Controlling and Corporate Governance, Master of Arts

Part-time program @ Fresenius University of Applied Sciences 

👉 The part-time Master's degree programme in Controlling & Corporate Management (M.A.) at Hochschule Fresenius is aimed at working professionals with a bachelor's degree in economics and at least 40 credit points in this field. Students acquire in-depth knowledge in operational and strategic controlling, sustainable corporate management, as well as financial management control instruments. The programme covers subjects such as applied economics, organisational management, corporate taxation, and strategic management. Teaching is predominantly conducted virtually via live stream, and exams can mostly be taken online. Recognition of professional experience allows for a reduction in study duration. The Master of Arts degree opens up career opportunities in leadership roles, controlling, and financial management at the campuses in Wiesbaden, Munich, Cologne, Hamburg, and the Online Campus.

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 Arts (M.A.)
⏳ Duration 5 Semesters
🎯 ECTS 120 Credit Points
🌍 Language of Instruction German
📖 Course contents Operational controlling instruments, corporate management, research and scientific methodology, digitalisation of the working world, self-reflection and profile development, external accounting I – individual financial statements according to national and international regulations, strategic management, organisational management, leadership and leadership personality, digital entrepreneurship, external accounting II – consolidated financial statements, strategic controlling instruments, corporate governance, shaping and experiencing the economy, behaviour-oriented decision-making, project management, recognition of leadership and motivation, communication and structure in organisations, economy: current trends and applications, master's thesis
📍 Location Cologne, Wiesbaden or Online Campus
📅 Enrollment Winter or summer semester
💶 Fees
from 395 € monthly
from 12100 € total
🔗 More Info https://www.hs-fresenius.de

Requirements and Target Group

The part-time Master's degree programme in Controlling and Corporate Management (M.A.) is aimed at professionals from the field of economics who wish to specifically expand their qualifications in controlling and corporate management. It is particularly intended for specialists with initial practical experience in finance, accounting, or strategic management who want to take on leadership responsibilities or work as controllers, treasury managers, or in the executive assistant role. The programme is designed to be studied alongside employment and is therefore aimed at individuals who want to combine studying with their professional career.

What formal admission criteria apply?

To be admitted to this Master's degree programme, you will need to provide the following evidence:

  • Completed Bachelor's degree with at least 180 ECTS credits
  • At least 40 ECTS credits from economics-related modules in the first degree
  • Of which at least 5 ECTS credits in quantitative methods (e.g. statistics, mathematics, econometrics)

If you have a related degree that does not fully cover the required economics and quantitative study components, you can usually complete supplementary certificates or bridging courses. Admission is subject to individual assessment by the university.

For a successful course of study, in addition to professional prior knowledge, certain personal qualities are also advantageous. You should have an interest in financial control, digital transformation, and corporate management and be familiar with analytical thinking and structured working. Previous professional experience in finance, accounting, or management will facilitate your introduction to the course. Motivation, time management, and teamwork skills are also important, as collaborative work and presentations are central components of the programme. Openness to interdisciplinary exchange, solution orientation, as well as the willingness to take responsibility in change processes are also required.

Course Content in Detail

In the Master's degree programme in Controlling and Corporate Management at Hochschule Fresenius, you will deepen your knowledge of operational and strategic controlling tools as well as current methods of corporate management. Key topics include:

  • Operational and strategic controlling instruments (e.g. cost accounting, budgeting, performance management)
  • External financial reporting according to national and international standards (individual and consolidated financial statements)
  • Corporate management, organisational management and corporate governance
  • Research and scientific methodology for business practice
  • Digitalisation of the working world and digital entrepreneurship
  • Behavioural decision-making in management processes
  • Project management, leadership skills and strategy development
  • Self-reflection, personal development and profile formation
  • Current economic trends and application fields

You will develop the ability to effectively support innovation and change processes within companies, make data-driven decisions and manage measures to improve corporate performance.

Course Structure

The part-time Master's degree extends over five semesters and concludes with the academic degree Master of Arts (M.A.). The programme is specifically designed for working professionals:

  • Lectures take place on two Saturdays per month as well as on a maximum of three Fridays per semester.
  • The majority of assessment tasks consist of coursework and presentations, with a few exams supplementing the portfolio.
  • The first three semesters comprise (digital) face-to-face sessions. In the fourth semester, practical modules based on your professional experience can be credited, allowing for a shortened study duration.
  • If modules cannot be credited, you will complete them through online self-study.
  • The degree is completed with a Master's thesis in the fifth semester.
  • You can complete the course at various locations or entirely online.

Virtual live events and e-learning elements ensure interaction and flexibility, enabling you to combine your studies optimally with your professional commitments.

Career Prospects & Employment Opportunities for Graduates

The Master of Arts degree in Controlling and Corporate Management opens up diverse opportunities in finance and management across various industries. Typical positions include:

  • Controller in national and international companies
  • Treasury manager (focus on liquidity planning, cash management, financing and stakeholder communication)
  • Executive assistant with a focus on control, communication, organisation and project management
  • Managers in financial management, corporate governance and strategic management
  • Consultant in controlling, corporate development or restructuring
  • Self-employment as a consultant for corporate management, process optimisation and digitalisation

Your analytical know-how and combination of management and controlling skills qualify you for demanding tasks, especially where business management control and digital innovation are required.

Study Location: On-campus, virtual or combined?

The programme can be completed at several Hochschule Fresenius locations:

  • Cologne
  • Wiesbaden
  • Online Campus (virtual live study)

You decide whether to attend lectures on campus or fully online. The locations offer modern seminar and workspaces, libraries and good access to the cultural and economic environment of their respective cities. The virtual live study enables complete spatial flexibility – so you can participate independently of your place of residence.

Costs and Financing: What to Expect?

The tuition fees for the part-time Master's degree are:

  • 395 euros per month
  • 2,370 euros per semester
  • Total cost: 11,850 euros (for the regular study period of five semesters)

Additionally, a one-time registration fee of 250 euros applies. The price includes all courses, online modules, personal supervision as well as optional courses for personal development, language courses and networking events.

Various options are available to finance your studies:

  • BAföG (under certain conditions)
  • Study loans (e.g. KfW, private banks)
  • Scholarship programmes from various foundations
  • Support from your employer
  • Instalment payment of tuition fees

Hochschule Fresenius also offers advice regarding study financing and supports you in choosing the suitable financing option for your individual situation.

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