC)
Organisatie en omgeving (5 EC)
Statistiek BDK (5 EC)
Supply Chain Operations (5 EC)

In the second year, you will follow course units in fields such as financial management, design methodology, and law. In addition, you will choose one of the three profiles on offer: Business & Management, Accountancy & Controlling or Technology Management. You will study academic research methods and practice skills such as writing, presentation, and collaboration. You will also conduct a practical assignment.

Semesters
CoursesCourse Catalog >1a1b2a2b
A&C - Corporate Governance (5 EC)
A&C - Financiering (5 EC)
A&C - Introduction to auditing (5 EC)
B&M - Financial Management BDK (5 EC)
B&M - Kwalitatieve onderzoeksmethoden (5 EC)
B&M - Management- en Organisatietheorie (5 EC)
B&M - Management- en Organisatietheorie (5 EC)
TM - Data Mining and its Applications (5 EC)
TM - Management of Product Innovation (5 EC)
A&C - Advanced Financial Accounting (5 EC)
A&C - Boekhouden A&C (5 EC)
A&C - Financial Reporting and Consolidation (5 EC)
A&C - Kwantitatieve onderzoeksmethoden (5 EC)
B&M - Accounting for Management Control (5 EC)
B&M - Kwantitatieve onderzoeksmethoden (5 EC)
B&M - Marktcontext en Marktonderzoek (5 EC)
B&M - Operations Management B&M/TM (5 EC)
B&M - TM Minor (5 EC)
A&C - Boekhouden (5 EC)
A&C - Financial Reporting and Consolidation (5 EC)
A&C - Internal Control (BSc) (5 EC)
A&C - Introductie Ethiek en Recht (5 EC)
A&C - Onderzoeksontwerp (5 EC)
B&M - A&C Accounting for Management Control (5 EC)
B&M - Human Resource Management B&M (5 EC)
B&M - Introductie Ethiek en Recht BDK (5 EC)
B&M - Organisatieverandering en Leiderschap (5 EC)
A&C - Advanced Financial Accounting (5 EC)
A&C - Financiering A&C (5 EC)
A&C - Introduction to Auditing (5 EC)
B&M - Human Resource Management (5 EC)
B&M - Strategic Management (5 EC)
B&M - TM - A&C Financial Management (5 EC)
TM - Design & Planning of Production (5 EC)
TM - Technologiemanagement (5 EC)
TM - Work Organization and Job design (5 EC)

In the first semester of the third year, you will choose either a University or Faculty Minor or a Minor abroad. A University Minor is offered by a different faculty and consists of course units outside your own field of study.

Such a Minor is mainly broadening in nature. A Faculty Minor enables you to specialize in one or several subfields in your field of study. If you choose a Minor abroad, you will follow course units at a foreign university. Due to professional requirements, the Accountancy & Controlling profile has a set programme that does not include a Minor. You can, however, follow an extra-curricular Minor (possibly abroad) if you want. In the second semester, you will write your Bachelor's thesis and follow a number of course units.

Possible Minors within the Business & Management profile include:

  • one of the Faculty Minors in Innovation & Entrepreneurship or Business and Taxation
  • a one-semester study abroad period
  • a deepening Minor within your programme
  • a broadening Minor at another UG faculty.

Students of the Technology Management profile can choose:

  • one of the Faculty Minors in Innovation & Entrepreneurship or Business and Taxation
  • a one-semester study abroad period
  • in-depth technical study at the Faculty of Science and Engineering
  • a broadening Minor at another UG faculty.
Semesters
CoursesCourse Catalog >1a1b2a2b
A&C - Corporate Governance for A&C (5 EC)
A&C - Financial Statement Analysis for A&C (5 EC)
A&C - Inleiding Belastingrecht voor A&C (5 EC)
B&M - Minor (30 EC)
TM - Minor (30 EC)
A&C - Auditing Practices (5 EC)
A&C - Global Corporate Taxation (5 EC)
A&C - Management Control for A&C (5 EC)
A&C - Ethics in Business and Management (5 EC)
A&C - Financial and Actuarial Calculus (5 EC)
B&M - Ethics in Business and Management (5 EC)
B&M - Integrative Research Project (5 EC)
TM - Ethics in Business and Management (5 EC)
TM - International Bus. & Supply Chain Market (5 EC)
A&C - Bachelor's Thesis BDK-A&C (10 EC)
B&M - Bachelor's Thesis BDK-B&M (10 EC)
TM - Bachelor's Thesis BDK-TM (10 EC)
A&C - Accounting Information Systems A&C (5 EC)
A&C - Ondernemingsrecht voor A&C (5 EC)
B&M - Contemporary Theories on B&M (5 EC)
B&M - Digital Business and Transformation (5 EC)
TM - Ontwerppraktijk BDK-TM (5 EC)
TM - Organisatie, technologie en verandering (5 EC)
Programme options
Accountancy and Controlling (profile)

Als je geïnteresseerd bent in cijfers en het verhaal daarachter, dan is deze opleiding wat voor jou!.

