Study management accounting and control in Groningen and become a finance and business expert who can help organizations formulate and implement their vision and strategy.
In rapidly evolving business landscapes, organizations must formulate strategies and goals that enable them to thrive. While defining strategies is crucial, the true measure of success typically lies in the effective execution of these strategies. Managers need to make informed decisions and allocate resources to support the overarching strategy. However, in a world filled with countless options, how do managers make the right choices?
In the Management Accounting and Control (MAC) program, you will acquire the skills necessary to assess strategic options and make decisions that seamlessly align with an organization's strategy. You will get familiar with management accounting and financial management techniques and combine this knowledge with insights from strategy, human behavior, and change management. This synthesis will empower you to acquire critical information for making successful strategic decisions. You will apply your knowledge in real-world scenarios, such as market expansion or M&A decisions, and develop the skills to effectively communicate strategic advice to managers. You will also have the opportunity to gain insights into using data analytics to support decision-making.
The programme offers a wide array of career prospects. Our graduates often kickstart their careers as controllers or business partners in the finance department of an organization or as consultants in strategic or financial consulting firms. Others start their career in the strategy, business development, HR, or sales departments. Ultimately, the programme paves the way to ascend to pivotal roles, including general managers or financial managers within organizations.
Are you more interested in auditing or financial controlling? Or do you want to know what is the difference between Management Accounting and Control, and Accountancy and Controlling? Find out more about our MSc Accountancy and Controlling .
The programme offers many opportunities to specialize in a certain field by taking a Focus area in Future Prosperity and Sustainability, Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence, or Energy Transition and Climate Change. Dive deeper into these highly relevant topics in our society and your future career.
This programme offers you the chance to learn more about
management accounting and financial management. You will learn how
to use insights from these fields for providing (non-financial)
input that will improve organizational decision-making and planning
and controlling activities. You will come to understand the
techniques and systems you use to produce this information in the
context of general management and related issues, such as strategy,
human behaviour, ethics, data-driven processes, innovation, and
culture.
For each semester, you can choose from a wide variety of elective
courses, depending on what area you would like to specialize in.
You can learn about business ethics, digital business and AI,
sustainability management but you can also delve deep into
financial management and reporting, healthcare, leadership and
governance, or data-driven processes. Check below the course
catalogue for the full list of courses.
You finish your degree by writing a thesis paper. Your master's
thesis is based on, for example, interviews, a case study, a
survey, or an experiment. Many students combine their data
collection with an internship.
| Semesters | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CoursesCourse Catalog > | 1a | 1b | 2a | 2b |
| Management Accounting Change (5 EC) | ||||
| Management Accounting Techniques (5 EC) | ||||
| Elective(s) MSc BA MAC (15 EC) A few examples are: Digital Transformation Strategy; Healthcare Purchasing and Supply Chains; Sustainability: Strategies, Innovation & Change; Energy Transition & Innovation; HRM & International Labour Law. The full list of electives can be found on Ocasys. | ||||
| Research & Skills for MSc BA (5 EC) | ||||
| Financial Management for MAC (5 EC) | ||||
| Research in Management Control (5 EC) | ||||
| Master's Thesis MAC (20 EC) | ||||
| Programme options |
|---|
| 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. |
| Future Prosperity and Sustainability Focus Area (specialization) Focus on the sustainable developments in our current society by the increasing influence of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations. The upcoming impact of the SDGs force companies to redefine their purpose and seek a path for meaningful contribution. But, what are companies responsible for, and who bears the burden of the consequences? Your skills and knowledge will prepare you to actively contribute to the strategic developments in this dynamic field. |
| Leadership and Governance (specialization) The Leadership and Governance focus area provides you with a deep understanding of both macro-level governance frameworks and micro-level leadership processes. This dual approach enables you to understand the broader implications of governance and leadership, while also recognizing the conditions that shape behavior, decision-making and organizational dynamics. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
A study exchange semester is not included in the one-year programme. If you wish to spend a semester abroad, you will need to extend the study period by a semester. Please discuss this with the programme coordinator as study exchanges are not facilitated by the MSc BA - MAC programme.
