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Education Master's and PhD degree programmes Accountancy and Controlling
Header image Accountancy and Controlling

Accountancy and Controlling

Study accountancy and controlling in Groningen to learn about how technological innovations and sustainable practices are shaping the information provision to internal and external stakeholders of any organization.

What role do auditors and controllers play in society, and how is this role evolving in response to technological innovations? How can businesses integrate sustainability principles into their strategy and financial practices and what are the implications on information systems? In the MSc Accountancy and Controlling you will learn how to design information systems that produce such information, and how to assess the quality of existing systems. During the one-year programme, you will gain the competences necessary to work and succeed in a financial landscape that is ever-evolving, with new regulations, technologies, sustainable practices and financial instruments emerging regularly. You will be well-prepared to tackle challenges such as auditing financial data for multinational companies, ensuring compliance with evolving national and international regulations or steering financial sustainability of environmentally conscious organizations.

What study area interests you most? In Groningen, you can specialize in three different profiles:

The demand for skilled professionals in Accountancy, Controlling and Sustainability remains consistently high. Did you know Groningen is also the only place in the Netherlands where you can gain a second Master's degree in Accountancy, the Executive Master of Accountancy and become a registered accountant? Alternatively, you can take the Executive Master in Finance and Control to become a registered controller.

Facts & Figures
Degree
MSc in Accountancy and Controlling
Course type
Master
Duration
12 months (60 ECTS)
Croho code
60643
Language of instruction
English
Start
February, September
Faculty
Economics and Business
Accreditation EQUIS
Why study this programme in Groningen?
  • The programme prepares you for a role as an auditor, controller or sustainability controller in today's rapidly changing world, where significant advancements in information technology and a growing focus on sustainability are reshaping business practices. Your expertise will be in high demand as you navigate this dynamic landscape and make a positive impact on businesses.
  • Technological innovations, the role of artificial intelligence, and cutting-edge technologies like blockchain and cloud computing are only a few of the topics you will delve into in the courses IT in Control and Data-driven Control. Here, you get to examine how these innovations and threats can impact organizations’ risk profiles and internal management.
  • A unique feature of the programme in Groningen is the teaching team with a mix of practitioners with work experience and excellent researchers. You will work closely in small groups on projects that require a critical analytical mindset and mirror work situations, gaining teamwork skills that matter.
  • The demand for accountants, controllers and sustainability expertise remains consistently high, our graduates are being offered a job before or right after graduation. A few competences and skills that set our graduates apart are: critical thinking, problem-solving, creative thinking, initiative and self-direction.
  • The programme has a very active community, FSG, which is run by students for students. With over 1800 members, there is an activity for everyone from socials to get to know your classmates to career activities where you can meet your future employer.
  • Groningen is also the only place in the Netherlands where you can gain a second Master's degree in Accountancy, the Executive Master of Accountancy (EMA). ► https://www.rug.nl/feb/ema and a second Master's degree in Groningen and become a registered controller. ►https://www.rug.nl/feb/emfc
  • The programme has been internationally accredited by the AACSB and EQUIS, ensuring a high-quality education, which only 1% of universities reach worldwide.
Programme

In the Master's degree in Accountancy and Controlling, you can choose right from the start what profile you wish to follow.

  • Accountancy: to learn how auditors verify the accuracy of a firm's reporting and ensure stakeholders receive relevant information.
  • Controlling: to learn how to analyze financial data, provide insights to support strategic decision-making, and ensure the organization's financial health.
  • Sustainability Management and Controlling: to learn how to integrate sustainability factors into financial analyses and contribute to socially responsible business practices.

To see the full course overview, please go to the profile website below, under programme options.

CoursesCourse Catalog >
Check the course catalogue for the Accountancy courses
Check the course catalogue for the Controlling courses
Sustainability Management and Controlling profile
Programme options
Accountancy (profile)

Choose the accountancy profile in Groningen to learn how auditors verify the accuracy of a firm's reporting..