Studeer bedrijfskunde met het profiel accountancy en controlling in Groningen en bereid je in een kleinschalige setting voor op een carrière als expert in het financiële reilen en zeilen van bedrijven.Binnen het profiel Accountancy & Controlling (A&C) leer je over de betrouwbaarheid van informatie voor de besturing van organisaties. Iedere onderneming in Nederland - groot en klein – stelt aan het eind van elk jaar een jaarrekening op. Daarmee brengt de onderneming in kaart of de financiële doelen voor het jaar zijn gerealiseerd en hoe de onderneming er financieel voorstaat. Niet alleen de directie vindt het belangrijk om dit te weten, maar ook de aandeelhouders en beleggers, de banken, de belastingdienst, verzekeraars, het personeel van de onderneming en de leveranciers en klanten. Een controller stelt de jaarrekening samen, en de accountant controleert de jaarrekening. De accountant is naast het werken met cijfers, ook veel bezig met mensen. Je gaat in gesprek met directies en financiële professionals van ondernemingen en deelt jouw expertise over het financiële welzijn van de organisatie.Tijdens bedrijfsbezoeken maak je kennis met verschillende grote accountantskantoren en door gastcolleges en opdrachten van bedrijven zoals EY, KPMG, PWC en Deloitte wordt jouw toekomstige werkveld al snel concreet. Je verdiept je in de betrouwbaarheid van informatie voor de besturing van organisaties, risicoanalyses, auditing, projectmanagement en belastingstelsels. En natuurlijk leer je alles over de jaarrekening die binnen ieder bedrijf, groot of klein, jaarlijks opgesteld door een controller en gecontroleerd door een accountant.Kies je voor Accountancy & Controlling (A&C) aan de Rijksuniversiteit Groningen dan heb je de mogelijkheid om binnen 6 jaar het theoretische opleidingstraject tot Register Accountant (RA) of Register Controller (RC) af te ronden. Groningen is de enige plek in Nederland waar je een NVAO-geaccrediteerde accountantsopleiding kunt volgen. Dit betekent dat je naast de reguliere master, ook nog een tweede mastergraad behaalt.Na het succesvol afronden van de BSc Bedrijfskunde met het profiel Accountancy en Controlling heb je directe toegang tot de éénjarige MSc in Accountancy en Controlling. Daarnaast heb je ook direct toegang tot de MSc Business Administration, MSc Human Resource Management, MSc International Financial Management, MSc Technology and Operations Management en de Research Master in Economics and Business.

More information about this option

Business and Management (profile)

.

Studeer bedrijfskunde met het profiel business and management en leer complexe bedrijfsprocessen en -omgevingen doorgronden, zodat je voorbereid bent op een strategische rol in het bedrijfsleven van de toekomst.Het Business and Management (B&M) profiel is één van de drie profielen binnen de BSc Bedrijfskunde. Het eerste jaar van bedrijfskunde is oriënterend van aard en leer je over verschillende bedrijfsprocessen. Voor aanvang van het tweede jaar kies je een profiel waarin bepaalde studieonderdelen van het eerste jaar worden verdiept en in samenhang toegepast.Hoe ontwikkel je een bedrijfsstrategie? Welke kansen en bedreigingen liggen er voor bedrijven in digitalisering? Hoe ga je als manager van een modern bedrijf om met actuele maatschappelijke thema’s, zoals duurzaamheid en mensenrechten? Over dit soort vragen leer je meer tijdens het profiel B&M. Er wordt speciale aandacht besteed aan sociale (verander)processen binnen organisaties en de wijze waarop verschillende typen organisaties interacteren met hun omgeving. Nadat je de BSc Bedrijfskunde met het profiel B&M hebt afgerond, ben je in staat om complexe bedrijfsprocessen en -omgevingen te doorgronden en kun je deze koppelen aan sociale (verander)processen binnen een organisatie.Door gastcolleges en cases uit de praktijk van grote bedrijven, zoals Vrumona, Belsimpel, IBM en ING, is de wetenschappelijke kennis die je opdoet direct gerelateerd aan de praktijk. Je gaat op bedrijfsbezoek, werkt met bedrijfssimulaties en schrijft in je derde jaar een ondernemingsplan. Deze bacheloropleiding geeft je direct toegang tot de éénjarige masterprogramma’s: MSc Business Administration, MSc Human Resource Management, MSc International Business and Management, MSc International Financial Management, MSc Marketing en MSc Technology and Operations Management. Het is ook mogelijk om direct te worden toegelaten tot een van de andere masterprogramma’s, maar dit is mede afhankelijk van je keuze voor de minor in het derde jaar.