| Specific requirements | More information |
|---|---|
| previous education |
To be eligible for admission to this Master, you need to hold an academic Bachelor's or Master's degree from a research university in one of the following - or closely related - fields: Business Administration, Econometrics and Operations Research, Economics and Business Economics, International Business, Technology Management, Management 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. |
| 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. |
| Study programme | Organization | Transition |
|---|---|---|
| All Universities of applied sciences |
Via a pre-master with a maximum of The Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB) has introduced the 30 EC and 45 EC Pre-Master's programmes. Depending on the HBO degree you will obtain, you will be able to follow the 30 EC or 45 EC variant. Read more: https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster |
| Study programme | Organization | Transition |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration | University of Groningen | No additional requirements |
| Econometrics and Operations Research | University of Groningen | No additional requirements |
| Economics and Business Economics | University of Groningen | No additional requirements |
| International Business | University of Groningen | No additional requirements |
| Industrial Engineering and Management | University of Groningen | No additional requirements |
| Sociology | University 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. |
| Psychology (NL) | University 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. |
| Study programme | Organization | Transition |
|---|---|---|
| Econometrics and Operations Research | Erasmus University Rotterdam | No additional requirements |
| Economics and Business Economics | Erasmus University Rotterdam | No additional requirements |
| Fiscale Economie | Erasmus University Rotterdam | No additional requirements |
| International Business Administration | Erasmus University Rotterdam | No additional requirements |
| Business Administration | Erasmus University Rotterdam | No additional requirements |
| Study programme | Organization | Transition |
|---|---|---|
| Public Administration Science | Leiden University |
No additional requirements More information:For profile Economics, Public Administration and Management. |
| Computer Science | Leiden University |
No additional requirements More information:For profile Informatica & Economie. |
| Study programme | Organization | Transition |
|---|---|---|
| Business Analytics | Maastricht University | No additional requirements |
| Business Engineering | Maastricht University | No additional requirements |
| Econometrics and Operations Research | Maastricht University | No additional requirements |
| Economics and Business Economics | Maastricht University | No additional requirements |
| Fiscale Economie | Maastricht University | No additional requirements |
| Global Studies | Maastricht University |
Via a pre-master with a maximum of You need to first complete the 45 EC (or less) Pre-Master's programme. For information about the Pre-MSc application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster. |
| International Business | Maastricht University | No additional requirements |
| Study programme | Organization | Transition |
|---|---|---|
| Accountancy | Nyenrode New Business School | No additional requirements |
| Business Administration | Nyenrode New Business School | No additional requirements |
| Study programme | Organization | Transition |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration | Radboud University Nijmegen | No additional requirements |
| Economics and Business Economics | Radboud University Nijmegen | No additional requirements |
| Study programme | Organization | Transition |
|---|---|---|
| International Business Administration | Tilburg University | No additional requirements |
| Economics | Tilburg University | No additional requirements |
| Entrepreneurship and Business Innovation | Tilburg University | No additional requirements |
| Econometrics and Operations Research | Tilburg University | No additional requirements |
| Fiscale Economie | Tilburg University | No additional requirements |
| Study programme | Organization | Transition |
|---|---|---|
| Actuarial Science | University of Amsterdam | No additional requirements |
| Business Administration | University of Amsterdam | No additional requirements |
| Business Analytics | University of Amsterdam | No additional requirements |
| Econometrics and Data Science | University of Amsterdam | No additional requirements |
| Economics and Business Economics | University of Amsterdam | No additional requirements |
| Fiscale Economie | University of Amsterdam | No additional requirements |
| Study programme | Organization | Transition |
|---|---|---|
| International Business Administration | University of Twente | No additional requirements |
| Study programme | Organization | Transition |
|---|---|---|
| Economics and Business Economics | Utrecht University | No additional requirements |
| Study programme | Organization | Transition |
|---|---|---|
| Management and Consumer Studies | Wageningen University | No additional requirements |
| Economics and Governance | Wageningen University | No additional requirements |
| Study programme | Organization | Transition |
|---|---|---|
| Business Analytics | VU University Amsterdam | No additional requirements |
| Econometrics and Operations Research | VU University Amsterdam | No additional requirements |
| Economics and Business Economics | VU University Amsterdam | No additional requirements |
| Business Administration | VU University Amsterdam | No additional requirements |
| International Business Administration | VU University Amsterdam | No additional requirements |
Students with a Dutch diploma can apply directly to Studielink. More information on the steps to apply .