Stakeholders such as shareholders, investors, clients and employees rely on relevant and accurate information.How can you identify and assess financial and non-financial risks in a firm’s reporting? Are there risks that endanger the continuation of a firm? Does sustainability reporting reflect real efforts or is green-washing at hand? In the profile Accountancy of the MSc Accountancy and Controlling, we use innovative teaching methods and the latest research results to address these questions. The programme focuses on the information needs of external stakeholders, that use auditor approval as assurance for information quality. You will learn about the role of the auditor in society, addressing identified risks, the responsibilities of the auditor regarding fraud, group audits, using the work of others, data analytics, continuous auditing and how to deal with service organizations. Studying accountancy in Groningen goes beyond numbers. You will do research and work on assignments on relevant topics in today’s society such as technological innovations and threats (blockchain, cloud-computing, ransomware and identity fraud). The demand for skilled accountants continues to grow across industries, and as a graduate, you have many opportunities to choose from. Learning about continuous changes in technology, globalization, and regulatory environments and acquiring the necessary skills will prepare you for a successful career in accountancy whether it is an international or national firm.Did you know Groningen is also the only place in the Netherlands where you can gain a second Master's degree in Accountancy, the Executive Master of Accountancy and become a registered accountant?

More information about this option

Controlling (profile)

Choose the controlling profile in Groningen to learn how to analyze financial data, provide insights to support strategic decision-making, and ensure the organization's financial health.

How can controllers help to ensure that the organization achieves its strategic objectives? How can you optimize the financial resources within the organization, balancing the need for efficiency and profitability? What measures can you implement to identify, assess, and mitigate financial risks, ensuring the organization's success in an ever-changing economic landscape?In the Controlling profile of the MSc Accountancy and Controlling you will learn about the multifaceted role controllers play in addressing financial and non-financial information and economic and sustainability challenges. The programme in Groningen emphasizes the information needs of managers and other internal stakeholders and highlights the controller’s role as the “financial conscience” of the organization. You will gain knowledge of change processes implicated in new accounting techniques and systems and focus on the financial, technical, and sustainability aspects of management accounting.Financial transparency, the rising importance of data analytics and business expansion have led to a growing demand for controllers. Our graduates gain the necessary knowledge and skills to steer organizations towards responsible and successful financial practices. Depending on your career goals, you could start working in companies such as Skania, Wehkamp, KPMG, and the Dutch Ministry of Finance.Did you know you can continue with a second degree in Groningen, the Executive Master in Finance and Control and become a certified controller (RC)?

More information about this option

Sustainability Management and Controlling (profile)

.

Choose the Sustainability Management and Controlling profile in Groningen to learn how to integrate sustainability factors into financial analyses and contribute to socially responsible business practices.How can sustainability controllers support top management to develop and implement sustainability goals? How can you ensure a continuous pursuit of innovative and sustainable business models? How can you report on sustainability achievements? As sustainability is becoming increasingly important, over 50,000 companies operating in the Eurozone are required to report on their sustainable practices starting in 2024. The demand for experts in sustainability within the realms of business and society has never been higher. As of September 2024, you can fill this gap by choosing to study the new profile Sustainability Management and Controlling of the MSc Accountancy and Controlling.The programme will teach you about sustainability management and governance, within the context of financial accounting, management accounting and accountancy. This is a unique opportunity to develop a solid background in the three fields and be trained to navigate challenges businesses face today and in the future. You will focus on three main components:* Environmental sustainability: apply different reporting frameworks (GRI, IIRC, SASB, and EFRAG) to evaluate and compare sustainability performance.* Sustainability governance: understand the legal and ethical responsibilities associated with sustainability reporting, including financial disclosure obligations.* Social sustainability: create sustainable control practices that integrate diversity, equity, and inclusion into the organizational cycles of planning and control.As a graduate, you will have the tools and knowledge necessary to actively contribute to a more sustainable society through sound management accounting and reporting practices for businesses. You can take the following career paths: a corporate sustainability controller and manager, a sustainability consultant and auditor, and a chief sustainability officer in the long run.