More information about this option

Technology Management (profile)

Would you like to learn how to utilize technology to make businesses more effective and efficient? In this profile, you will learn to combine management and technology.

Technology leads to renewal, but this does not happen spontaneously. Technology has to be organized in a variety of ways, ranging from the design of the workplace and the division of tasks among staff, to the steps that are needed for product and process innovation and to the actual initiation of a change process. In this profile, you will learn what it takes to develop, create and renew products and services and to improve processes. Subjects such as logistics, production, work organization and information processing will be covered. You will also learn about the role of technology in business. During the third year, you can choose to take a minor at another faculty, to deepen your knowledge of technology. You can also choose to study abroad for a semester. Your final assignment consists of a thesis and a practical assignment, in which you redesign a business unit.

Study abroad

  • Study abroad is recommended
  • Maximum of 30 EC

Want to spend a semester studying abroad? Our academic year is similar to those of most foreign universities, which means you can also spend a few months or a semester abroad. You will receive more detailed information about this during your studies. Studying abroad is an excellent opportunity to broaden both your personal and professional horizons!

Entry requirements

Admissible Dutch diploma profiles

  • VWO Natuur & Techniek
  • VWO Natuur & Gezondheid
  • VWO Economie & Maatschappij
  • VWO Cultuur & Maatschappij

    Het profiel Cultuur en Maatschappij moet je aanvullen met ten minste Wiskunde A of B.

  • HBO propedeuse

    Als je met een afgeronde HBO-propedeuse wilt instromen, dan kan dat mits je voldoet aan de wiskunde-eis en de eis voor Engelse taalvaardigheid. Voor wiskunde geldt dat je minstens wiskunde A of B (voorheen wiskunde A12 of B1) op VWO-niveau afgerond hebt. Voor Engels geldt eveneens dat je dit op VWO-niveau hebt afgerond of een van de Engelse certificaten hebben behaald: een niveau van 80 op een internet-based (iBT) TOEFL-test (Spreken 20 en Schrijven 20), of een niveau van 6 op een IELTS-test (Spreken 6 en Schrijven 5,5), een Cambridge B2 First, C1 Advanced of C2 Proficiency (alle onderdelen 169, Spreken 169, Schrijven 162) of een B2 score (alle onderdelen).

Admission requirements

Specific requirementsMore information
knowledge minimum

Om tot de bacheloropleiding Bedrijfskunde toegelaten te worden is een VWO-diploma met Wiskunde A vereist.

other admission requirements

Als je vragen hebt over aanmeldingsprocedures en deadlines, neem dan contact op met onze Studenten Informatie & Administratie.

Choice of degree programme check

The degree programme will organize a choice of degree programme check. Attendance is optional. The advice is not binding.

Explanatory notes

Matching is a way for first year students of a Bachelor's degree programme without a selection procedure to find out whether their chosen degree programme matches with what they want.

If you want to register as a first year student for a Bachelor's degree programme without a selection procedure, you must do so no later than 1 May. That is a statutory requirement. When you have applied via Studielink on time, you are entitled to participate in a matching activity. Through matching you can find out whether your chosen Bachelor's degree programme matches with what you want. Every Bachelor's degree programme has a different matching procedure. After you have registered for a degree programme via Studielink, you will automatically receive a message explaining the procedure for the degree programme of your choice.

Registration procedure

Als je je voor het studiejaar 2023/2024 aan wilt melden voor een Bacheloropleiding zonder decentrale selectie, moet je dat uiterlijk 1 mei 2023 in Studielink doen. Dat is wettelijk vastgelegd. Vervolgens heb je recht op een zogeheten matchingsactiviteit. Bij zo'n activiteit check je of jij en de studie bij elkaar passen.

Lees meer over de matchingprocedure op Matching bij de Faculteit Economie en Bedrijfskunde.

