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

Business Administration

Study business administration in Groningen, analyze all kinds of complex business issues, choose a specialization that suits you, and thus prepare yourself excellently for your career as a business student.

Is digitization leading to completely different business models? How do you develop a strong business strategy? And how do corporate governance and sustainability goals influence decision-making processes? These are the kinds of questions you will tackle during the BSc Business Administration.

Study BSc Business Administration in Groningen and analyze a variety of business questions during a multi-faceted program. You will learn all about business processes - from finance, marketing and human resources to corporate cultures and global supply chains - during lectures, case studies, (group) supervision, practicals and guest lectures by professionals in the field.

Thanks to a broad business administration foundation in the first year and specialization opportunities in years two and three, you have ample opportunity to develop in the field of study of your choice. You can choose from the following three directions:

These profiles offer depth in a particular direction in addition to the core subjects that are important for any business major. Thus, after completing the bachelor's, you will be broadly educated in business administration, but you will also distinguish yourself through specialized knowledge in a particular direction.

Even after the bachelor's degree, the UG offers the possibility of further development in business administration, with many connecting masters.

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?
  • Combine a broad business foundation with specialist knowledge in one of three study profiles to get a head start on the job market later.
  • Discover the influence of digitalization on existing business models and become familiar with new forms of value creation, including through our new minor Data Analytics in Economics & Business.
  • Prepare yourself excellently for the business world of the future through our focus on sustainability.
  • Apply theoretical knowledge and scientific insights directly to practical assignments at large companies, such as ING, Wavin, Philips, KPMG and PwC.
  • The A&C profile offers the opportunity to take the full degree program to become a chartered accountant (RA) or chartered controller (RC). See the BSc Business Administration A&C page for more information.
  • Study at an AACSB- AND EQUIS-accredited faculty; the highest standard of education in the world, afforded to only 1% of business schools worldwide.
Programme

What impact do digital technologies have on consumers, organizations and society? How do companies work together in the supply chain? How do you analyze a complex business issue and create change in a complex environment?

In your first year of Business Administration, you will learn the breadth of the field. You'll learn to interpret data for good decision-making, set up marketing research, analyze business transactions and financial statements, and learn all about distribution strategies and operations management. You will analyze processes at the organizational level, examine themes such as leadership, chain cooperation and sustainability, and work on a practical case study.
Semesters
CoursesCourse Catalog >1a1b2a2b
Management Science (5 EC)
Marketing BDK (5 EC)
Organisatie en technologie (5 EC)
Gedrag in organisaties (5 EC)
Statistiek BDK (5 EC)
Supply Chain Operations (5 EC)
Academic Skills I (5 EC)
Financial Accounting BDK (5 EC)
Managing Digital Business (5 EC)
Academic Skills II (5 EC)
Management Accounting BDK (5 EC)
Organisatie en omgeving (5 EC)

Your second year of Business Administration consists of a number of broadening courses. In these, you will focus on ethics, law and sustainability, for example, and consider the question: what is the importance of human rights and sustainability goals in business?

Furthermore, the second year is well filled with courses from the specialization that most appeals to you (Business and Management, Accountancy and Controlling or Technology Management), further expanding your research skills and a practical case study.
Semesters
CoursesCourse Catalog >1a1b2a2b
A&C - Financial Management BDK (5 EC)
A&C - Internal Control (BSc) (5 EC)
A&C - Kwalitatieve onderzoeksmethoden (5 EC)
B&M - Financial Management BDK (5 EC)
B&M - Kwalitatieve onderzoeksmethoden (5 EC)
B&M - Management- en Organisatietheorie (5 EC)
TM - Financial Management BDK (5 EC)
TM - Kwalitatieve onderzoeksmethoden (5 EC)
TM - Technologiemanagement (5 EC)
A&C - Accounting for Management Control (5 EC)
A&C - Boekhouden A&C (5 EC)
A&C - Kwantitatieve onderzoeksmethoden (5 EC)
B&M - Accounting for Management Control (5 EC)
B&M - Kwantitatieve onderzoeksmethoden (5 EC)
B&M - Operations Management B&M/TM (5 EC)
TM - Kwantitatieve onderzoeksmethoden (5 EC)
TM - Logistieke informatiesystemen (5 EC)
TM - Operations Management B&M/TM (5 EC)
A&C - Financial Reporting and Consolidation (5 EC)
A&C - Introductie Ethiek en Recht (5 EC)
A&C - Onderzoeksontwerp (5 EC)
B&M - Human Resource Management B&M (5 EC)
B&M - Introductie Ethiek en Recht BDK (5 EC)
B&M - Research Design (5 EC)
TM - Introductie Ethiek en Recht (5 EC)
TM - Onderzoeksontwerp (5 EC)
TM - Work Organization and Job Design (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 - Marktcontext en marktonderzoek (5 EC)
B&M - Organisatieverandering en Leiderschap (5 EC)
B&M - Strategic Management B&M (5 EC)
TM - Data Mining and its Applications (5 EC)
TM - Design and Planning of Production (5 EC)
TM - Management of Product Innovation (5 EC)

During the first semester of the third year of the Business and Management and Technology Management profiles, you choose a university, faculty or foreign minor or internship. For the Accountancy and Controlling profile, the program for the third year is fixed. For each profile, you will write your thesis in the last semester.