More information about this option

Energy Transition and Climate Change Focus Area (specialization)

Focus on the serious changes within the energy sector by dealing with issues such as how firms adapt to renewable energy, how the higher taxes are managed during this transition and how to deal with the weather dependent production of energy systems. Gain the knowledge and skills to shape a sustainable future in this evolving energy sector.

More information about this option

Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence Focus Area (specialization)

Focus on the digital transformation within our society and understand how to successfully implement digital transformation in business. A successful digital transition allows businesses to conquer markets, witness industries converging, and step into the realm of winner-takes-all dynamics, like dominating tech-giants like Google and Facebook.

More information about this option

Healthy Society Focus Area (specialization)

Focus on tackling problems that impact healthcare providers and their societal partners in their day-to-day work. Issues such as scarce human resources combined with a higher, more complex demand for care, and more demanding citizens require solutions, which you will think about and design.

More information about this option

Double Degree Master International Business and Finance (Shanghai) (specialization)

Are you interested in an international career in or involving China?

Study in Shanghai after your FEB Master's programme in Groningen and gain first-hand knowledge and experience of China and the economy, finance and culture.

More information about this option

Master Internship (specialization)

Opportunity to gain work experience by doing an internship in the second semester of your study.

You will be rewarded 15 ECTS on top of your programme. Your thesis will be postponed to the third semester.

More information about this option

Study abroad

  • Study abroad is unaccommodated

A study exchange semester is not included in the one-year programme. If you wish to spend a semester abroad, you must extend the study period by one additional semester. Please discuss this with the programme coordinator as study exchanges are not arranged by the MSc A&C programme. You would need to arrange the exchange independently. If you choose to apply for the Double degree master Chinese Economy and Finance and are selected, then you can spend one year abroad in Shanghai.

Entry requirements

Transfer options

Transferring from...

Study programmeOrganizationTransition
All Universities of applied sciences

Via a pre-master with a maximum of 60 EC

More information:

Non-standard Pre-Master For students who acquired a HBO diploma in Business Economics, a HBO Finance & Control or a diploma HBO AC without the Overall Test (OAT). Standard Pre-Master For all other HBO diplomas, a standard Pre-Master is offered. For more information: https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster

AccountancyAll Universities of applied sciences

Via a pre-master with a maximum of 30 EC

More information:

For HBO Accountancy graduates (30 ECTS) The accelerated programme is available for students who acquired a HBO diploma in Accountancy. A necessary requirement to be admitted to the programme is that you have passed the Overall Exam. For more information: https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster

Study programmeOrganizationTransition
Business AdministrationUniversity of Groningen

No additional requirements

More information:

For students who follow the profile Accountancy and Controlling, there are no additional requirements.

Business AdministrationUniversity of Groningen

Additional requirements

More information:

Profile BM and TM: you need to complete the minor in Management Control If you do not have a minor in Management Control, please contact the study study advisors: https://www.rug.nl/feb/studyadvisors

Economics and Business EconomicsUniversity of Groningen

Additional requirements

More information:

You need to complete the minor in Management Control If you do not have a minor in Management Control, please contact the study study advisors: https://www.rug.nl/feb/studyadvisors

International BusinessUniversity of Groningen

Additional requirements

More information:

In addition to your BSc programme, you will need to complete a set of (extra) courses. For information, please contact the study advisors: https://www.rug.nl/feb/studyadvisors

Industrial Engineering and ManagementUniversity of Groningen

Via a pre-master

More information:

You need to first complete a Pre-Master's programme. For information about the Pre-MSc application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster.

PsychologyUniversity of Groningen

Via a pre-master

More information:

You need to first complete a Pre-Master's programme. For information about the Pre-MSc application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster.

SociologyUniversity of Groningen

Via a pre-master

More information:

You need to first complete a Pre-Master's programme. For information about the Pre-MSc application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster.

