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In the study programme of the Control track, the focus is on processing information in such a way that an organisation can take full profit from it. A good controller anticipates the information needs of management and provides timely financial data, analysis and recommendations. The Control track emphasises the role that information plays in the management of organisations, focusing on both departments and people.

The programme

Control is one of the tracks of the Master's Accountancy and Control. During your Master's you will follow 6 general courses and 3 track-specific courses. You will finish with a thesis.

COURSES SEM 1 SEM 2 SEMESTER 1 SEMESTER 2 EC
  • Incentives and Control
    Period 1
    5

    This course provides a comprehensive overview of the instruments which can be used to align the interests of the employees with the organisation as a whole. For instance, we will look at the use of performance measurement, incentive systems, target setting, the role of subjectivity and so on. We will address those topics mainly from an economics-based perspective, but in addition, we will briefly explore the potential contribution of behavioural theories in explaining real-world phenomena.

  • International Financial Reporting Standards
    Period 1
    5

    The course provides an overview of the major elements of reporting under International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). The emphasis is on understanding the key accounting concepts within IFRS but also the practice of applying these standards in real-life situations.

  • Business Lab & Professional Skills
    Period 1
    Period 2
    5

    Explore the practical aspects of Accounting. Learn programming with Python. Together with your fellow students, you will work on cases that an audit firm or company struggles with, such as the implementation of new accounting standards or the use of data analytics and process mining to improve an audit. This course develops your professional skills such as presentation skills and negotiating with clients, to help you develop the skill required in practice.

  • Strategic Value Management
    Period 2
    5

    This course focuses on the role of controllers in managing costs, revenues and value. Topics that will be covered include short and long term cost management, customer profitability and innovation.

  • Sustainability 1
    Period 2
    5

    This course focusses on academic research and related practice in sustainability accounting, accountability and ethics. A secondary objective is to expose students to interdisciplinary qualitative academic research using social and organisational theory as a critical thinking tool. We specifically study the history of and motivations underlying the rise of sustainability accounting and the role and relevance of accountants and the accounting profession therein.

  • Research Seminar Accountancy & Control
    Period 3
    5

    In this course, students learn to evaluate empirical research methodologies critically and to develop their own research proposal for an empirical study in the field of Accountancy & Control. We discuss the philosophical backgrounds of accounting research, the differences between research paradigms, the interplay of research, theory and practice, and the strengths and weaknesses of different research methods. During the course, students write their own research proposal and - at different stages in this process - present and discuss their ideas in class.

  • Corporate Financial Management
    Period 4
    5

    This course offers you a blend of lectures, case discussions and hands-on exercise sessions to enhance your understanding of corporate finance and corporate valuation.

  • Financial Statement Analysis & Valuation
    Period 4
    5

    This course lets students apply conceptual aspects of financial accounting and reporting to the financial statements of real-world companies. Students will be taught to thoroughly analyse and scrutinise the financial statements of large and well-known publicly-listed companies from the perspective of a financial statement user.

  • Data Analytics
    Period 5
    5

    Accountants need to be capable of analysing large amounts of financial and non-financial data to address business challenges. This course helps you to develop an analytical mindset and learn how to use tools to analyse both structured and unstructured data.

  • Judgment and Decision Making in Financial Management
    Period 5
    5

    This course discusses the role of controllers and other financial professionals in organisations in facilitating the decision-making processes of people in the firm (managers and employees) as well as outside of the firm (investors and other stakeholders) by providing them with information and quantitative analyses. To fulfil this role effectively, it is crucial that financial professionals understand how humans tend to make judgements and choices. This course provides students with a concise introduction to the psychology of judgement and decision-making.

  • Master's Thesis Accountancy & Control
    Period 4
    Period 5
    Period 6
    5

    The Master’s thesis is the final requirement for your graduation. It is your chance to dive deep into a topic that you are enthusiastic about. A professor in your field of choice (track) will supervise and support you in writing your thesis. Upon graduation, you will be awarded the title Master of Science (MSc).

Compulsory course
Specialisation
Real-life case: how productive is a manager?

In modern economies, most people work in service organisations. But how do you measure the productivity and efficiency of for example a manager or consultant? Or the contributions of a researcher in developing a new medicine? And if it's difficult to measure their output, how do you manage these professionals?

Chandralekha Thanabalan, Master's Accountancy and Control
Copyright: FEB
I liked that I could choose specialised modules which would equip me with the skills and knowledge demanded by the workforce in the future. Chandralekha Thanabalan - track Control Read about Chandralekha's experiences with this Master's
Frequently asked questions
  • When do I need to select a specialisation track?

    A specialisation track must be chosen at the end of October. It is also possible to do both tracks. Track modifications are still possible after October. The criteria for all tracks are identical and do not impact the likelihood of being accepted into the programme.
     

  • How many students are in the programme?

    Our Master’s programme admits around 80 students per specialisation track. If you meet the entry requirements, you will be accepted. This Master’s does not have a numerus fixus.

  • What are the weekly contact hours?

    Most courses have one 2-3 hour lecture and one 2-hour tutorial per week. Generally students take 2 or 3 courses at a time, so count on about 15-20 contact hours per week.

  • Will all lectures be held in person, or will there be options for online attendance?

    All courses are held in person on campus. Certain sessions may be recorded and shared online after class or at the end of the course to assist in exam preparation. 

  • Is attendance compulsory for lectures, tutorials, and other sessions?

    Attendance is usually not compulsory for lectures, but commonly for tutorials and other sessions. Students greatly benefit from being present and engaging in discussions with both the instructor and their classmates.

  • What is the typical method of assessment for most courses?

    The majority of courses have a final written on-site exam which counts for at least 60% of the final grade. Most courses have additional assessment methods, including oral presentations, developing research proposals, conducting experiments and writing up results. Finally, some courses grade active participation. This is reflected by attendance and activity in tutorials and online assignments.