Examples are the minor Innovation & Entrepreneurship, Economic Development & Globalization, Business and Taxation or Data Analytics in Economics & Business, and in the abroad minor you take courses at a university across the border. In the Accountancy and Controlling profile, the entire program of the third year is fixed due to professional requirements. However, even here it is possible to take a minor, which is extra-curricular as well as a minor abroad. In all profiles you write your bachelor thesis in the second semester and take four more courses.

There are many different options in following the minors. Within the Business and Management and Technology Management profiles you have a huge amount of choice, for example:

  • a faculty minors, such as Innovation & Entrepreneurship, Economic Development & Globalization, Business and Taxation or Data Analytics in Economics & Business;
  • a study abroad minor;
  • a broadening minor at another faculty of the UG.
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 wordt door een controller en gecontroleerd wordt 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)

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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.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 manieren waarop organisaties hun strategie en interne processen aanpassen aan de vaak dynamische markten en maatschappelijke omgevingen waarin zij zich bevinden. 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 vertalen naar strategische implicaties en koppelen aan veranderprocessen 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)

Studeer Bedrijfskunde met het profiel Technology Management in Groningen en leer theorie, technologie en een praktische aanpak om te zetten in succesvolle innovaties binnen het bedrijfsleven.

Hoe kun je technologie inzetten om bedrijven effectiever en efficiënter te maken? Hoe organiseer je technologische innovatie en ontwikkeling? Hoe integreer je de impact op mens en milieu in een bedrijfsmatige oplossing? Met dit soort vragen ga jij aan de slag tijdens het profiel Technology Management (TM). En door gastcolleges, praktijkcases en excursies bij grote bedrijven, zoals Philips, Scania, Wavin en Van Wijnen, is de theoretische kennis die je opdoet direct gerelateerd aan de praktijk.In het profiel Technology Management (TM) leer je wat er komt kijken bij het ontwikkelen, maken en vernieuwen van producten en diensten en over het verbeteren en verduurzamen van processen. Technologische innovaties en ontwikkelingen moeten georganiseerd worden: van de inrichting van de werkplek en de taakverdeling onder medewerkers, de stappen die komen kijken bij een product- of procesinnovatie tot het daadwerkelijk inzetten van een veranderingstraject. Maar ook met de impact op mens en milieu moet rekening worden gehouden.Om vernieuwingen en processen op het gebied van technologie beter te kunnen begrijpen, verdiep je je in het profiel Technology Management in onderwerpen zoals logistiek, productie, arbeidsorganisatie en informatieverwerking. Verder leer je over de rol die technologie speelt in het bedrijfsleven. Nadat je het profiel TM hebt gevolgd, kun je complexe bedrijfsproblemen waar techniek een belangrijke rol speelt modelleren, analyseren, oplossingen aandragen en deze implementeren.Wil je leren hoe je technologie kunt inzetten om bedrijven effectiever, efficiënter en duurzamer te maken? En vind je het belangrijk dat je weet hoe je theoretische kennis kan vertalen naar een praktische toepassing? Dan is het profiel Technology Management wat voor jou.

More information about this option

Study abroad

  • Study abroad is recommended
  • Maximum of 30 EC

Gain new knowledge and unique experiences during a semester abroad? We definitely recommend that and within this bachelor's program there is plenty of room for it - with a maximum of 30 EC. During your studies we will give you a lot of information about the possibilities.

Entry requirements

Admissible Dutch diploma profiles

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

    Je moet het profiel “Cultuur en Maatschappij” aanvullen met minimaal Wiskunde A of B.

  • HBO propedeuse

    Als je wilt instromen met een afgeronde HBO-propedeuse, dan kan dat mits je voldoet aan de wiskunde-eis en de Engelse taalvaardigheidseis. Voor wiskunde moet je minimaal wiskunde A of B (voorheen wiskunde A12 of B1) op VWO-niveau hebben afgerond. Voor Engels geldt ook dat je dit op VWO-niveau moet hebben afgerond of een van de Engelse certificaten moet hebben behaald: een niveau van 80 op een internetgebaseerde (iBT) TOEFL-test (Speaking 20 en Writing 20), of een niveau van 6 op een IELTS-test (Speaking 6 en Writing 5.5), een Cambridge B2 First, C1 Advanced of C2 Proficiency (alle onderdelen 169, Speaking 169, Writing 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.