Econometrics and Operations ResearchUniversity of Groningen

Via a pre-master

More information:

You need to first complete a Pre-Master's programme. For information about the Pre-MSc application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster.

Study programmeOrganizationTransition
Econometrics and Operations ResearchErasmus University Rotterdam

Via a pre-master with a maximum of 60 EC

More information:

You need to first complete the 60 EC Pre-Master's programme. For information about the Pre-MSc application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster.

Economics and Business EconomicsErasmus University Rotterdam

Via a pre-master with a maximum of 30 EC

More information:

You might be asked to complete a tailor-made Pre-Master's programme. Every application will be reviewed individually by the Admissions board so the admission decision may differ from the indication in this table.

Fiscale EconomieErasmus University Rotterdam

Via a pre-master with a maximum of 60 EC

More information:

You need to first complete the 60 EC Pre-Master's programme. For information about the Pre-MSc application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster.

International Business AdministrationErasmus University Rotterdam

Via a pre-master with a maximum of 30 EC

More information:

You might be asked to complete a tailor-made Pre-Master's programme. Every application will be reviewed individually by the Admissions board so the admission decision may differ from the indication in this table.

Business AdministrationErasmus University Rotterdam

Via a pre-master with a maximum of 30 EC

More information:

You might be asked to complete a tailor-made Pre-Master's programme. Every application will be reviewed individually by the Admissions board so the admission decision may differ from the indication in this table.

Study programmeOrganizationTransition
Public Administration ScienceLeiden University

Via a pre-master with a maximum of 60 EC

More information:

For students following the profile Economics, Public Administration and management: you need to first complete the 60 EC Pre-Master's programme. For information about the Pre-MSc application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster.

Computer ScienceLeiden University

Via a pre-master with a maximum of 60 EC

More information:

For students following the profile Computer Science & Economics: you need to first complete the 60 EC Pre-Master's programme. For information about the Pre-MSc application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster.

Study programmeOrganizationTransition
Business AnalyticsMaastricht University

Via a pre-master with a maximum of 60 EC

More information:

You need to first complete the 60 EC Pre-Master's programme. For information about the Pre-MSc application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster.

Business EngineeringMaastricht University

Via a pre-master with a maximum of 60 EC

More information:

You need to first complete the 60 EC Pre-Master's programme. For information about the Pre-MSc application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster.

Econometrics and Operations ResearchMaastricht University

Via a pre-master with a maximum of 60 EC

More information:

You need to first complete the 60 EC Pre-Master's programme. For information about the Pre-MSc application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster.

Economics and Business EconomicsMaastricht University

Via a pre-master with a maximum of 30 EC

More information:

You might be asked to complete a tailor-made Pre-Master's programme. Every application will be reviewed individually by the Admissions board so the admission decision may differ from the indication in this table.

Fiscale EconomieMaastricht University

Via a pre-master with a maximum of 60 EC

More information:

You need to first complete the 60 EC Pre-Master's programme. For information about the Pre-MSc application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster.

Global StudiesMaastricht University

Via a pre-master with a maximum of 60 EC

More information:

You need to first complete the 60 EC Pre-Master's programme. For information about the Pre-MSc application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster.

International BusinessMaastricht University

Via a pre-master with a maximum of 30 EC

More information:

You might be asked to complete a tailor-made Pre-Master's programme. Every application will be reviewed individually by the Admissions board so the admission decision may differ from the indication in this table.

Study programmeOrganizationTransition
AccountancyNyenrode New Business School

Via a pre-master with a maximum of 30 EC

More information:

You might be asked to complete a tailor-made Pre-Master's programme. Every application will be reviewed individually by the Admissions board so the admission decision may differ from the indication in this table.

Business AdministrationNyenrode New Business School

Via a pre-master with a maximum of 30 EC

More information:

You might be asked to complete a tailor-made Pre-Master's programme. Every application will be reviewed individually by the Admissions board so the admission decision may differ from the indication in this table.

