Corporate Finance & Controlling, Master of Science

On-campus program @ Fresenius University of Applied Sciences 

👉 The Master's degree programme in Corporate Finance & Controlling (M.Sc.) at Hochschule Fresenius is aimed at graduates of business administration bachelor programmes with at least 180 credit points and relevant prior knowledge in management, accounting, and quantitative methods. The full-time course of study at the campuses in Munich, Cologne, or Hamburg comprises four semesters with lectures held three days a week and offers elective modules for individual specialisation. Students acquire competencies in business valuation, controlling instruments, international controlling, consolidated financial statements, and mergers & acquisitions. The Master of Science degree qualifies graduates for management roles in auditing, financial management, and risk management. The programme is officially recognised and accredited.

At a Glance

🏫 University Fresenius University of Applied Sciences, UAS based in Idstein (Germany)
Fresenius University of Applied Sciences is one of Germany's largest private universities with campuses in Berlin, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt am Main, Hamburg, Idstein, Cologne, Munich and Wiesbaden. It offers practice-oriented bachelor's and master's degree programs in the fields of chemistry & biology, business & media, health & social affairs and design, as well as training and continuing education. Studies are possible on a full-time, part-time and distance learning basis.
🎓 Field of Study EconomicsFinance
📜 Degree Master of Science (M.Sc.)
⏳ Duration 4 Semesters
🎯 ECTS 120 Credit Points
🌍 Language of Instruction German
📖 Course contents Controlling concepts, entrepreneurship, financing instruments & policies, portfolio & asset management, intercultural management, behavioural decision making, process controlling, investment & financial controlling, business valuation, rhetoric, presentation & negotiation techniques, corporate governance, external accounting, international controlling, operational & strategic controlling instruments, derivative instruments, mergers & acquisitions, organisational management, empirical research methods, research colloquium, master's thesis
📚 Electives Behavioural Decision Making, Entrepreneurship, Turnaround and Restructuring
📍 Location Cologne, Hamburg or Munich
📅 Enrollment Winter semester
💶 Fees
from 850 € monthly
from 21095 € total
🔗 More Info https://www.hs-fresenius.de

Who is the Master Corporate Finance & Controlling suitable for?

The Master's programme Corporate Finance & Controlling (M.Sc.) is aimed at graduates of an economics bachelor's degree who want to deepen their knowledge in the fields of financial management, controlling and corporate management. The target group comprises people who aspire to a challenging position in finance, auditing, controlling or strategic management. It is especially aimed at career starters who plan a career, for example, as a finance manager, auditor or risk manager.

What formal admission requirements apply?

You must meet the following requirements for admission:

  • Completed bachelor's degree in economics with at least 180 ECTS credits
  • Proof of at least 50 credit points in the areas of leadership and management, corporate governance and organisation or supply chain management
  • At least 10 credit points in accounting, financial accounting, controlling, corporate finance or investment calculation
  • At least 10 credit points in quantitative methods

If one of these areas is not sufficiently covered in your first degree, admission may be considered on an individual basis.

You should have analytical skills, a strong affinity for numbers and an interest in financial-economic contexts. Important are a pronounced sense of responsibility, a structured way of working and the ability to comprehend complex business management issues. Communication skills, the ability to work in a team and self-motivation will support you in successfully completing the programme and taking on leadership roles in the finance environment. Some practical experience in the field of finance or controlling is advantageous but not essential.

Study Content in Detail

In the Master’s programme Corporate Finance & Controlling at Hochschule Fresenius, you engage intensively with modern methods of corporate financing and controlling. You learn to analyse complex financial corporate decisions, shape them strategically, and support them empirically. Core content includes:

  • Controlling concepts, operational and strategic controlling instruments
  • Financing instruments and policies, including portfolio and asset management
  • Corporate governance, compliance and international accounting standards (e.g. IFRS)
  • Mergers & Acquisitions and company valuation
  • Investment and financial controlling, process controlling
  • Reorganisation, restructuring and entrepreneurship
  • Intercultural management and international perspectives in finance
  • Negotiation techniques, rhetoric and presentation skills
  • Empirical research methods and research colloquium as preparation for the master’s thesis
  • Possible specialisations in Behavioural Decision Making, Entrepreneurship or other elective areas

You develop skills to analytically evaluate companies, manage complex financial risks and control processes efficiently. Strengthening your leadership personality and communication skills is as important as acquiring solid methodological knowledge.

How Does the Programme Work?

The study programme is designed as a 3-day full-time master’s over 4 semesters (120 ECTS). You attend lectures and seminars three fixed days per week at the chosen campus. The remaining weekdays offer you the necessary freedom for self-study, internships, working student positions or individual deepening. The structured curriculum combines core and compulsory elective modules with practice-oriented project work. The following elements characterise the schedule:

  • Three attendance days per week – optimal compatibility of study and part-time job or practical experience
  • Small groups for intensive exchange with lecturers and fellow students
  • Practice transfer: teaching staff from industry, current case studies, networking events
  • Targeted support through Career Services and StudyPLUS with additional workshops and seminars
  • In the final semester, preparation and defence of the master’s thesis based on empirical research

Programme start is possible each winter semester. The language of instruction is German.

Career Prospects & Job Opportunities

With a master’s degree in Corporate Finance & Controlling, you open up diverse career opportunities in companies, consultancies and financial service providers. Typical fields of activity include:

  • Controlling and financial management in industry, trade and services
  • Corporate finance at banks or in the investment sector
  • Auditing and compliance
  • Private banking and asset management
  • Management in start-ups or family businesses (e.g. as CFO)
  • Risk and business consultant, Mergers & Acquisitions specialist
  • Research or teaching with quantitative controlling expertise

Through your personal network as well as support from Career Services and the Hochschule Fresenius alumni network, you find an easier entry into leadership or specialist positions. The degree is internationally recognized and also prepares you for doctoral studies or further qualifications.

Campus Location and Campus Life – Where Do You Study?

You can study the programme at three central locations:

  • Hamburg: The campus near the Alster scores with modern infrastructure and short routes to the city centre.
  • Cologne: The campus in MediaPark is centrally located and offers numerous leisure and networking options.
  • Munich: In Schwabing, you benefit from technically well-equipped rooms and a lively cultural environment.

At all locations, you will find individual advice, modern learning environments, small groups and access to exclusive additional offers via the StudyPLUS portal. A later campus change within Hochschule Fresenius is possible.

Costs and Financing – What Should You Budget For?

The tuition fees for the Master’s programme Corporate Finance & Controlling amount to 850 euros per month over the regular study period of 24 months (a total of 20,400 euros). In addition, there is a one-time registration fee of 695 euros.

  • Included in the price: all courses, exams, access to StudyPLUS and personal support
  • Free additional offers: language courses, workshops on personality development, start-up promotion, networking events

For financing, you can consider various options:

  • Support via BAföG (if eligible)
  • Student loans, e.g. KfW student loan
  • Scholarship programmes from the university or external foundations
  • Working student position or part-time job – made possible by the 3-day structure

The study advice service at Hochschule Fresenius supports you individually with all questions concerning financing and funding options.

Advisory Service

Have questions about Academic Programs Corporate Finance & Controlling? Ask your question here, even anonymously. An employee of the institution Fresenius University of Applied Sciences or the editorial team will answer you.

Experiences & Reviews

Hi, I'm your student advisor Ms. Weber. What would you like to know?