| Type of student | Deadline | Start course |
|---|---|---|
| Dutch students | 01 May 2025 | 01 September 2025 |
| 15 October 2025 | 01 February 2026 | |
| 01 May 2026 | 01 September 2026 | |
| 15 October 2026 | 01 February 2027 | |
| EU/EEA students | 01 May 2025 | 01 September 2025 |
| 15 October 2025 | 01 February 2026 | |
| 01 May 2026 | 01 September 2026 | |
| 15 October 2026 | 01 February 2027 | |
| non-EU/EEA students | 01 May 2025 | 01 September 2025 |
| 15 October 2025 | 01 February 2026 | |
| 01 May 2026 | 01 September 2026 | |
| 15 October 2026 | 01 February 2027 |
| Specific requirements | More information |
|---|---|
| previous education |
To be eligible for admission to this Master, you need to hold an academic Bachelor's or Master's degree from a research university in one of the following - or closely related - fields: Business Economics, Business Administration, Econometrics and Operations Research, Economics and Business Economics, International Business, Technology Management, Management 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. |
| 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. |
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.
| Type of student | Deadline | Start course |
|---|---|---|
| Dutch students | 01 May 2025 | 01 September 2025 |
| 15 October 2025 | 01 February 2026 | |
| 01 May 2026 | 01 September 2026 | |
| 15 October 2026 | 01 February 2027 | |
| EU/EEA students | 01 May 2025 | 01 September 2025 |
| 15 October 2025 | 01 February 2026 | |
| 01 May 2026 | 01 September 2026 | |
| 15 October 2026 | 01 February 2027 | |
| non-EU/EEA students | 01 May 2025 | 01 September 2025 |
| 15 October 2025 | 01 February 2026 | |
| 01 May 2026 | 01 September 2026 | |
| 15 October 2026 | 01 February 2027 |
As a graduate, you are qualified for various types of jobs, ranging from financial and general management positions to positions as a consultant or business advisor. Employers will be interested in you, because of your strategic, analytical, and communicative skills, as well as your ability to combine an understanding of management accounting and control issues with knowledge of contemporary business.
Alumni from our programme work for national as well as international companies in the corporate and non-profit sectors, as well as for government institutions.
Job examples:
Our research-driven education is strongly rooted in business practice and society. At the heart of our teaching approach is (interdisciplinary) research and in collaboration with external partners, students, and professors conduct projects on societally relevant topics such as healthy society and the economics of healthcare systems, digitalization and how AI is shaping business and societies, leadership and governance, future prosperity and sustainability, climate change and how to tackle the shift to renewable energy. This means that you will learn, not only how to apply particular performance measurement and decision-making techniques, but also how these techniques impact the behaviour of people in organizations. This focus on human behaviour in real-life organizational contexts also implies that your training will be based on the latest developments in the field of management control.
Moreover, by conducting both practically-oriented and research assignments, you will develop an analytical and critical mind as well as problem-solving capabilities, which are important qualities in any future career.
Your teachers will be researchers active in the field of management control. In collaboration with external partners, they conduct research projects on, for instance, risk management, leadership, health care, digital transformation, and lean operations. Some examples are:
What I liked about the programme is that it provides the opportunity to focus on different areas, such as health and energy, so that students can prepare themselves for their future careers. I chose to have a broad focus when choosing my electives, in order for me to gain knowledge in a more broad field. The faculty provides opportunities to help you set your goal, sets realistic expectations, and prepares you for what will be expected from you as well as from the firm.
I have opted for a Master Internship. At Jacobs Douwe Egberts, I got to see multiple departments in Finance, which helped me discover what I like most. I really enjoyed my internship. It gave me the possibility to develop my analytical decision-making and communication skills. Furthermore, I got to know the firm from the inside and I discovered my own qualities and capabilities. My greatest advice to students who are planning on doing an internship is to ask for feedback as this is the best way to learn the most during your time in a company.
The programme Management and Accounting is focused on making management decisions regarding the organization’s strategy. It combines applying knowledge about financial management techniques and control systems. The Master surprised me with a strong emphasis on the practical side of management. That motivated me to gain more practical knowledge and therefore I joined the financial study association RISK. My tasks include acquiring general sponsors and attracting companies for the activities organized by the association. This has helped me to get a good look behind the scenes and how certain firms operate within their industry. I highly recommend other students to consider joining extracurricular activities or committees, as it helps to develop crucial skills that can not be taught.