Study programmeOrganizationTransition
Business AdministrationRadboud University Nijmegen

Via a pre-master with a maximum of 30 EC

More information:

You might be asked to complete a tailor-made Pre-Master's programme. Every application will be reviewed individually by the Admissions board so the admission decision may differ from the indication in this table.

Economics and Business EconomicsRadboud University Nijmegen

Via a pre-master with a maximum of 30 EC

More information:

You might be asked to complete a tailor-made Pre-Master's programme. Every application will be reviewed individually by the Admissions board so the admission decision may differ from the indication in this table.

Study programmeOrganizationTransition
International Business AdministrationTilburg University

Via a pre-master with a maximum of 30 EC

More information:

You might be asked to complete a tailor-made Pre-Master's programme. Every application will be reviewed individually by the Admissions board so the admission decision may differ from the indication in this table.

EconomicsTilburg University

Via a pre-master with a maximum of 30 EC

More information:

You might be asked to complete a tailor-made Pre-Master's programme. Every application will be reviewed individually by the Admissions board so the admission decision may differ from the indication in this table.

Entrepreneurship and Business InnovationTilburg University

Via a pre-master with a maximum of 60 EC

More information:

You need to first complete the 60 EC Pre-Master's programme. For information about the Pre-MSc application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster.

Econometrics and Operations ResearchTilburg University

Via a pre-master with a maximum of 60 EC

More information:

You need to first complete the 60 EC Pre-Master's programme. For information about the Pre-MSc application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster.

Fiscale EconomieTilburg University

Via a pre-master with a maximum of 60 EC

More information:

You need to first complete the 60 EC Pre-Master's programme. For information about the Pre-MSc application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster.

Study programmeOrganizationTransition
Actuarial ScienceUniversity of Amsterdam

Via a pre-master with a maximum of 60 EC

More information:

You need to first complete the 60 EC Pre-Master's programme. For information about the Pre-MSc application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster.

Business AdministrationUniversity of Amsterdam

Via a pre-master with a maximum of 30 EC

More information:

You might be asked to complete a tailor-made Pre-Master's programme. Every application will be reviewed individually by the Admissions board so the admission decision may differ from the indication in this table.

Business AnalyticsUniversity of Amsterdam

Via a pre-master with a maximum of 60 EC

More information:

You need to first complete the 60 EC Pre-Master's programme. For information about the Pre-MSc application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster.

Econometrics and Data ScienceUniversity of Amsterdam

Via a pre-master with a maximum of 60 EC

More information:

You need to first complete the 60 EC Pre-Master's programme. For information about the Pre-MSc application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster.

Economics and Business EconomicsUniversity of Amsterdam

Via a pre-master with a maximum of 30 EC

More information:

You might be asked to complete a tailor-made Pre-Master's programme. Every application will be reviewed individually by the Admissions board so the admission decision may differ from the indication in this table.

Fiscale EconomieUniversity of Amsterdam

Via a pre-master with a maximum of 60 EC

More information:

You need to first complete the 60 EC Pre-Master's programme. For information about the Pre-MSc application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster.

Study programmeOrganizationTransition
International Business AdministrationUniversity of Twente

Via a pre-master with a maximum of 30 EC

More information:

You might be asked to complete a tailor-made Pre-Master's programme. Every application will be reviewed individually by the Admissions board so the admission decision may differ from the indication in this table.

Study programmeOrganizationTransition
Economics and Business EconomicsUtrecht University

Via a pre-master with a maximum of 30 EC

More information:

You might be asked to complete a tailor-made Pre-Master's programme. Every application will be reviewed individually by the Admissions board so the admission decision may differ from the indication in this table.

Study programmeOrganizationTransition
Economics and Business EconomicsVU University Amsterdam

Via a pre-master with a maximum of 30 EC

More information:

You might be asked to complete a tailor-made Pre-Master's programme. Every application will be reviewed individually by the Admissions board so the admission decision may differ from the indication in this table.