Registration procedure

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

Application deadlines

Type of studentDeadlineStart course
Dutch students01 May 202501 September 2025
EU/EEA students01 May 202501 September 2025
non-EU/EEA students01 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 202501 September 2025
EU/EEA students01 May 202501 September 2025
non-EU/EEA students01 May 202501 September 2025
Tuition fees
NationalityYearFeeProgramme form
EU/EEA2024-2025€ 2530full-time
non-EU/EEA2024-2025€ 13100full-time
EU/EEA2025-2026€ 2601full-time
non-EU/EEA2025-2026€ 13500full-time

Practical information for:

After your studies

Job prospects

Most business administration students continue their bachelor's degree with a master's programme. With your degree in hand, you can take various master's programmes, both at the UG and at other universities. With your master in your pocket, you can find yourself in many different positions in business, government and non-profit organizations.

Job examples

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

    With a Business and Management profile you can think of management and consultancy positions in the field of general strategy, human resource management, marketing, ict or finance. You help a company determine its strategy, improve efficiency but also effectiveness and introduce innovative (customer) solutions. Non-profit organizations and governments are also busy professionalizing their way of working.

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

    The Technology Management profile allows you to choose professions at the intersection of management and technology, such as analyst, consultant, brand manager, industrial engineer, information analyst, organizational consultant, production manager and quality manager. A technology manager can actually go anywhere - from multinational corporations to consulting firms, from airlines to food manufacturers - as long as there is a focus on technology and a continuous drive for improvement.

  • Accountant/controller/Internal auditor/financial manager

    Students with the Accountancy & Controlling profile almost all follow the Master's program in Accountancy & Controlling and then one of the post-initial programs: Executive Master of Accountancy and the Executive Master of Finance and Control. As an accountant, you will usually work for one of the four major accounting firms: KPMG, PwC, Deloitte or EY. As an accountant, you audit financial statements such as a company's financial statements. You form a picture of the administrative organization, review information flows and perform spot checks and numerical analyses to verify certain transactions. Among other things, the controller prepares the financial statements and is responsible for preparing budgets, making cost calculations, reviewing investment proposals and setting up performance measurement systems.

Research

Linking education to research and career preparation

Our research-driven education is strongly rooted in business practice and society. The core of our teaching approach is (interdisciplinary) research, and in collaboration with external partners, students and professors carry out projects on socially relevant topics such as the healthy society and economics of healthcare systems, digitalization and how AI is shaping business and society, leadership and governance, future prosperity and sustainability, climate change and how to address the transition to renewable energy. From day one of your studies, it's all about making a real impact.
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De opleiding linkt de theorie aan de praktijk (Sofie Hatenboer)

De Bachelor Bedrijfskunde was de perfecte keuze voor mij, omdat de studie erg breed georiënteerd is. In het eerste jaar krijg je veel verschillende vakken, van marketing tot aan financial accounting. Zo leer je al vrij snel allerlei verschillende facetten van het bedrijfsleven kennen. Aan het einde van het eerste jaar maak je een keuze voor een profiel. Zelf heb ik gekozen voor het profiel Accountancy & Controlling, aangezien ik veel affiniteit met cijfers heb en je ontzettend veel masters met dit profiel kunt volgen.

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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 Inhouse Tour.
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

Are you interested in a scientific education that is applicable in practice? The Bachelor of Business Administration is an interdisciplinary, scientific and practice-oriented program with ample attention to skills that are important in professional practice. The program gives you the opportunity to acquire a broad academic education regarding 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

Studying means a lot of independent work and planning, but of course the faculty will help you with that. You will be looked after by a mentor along with other freshmen in a study success group. This senior student will make sure you quickly get acquainted with the faculty. Your mentor group is also the group with which you take working classes.

Right from the start of the first year, the study success groups meet regularly under the guidance of a student mentor. You will meet fellow students, exchange information and do assignments that will help you gain insight into your own study methods and help you study more effectively. You follow your seminars with the same group. This small-scale format facilitates contact with your tutors. Each group has a tutor, with whom you will have individual discussions throughout the year. In this way, you will receive personal and regular feedback on your study progress. Many different factors play a role in successful study and it is therefore not surprising if you need an objective, expert discussion partner for specific study issues. For example, to see if your studies are still on track or if personal circumstances affect your studies. For this you can contact the faculty's study advisors. Naturally, they will treat all information confidentially.

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