Application deadlines

Type of studentDeadlineStart course
Dutch students01 May 202401 September 2024
01 May 202501 September 2025
EU/EEA students01 May 202401 September 2024
01 May 202501 September 2025
non-EU/EEA students01 May 202401 September 2024
01 May 202501 September 2025

Choice of degree programme check

If you intend to start with a bachelor degree programme at the University of Groningen in September, make sure to apply before May 1 in Studielink. The degree programme will give you the option to participate in a matching activity to see if you and the degree programme are a match. Which matchings activity they provide depends on the faculty and programme.

Any questions about matching? Check www.rug.nl/matching

Admission requirements

Specific requirementsMore information
previous education

To meet the general entry-level requirements, you will require an educational background equivalent to the Dutch pre-university education (VWO). For an overview of VWO-equivalent qualifications, please check https://www.rug.nl/vwo-equivalent-qualifications. If you have any questions concerning admission to the programme, please contact our Admissions Office: https://www.rug.nl/admissions.

additional subject

Mathematics background knowledge equivalent to the Dutch pre-university (VWO) Mathematics A. This needs to be assessed by the Admissions Board on the basis of course descriptions.

language test

As this programme is fully Dutch taught you need to be sufficiently proficient in Dutch. As such, you will need to prove your proficiency in Dutch with the following options:

  • State Examination in Dutch as a Second Language (NT2-II);
  • C-Test from the University of Groningen Language Centre (only applicable for Dutch native speakers);
  • Certificate Dutch as a Foreign Language (Certificaat Nederlands als Vreemde Taal (CNaVT)) – minimum B2-level.

Possible exemptions for the Dutch proficiency requirement:

  • an International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma with 'Dutch A' (SL or HL);
  • at least 3 GCE A-levels from one of the accredited British examination boards, including an A-level Dutch;
  • a Belgian Diploma van Algemeen Secundair Onderwijs (ASO).

Language requirements

ExamMinimum score
NT2level 4

Registration procedure

Students have to apply via Studielink and the Progress Portal (replacing the previous system, Online Application System OAS) of the University of Groningen. After you apply for the programme of your choice, the Admissions Office will evaluate your educational background and assess your eligibility. Your application will be assessed on an individual basis.

More information on how to apply.

Application deadlines

Type of studentDeadlineStart course
Dutch students01 May 202401 September 2024
01 May 202501 September 2025
EU/EEA students01 May 202401 September 2024
01 May 202501 September 2025
non-EU/EEA students01 May 202401 September 2024
01 May 202501 September 2025
Tuition fees
NationalityYearFeeProgramme form
EU/EEA2023-2024€ 2314full-time
non-EU/EEA2023-2024€ 11200full-time
EU/EEA2024-2025€ 2530full-time
non-EU/EEA2024-2025€ 13100full-time

Practical information for:

After your studies

Job prospects

Master's graduates are eligible for a wide range of positions, both in the business world and in government institutions or non-profit organisations.

All of our degree programmes are EQUIS and AACSB accredited, making your degree extra valuable on the job market. If you are interested in doing academic research, you can continue on to a PhD programme after graduating from the Research Master’s programme. A PhD is a perfect basis for a career in academia at a university or a research position in the business world.

FEB Career Services
To support you in developing your career and strengthening your employability skills, our FEB Career Services empowers you to achieve lifelong success through various career services during your studies. Check: FEB Career Services.

Job examples

  • Business analist/manager financial business/consultant/brand manager

    A degree in Business Administration also qualifies you for management and consultancy positions in the fields of human resource management, marketing, IT and finance. You can help companies to improve their efficiency and introduce innovative solutions. Non-profit organisations and government institutions are also working hard to become more professional in their working methods. Examples of positions that our Business Administration graduates have found include business analyst, head of fundraising at a charity and senior manager of financial affairs at a large municipality.

  • Data analist/logistics manager/operations manager/industrial engineer

    Graduates from the Technology Management profile are ideally suited for professions at the interface of management and technology, such as the positions of analyst, consultant, brand manager, industrial engineer, information analyst, organizational advisor, production manager, and quality manager. Virtually all of our graduates find jobs immediately after graduating. A technology manager is in fact at home anywhere – from multinationals to consultancy firms and from airlines to food manufacturers – as long as there is a focus on technology and a continual push for improvement.

  • Accountant or controller

    All Bachelor's graduates who followed the Accountancy & Controlling profile continue on to the Master's degree programme in Accountancy & Controlling and subsequently to a Executive programme in accountancy or controlling. These Executive programmes are also offered at the University of Groningen.

