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.
In the Master's degree in Accountancy and Controlling, you can choose right from the start what profile you wish to follow.
To see the full course overview, please go to the profile website below, under programme options.
| CoursesCourse Catalog > |
|---|
| Accountancy profile
Courses are available on the website: https://www.rug.nl/masters/accountancy-profile/#!programme |
| Controlling profile
Courses are available on the website: https://www.rug.nl/masters/controlling-profile/#!programme |
| Sustainability Management and Controlling profile
Courses are available on the website: https://www.rug.nl/masters/sustainability-management-and-controlling/#!programme |
| Programme options |
|---|
| 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. |
| 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? |
| 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)? |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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 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.
| Specific requirements | More 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. |
| Study programme | Organization | Transition |
|---|---|---|
| All Universities of applied sciences |
Via a pre-master with a maximum of 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 |
|
| Accountancy | All Universities of applied sciences |
Via a pre-master with a maximum of 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 programme | Organization | Transition |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration | University of Groningen |
No additional requirements More information:For students who follow the profile Accountancy and Controlling, there are no additional requirements. |
| Business Administration | University 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 Economics | University 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 Business | 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 |
| Industrial Engineering and Management | University 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. |
| Psychology (NL) | University 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. |
| Sociology | University 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 Research | University 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 programme | Organization | Transition |
|---|---|---|
| Econometrics and Operations Research | Erasmus University Rotterdam |
Via a pre-master with a maximum of 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 Economics | Erasmus University Rotterdam |
Via a pre-master with a maximum of 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 Economie | Erasmus University Rotterdam |
Via a pre-master with a maximum of 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 Administration | Erasmus University Rotterdam |
Via a pre-master with a maximum of 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 Administration | Erasmus University Rotterdam |
Via a pre-master with a maximum of 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 programme | Organization | Transition |
|---|---|---|
| Public Administration Science | Leiden University |
Via a pre-master with a maximum of 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 Science | Leiden University |
Via a pre-master with a maximum of 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 programme | Organization | Transition |
|---|---|---|
| Business Analytics | Maastricht University |
Via a pre-master with a maximum of 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 Engineering | Maastricht University |
Via a pre-master with a maximum of 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 Research | Maastricht University |
Via a pre-master with a maximum of 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 Economics | Maastricht University |
Via a pre-master with a maximum of 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 Economie | Maastricht University |
Via a pre-master with a maximum of 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 Studies | Maastricht University |
Via a pre-master with a maximum of 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 | Maastricht University |
Via a pre-master with a maximum of 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 programme | Organization | Transition |
|---|---|---|
| Accountancy | Nyenrode New Business School |
Via a pre-master with a maximum of 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 Administration | Nyenrode New Business School |
Via a pre-master with a maximum of 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 programme | Organization | Transition |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration | Radboud University Nijmegen |
Via a pre-master with a maximum of 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 Economics | Radboud University Nijmegen |
Via a pre-master with a maximum of 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 programme | Organization | Transition |
|---|---|---|
| International Business Administration | Tilburg University |
Via a pre-master with a maximum of 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 | Tilburg University |
Via a pre-master with a maximum of 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 Innovation | Tilburg University |
Via a pre-master with a maximum of 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 Research | Tilburg University |
Via a pre-master with a maximum of 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 Economie | Tilburg University |
Via a pre-master with a maximum of 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 programme | Organization | Transition |
|---|---|---|
| Actuarial Science | University of Amsterdam |
Via a pre-master with a maximum of 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 Administration | University of Amsterdam |
Via a pre-master with a maximum of 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 Analytics | University of Amsterdam |
Via a pre-master with a maximum of 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 Science | University of Amsterdam |
Via a pre-master with a maximum of 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 Economics | University of Amsterdam |
Via a pre-master with a maximum of 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 Economie | University of Amsterdam |
Via a pre-master with a maximum of 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 programme | Organization | Transition |
|---|---|---|
| International Business Administration | University of Twente |
Via a pre-master with a maximum of 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 programme | Organization | Transition |
|---|---|---|
| Economics and Business Economics | Utrecht University |
Via a pre-master with a maximum of 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 programme | Organization | Transition |
|---|---|---|
| Economics and Business Economics | VU University Amsterdam |
Via a pre-master with a maximum of 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 Administration | VU University Amsterdam |
Via a pre-master with a maximum of 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 Administration | VU University Amsterdam |
Via a pre-master with a maximum of 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 Analytics | VU University Amsterdam |
Via a pre-master with a maximum of 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 Research | VU University Amsterdam |
Via a pre-master with a maximum of 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 Research | VU University Amsterdam |
Via a pre-master with a maximum of 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 programme | Organization | Transition |
|---|---|---|
| Management and Consumer Studies | Wageningen University |
Via a pre-master with a maximum of 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 Governance | Wageningen University |
Via a pre-master with a maximum of 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. |
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 | |
| EU/EEA students | 01 May 2025 | 01 September 2025 |
| 15 October 2025 | 01 February 2026 | |
| non-EU/EEA students | 01 May 2025 | 01 September 2025 |
| 15 October 2025 | 01 February 2026 |
| Specific requirements | More 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. |
| 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 | |
| EU/EEA students | 01 May 2025 | 01 September 2025 |
| 15 October 2025 | 01 February 2026 | |
| non-EU/EEA students | 01 May 2025 | 01 September 2025 |
| 15 October 2025 | 01 February 2026 |
| Nationality | Year | Fee | Programme form |
|---|---|---|---|
| EU/EEA | 2024-2025 | € 2530 | full-time |
| non-EU/EEA | 2024-2025 | € 20800 | full-time |
| EU/EEA | 2025-2026 | € 2601 | full-time |
| non-EU/EEA | 2025-2026 | € 21400 | full-time |
Practical information for:
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
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.
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.