International Business AdministrationVU University Amsterdam

Via a pre-master with a maximum of 30 EC

More information:

You might be asked to complete a tailor-made Pre-Master's programme. Every application will be reviewed individually by the Admissions board so the admission decision may differ from the indication in this table.

Business AdministrationVU University Amsterdam

Via a pre-master with a maximum of 30 EC

More information:

You might be asked to complete a tailor-made Pre-Master's programme. Every application will be reviewed individually by the Admissions board so the admission decision may differ from the indication in this table.

Business AnalyticsVU University Amsterdam

Via a pre-master with a maximum of 60 EC

More information:

You need to first complete the 60 EC Pre-Master's programme. For information about the Pre-MSc application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster.

Econometrics and Operations ResearchVU University Amsterdam

Via a pre-master with a maximum of 60 EC

More information:

You need to first complete the 60 EC Pre-Master's programme. For information about the Pre-MSc application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster.

Econometrics and Operations ResearchVU University Amsterdam

Via a pre-master with a maximum of 60 EC

More information:

You need to first complete the 60 EC Pre-Master's programme. For information about the Pre-MSc application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster.

Study programmeOrganizationTransition
Management and Consumer StudiesWageningen University

Via a pre-master with a maximum of 60 EC

More information:

You need to first complete the 60 EC Pre-Master's programme. For information about the Pre-MSc application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster.

Economics and GovernanceWageningen University

Via a pre-master with a maximum of 60 EC

More information:

You need to first complete the 60 EC Pre-Master's programme. For information about the Pre-MSc application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster.

Admission requirements

Specific requirementsMore information
previous education

To be eligible for admission to this Master's, you need to hold an academic Bachelor's or Master's degree from a research university in the field of Business Economics or Business Administration with a specialization in Accountancy and Controlling; the content of the programme has to meet specific requirements; for instance, it needs to include courses in Accounting Internal Control.

other admission requirements

The information about entry requirements is an indication of your admissibility. Every application will be reviewed individually by the Admissions board so the admission decision may differ from the indication in this table.

Registration procedure

Students with a Dutch diploma can apply directly to Studielink. More information on the steps to apply .

Application deadlines

Type of studentDeadlineStart course
Dutch students01 May 202401 September 2024
15 October 202401 February 2025
01 May 202501 September 2025
15 October 202501 February 2026
EU/EEA students01 May 202401 September 2024
15 October 202401 February 2025
01 May 202501 September 2025
15 October 202501 February 2026
non-EU/EEA students01 May 202401 September 2024
15 October 202401 February 2025
01 May 202501 September 2025
15 October 202501 February 2026

Admission requirements

Specific requirementsMore information
previous education

To be eligible for admission to this Master's, you need to hold an academic Bachelor's or Master's degree from a research university in the field of Business Economics or Business Administration with a specialisation in Accountancy and Controlling; the content of the programme has to meet specific requirements; for instance, it needs to include courses in Accounting Internal Control.

To assess whether your educational/academic background meets the specific programme requirements, we will consider the level and curriculum of your previous studies. For more information, please visit: https://www.rug.nl/feb/apply-msc.

If you have any questions concerning admission to this programme, please contact our Admissions Office: https://www.rug.nl/admissions.

certified competences

A GMAT/GRE test is required from all candidates who obtained their bachelor's degree from a university in a non-EU/EEA country. For specific scores and exemptions, please see https://www.rug.nl/feb/gmat-gre.

language test

IELTS Academic overall score 6.5 (Speaking 6, Writing 6.5); TOEFL internet-based overall score 90 (Speaking 20, Writing 24); Cambridge C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency (overall score 176, Speaking 169, Writing 176).

other admission requirements

Not meeting the pre-education requirements for direct entry? Please read more about our pre-Master programmes .