    The Executive Master of Accountancy can be started immediately after you've gained your Master's degree, whereas the Executive Master of Finance and Control requires several years of work experience. Accountants usually work for one of the 'Big Four' accounting firms: KPMG, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Deloitte or Ernst & Young. Businesses have their annual accounts audited by these kinds of firms. Accountants examine the overall organization of the business. They get a picture of the administrative organization, look at information streams and test certain transactions by conducting random sample checks and figure analyses. A controller is a regular staff member of a company and is responsible, for example, for preparing the annual accounts, drawing up budgets, making cost calculations, assessing investment proposals and setting up a performance measurement system. They could be called the 'financial conscience' of the business.

Research

Linking education to research and career preparation

Read more about the research conducted at the Faculty of Economics and Business.

Apply nowBrochureEventsContact
Bachelor's Open DayBroerstraat 5More information

Contact

De opleiding linkt de theorie aan de praktijk (Chantal de Graaf)

Wat ik leuk vind aan de opleiding Bedrijfskunde, is dat we veel bezig zijn met praktische opdrachten en die proberen te bekijken vanuit onze theoretische kennis. Daarnaast zijn de docenten fijn en zorgen ze voor een goede sfeer. Als je ergens tegenaan loopt, zijn ze bereid mee te denken. Ik volg momenteel het profiel A&C wegens de vakken die in dit profiel worden aangeboden. Je komt tijdens de opleiding al in contact met de professionele wereld. Zo voer je bijvoorbeeld een accountantscontrole uit bij een fictief bedrijf.

Read more

Study associations

EBF

The Economics and Business Faculty association (EBF) is the faculty association for all students studying at the faculty of Economics and Business of the University of Groningen.
The EBF is your partner during your time in Groningen by organising events that support you with your studies and help you prepare for your future career.
https://www.ebfgroningen.nl/

Marug

The Marketing Association of the University of Groningen (MARUG) is the inter-departmental study association for students who are interested in marketing.
The MARUG acts as an intermediary between marketing theory and marketing practice and organises several career events and social activities during the year, such as a monthly social. At this moment, the MARUG has more than 1500 members from different fields of knowledge.
https://www.marug.nl/

TeMa

TeMa is the study association specialised in the masters Supply Chain Management and Technology and Operations Management. TeMa organizes social, study and career activities, like monthly socials, the TeMa Conference and the Inhousetour.
https://www.temagroningen.nl/home

Financial Study Association Groningen

Financial Study Association Groningen, FSG, is the study association for the financially interested student at the Faculty of Economics and Business of the University of Groningen.
FSG is, with over 1800 members, one of the most active and professional study associations of the Netherlands. The goal of FSG is to close the gap between theory and practice that exists in the areas of:* Accountancy & Controlling (A&C)* Finance* International Financial Management (IFM)* Management Accounting & Control (MAC)
https://fsgroningen.nl/home
Read more
Student profile

Interested in both academia and professional practice? The Bachelor's degree programme in Business Administration is an interdisciplinary and both academically and practically orientated degree programme that pays ample attention to the skills that are relevant in professional practice. The degree programme enables you to acquire broad academic training in the field of the functioning of and intervention in organizations.

(Binding) study advice
  • A minimum of 45 EC in the first 12 months (binding)

You will be offered study advice after the first year of study. You can expect a positive result if you have earned more than 45 ECTS credit points (out of a total of 60 ECTS). If you have earned fewer than 45 ECTS and are issued a negative result, you will not be allowed to continue with your degree programme.

You will receive preliminary study advice in December to make sure that you know where you stand. Please contact your study advisor as soon as possible if you have any questions about the BSA system. N.B. Some degree programmes use a tutoring system; please check with your study advisor.

Study support

Although as a student you will be expected to plan your studies and work independently to a great extent, the Faculty will, of course, offer support. Together with other first-year students, you will be allocated to a mentor group, led by a senior student (your mentor) who will help you to quickly find your way around the Faculty. This is also the group that you will follow seminars with. You will also have regular progress meetings with your tutor (lecturer/supervisor).

The study advisors are there for you if you have specific questions about your studies. Right from the start of the first year, the groups regularly meet under supervision of a student-mentor. These groups enable you to meet fellow students, exchange information and complete assignments to gain insight into your own study methods and learn to study more effectively. Your successful study group is the same group that you will follow seminars with. This small-group approach will make it easier for you to get in contact with your lecturers. Each group has its own tutor, with whom you will have several individual meetings throughout the year to give you regular personal feedback on your study progress.

Successful studying depends on many different factors, so it is understandable that you sometimes need to consult an impartial expert to check whether you are still on schedule or to talk to when personal circumstances affect your studies. The study advisors at the Faculty are here for you, and needless to say, they will treat all information that they receive confidentially.

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