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
15 October 202401 February 2025
01 May 202501 September 2025
15 October 202501 February 2026
EU/EEA students01 May 202401 September 2024
15 October 202401 February 2025
01 May 202501 September 2025
15 October 202501 February 2026
non-EU/EEA students01 May 202401 September 2024
15 October 202401 February 2025
01 May 202501 September 2025
15 October 202501 February 2026
Tuition fees
NationalityYearFeeProgramme form
EU/EEA2023-2024€ 2314full-time
non-EU/EEA2023-2024€ 17800full-time
EU/EEA2024-2025€ 2530full-time
non-EU/EEA2024-2025€ 20800full-time

Practical information for:

After your studies

As a graduate, you are qualified to work in national and international companies, non-profit organizations, and government institutions. Many auditors start their career at one of the Big Four auditing firms: KPMG, PwC, Deloitte and EY. An alternative is an auditing firm that focuses on the national market with small and medium enterprises. Controllers usually start their careers as assistant controllers and become senior controllers after three to six years, with a long-term perspective to become Chief Financial Officer. Sustainability experts have the choice among positions such as corporate sustainability controller or manager, a sustainability consultant or auditor, and in the long run chief sustainability officer.

Our graduates are being offered jobs before or right after graduation and career perspectives are bright. Our alumni have different job positions in a variety of organizations, among others:
KPMG, PwC, Deloitte, EY, ING, Skania, Wehkamp, and the Dutch Ministry of Finance

Job examples

  • Management accountant
  • Financial controller sustainability
  • Strategy and ESG consultant
  • Group financial controller
  • Project controller
  • Junior trainee - audit
  • Digital audit trainee
Research

Linking education to research and career preparation

Our research-driven education is strongly rooted in business practice and society. Students and professors conduct research in a range of sectors, including manufacturing, service, healthcare, education, banking, auditing, and the public sector. The Accounting Research Programme focuses on the use of financial and non-financial information both within the organization and outside the organization. This information is used for various purposes, including decision-making, control, and accountability to internal and external stakeholders. From the start of your master's programme, we are making a societal impact.

Read more about the research institute related to the MSc programme: Accounting Research.


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Become a certified accountant (Angelique Keizer)

The MSc Accountancy and Controlling prepares me in the best way for my future career as it pays much attention to new auditing and controlling techniques that are becoming increasingly important as an auditor or controller. I find that all lecturers are very enthusiastic about the topic they teach and are able to transfer their enthusiasm about the subject to the students.

Moreover, the university offers an exceptional programme which allows students to become a certified accountant. I will continue studying and start with the Executive Master of Accountancy at the University of Groningen Business School while working for a Big 4 accounting firm (PwC). The University of Groningen was the right choice for me.

Besides my studies, I became the treasurer of the board of one of the two study associations for Accountancy and Controlling. This has helped me a lot to enhance my social skills and this was a great opportunity for working together with other people and external parties. These two aspects are also really useful when wanting to become an auditor since you have to communicate a lot with other people and work together well with your colleagues in a team.


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This degree is a great foundation to start working as an auditor

I started my journey at the Faculty of Economics and Business with the BSc Business Administration, which prepared me for my Master in Accountancy by learning all the aspects of businesses and financial institutions. The Master in Accountancy is a great foundation to start working as an auditor.

During my study, I learned the usage of IT and other new developments to the audit-profession. However, the programme consists of so much more than just the audit-part. I got to learn about different aspects a company faces and that helped me to better understand the business overall.

After my Master, I started a new job as an associate for PWC in Utrecht. Simultaneously I am following the Executive Master of Accountancy at the University of Groningen Business School (UBGS) to receive my official title as a registered accountant. (Koen Jansman | MSc Accountancy and Controlling, profile Accountancy)

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Study support

Studying means working independently and planning your studies yourself. But successful studying depends on many different factors, so it is understandable that you may need to consult an impartial expert to discuss your study progress and personal circumstances that influence your studies. The faculty's study advisors are available to help you. Obviously, everything discussed with the study advisor remains confidential.