- Master's program without mandatory attendance at Germany's largest university
- Study start possible at any time, no semester system
- Interesting specializations, such as Applied Organizational Development
- Master's program in only 2-4 semesters with 60 ECTS or in 4-8 semesters with 120 ECTS
These are the requirements for the Master's in Controlling

IU International University offers the Master's in Controlling in 2 variants: the 60-ECTS variant lasts 2 semesters in full-time study, the 120-ECTS variant lasts 4 semesters in full-time study.
For both variants, a first degree with a focus on economics or business administration from a state-recognized or state university is required, such as a Bachelor's or Master's degree. Your degree should have at least a "Satisfactory" grade.
For the 60-ECTS variant, the following is also required:
- You must demonstrate knowledge equivalent to 10 ECTS in the area of Controlling/Accounting/Finance. Missing ECTS can be obtained by taking additional modules at IU.
- If your first degree is 240 ECTS, you can enroll directly in the Master's program.
- If your first degree is 210 ECTS and you can demonstrate at least 1 year of qualified work experience, you can enroll directly in the Master's in Controlling program. Alternatively, you can take modules at IU totaling at least 30 ECTS.
- If your first degree is 180 ECTS, take courses totaling at least 30 ECTS and demonstrate at least 1 year of additional work experience. Alternatively, demonstrate at least 2 years of qualified work experience.
For the 120-ECTS variant, the following is also required:
- Your undergraduate degree should have a focus in Economics or Business Administration.
- If your first degree does not have a relevant focus, you must pass a Master's entrance exam. If you pass, you will be enrolled in the Master's in Controlling program.
In addition, you can have prior achievements recognized to shorten your study time in distance learning and save on tuition fees. Recognizable achievements include those from previous Master's programs. Extensive work experience in the field of Controlling can also be recognized by the university. It is best to submit your application for recognition along with your application.

These are the study contents in online studies Controlling
This Master's program at IU consists of about 7-12 modules that you will take and complete over 2-4 semesters of standard study time. Each module is worth 5-10 credit points (ECTS) and concludes with an examination achievement such as a term paper or an exam. In total, you will earn 60-120 credit points from module to module and from semester to semester.
In the 60-ECTS variant, the full-time program is structured as follows:
- Semester 1: Performance-oriented Controlling II, Research Methodology, International Accounting, Corporate Governance, Elective Module A
- Semester 2: Business Planning, Seminar: Current Issues in Controlling, Master's Thesis
You can choose from these exciting modules for specialization: Applied Organizational Development, Business Intelligence, Personnel Management, Supply Chain Management, Strategic Financial Management.
In the 120-ECTS variant, the full-time program is structured as follows:
- Semester 1: Performance-oriented Controlling, Management, Methodology
- Semester 2: Business Planning, Seminar Early Warning and Risk Systems in Controlling, Corporate Governance, Seminar Current Issues in Controlling, International Accounting and Finance
- Semester 3: Controlling Project, Digital Business Models, Elective Module A, Elective Module B
- Semester 4: Master's Thesis
You can choose your specializations from these study modules: Applied Organizational Development, Business Intelligence, E-Commerce, Health Care Management A, Real Estate Management, International Management, IT Management, Communication and Public Relations, Management Consulting, Personnel Management, Project Management, Supply Chain Management, Strategic Financial Management, Strategic Hotel Management, Strategic Air Transport Management, Strategic Service Management, Strategic Tourism Management, Supply Chain Management.
How flexible is the standard study time in distance learning Controlling
At IU International University, you can choose one of 3 study models for part-time distance learning:
- In full-time studies, the standard study time is 2 semesters for the 60-ECTS variant and 4 semesters for the 120-ECTS variant. You can extend the standard study time by up to 2 semesters at no additional cost. Full-time studies in Controlling are particularly suitable for those who are not employed at all or work only a few hours per week.
- In part-time studies I, the standard study time is 3 semesters for the 60-ECTS variant and 6 semesters for the 120-ECTS variant. You can extend the standard study time by up to 2 semesters at no additional cost. Part-time studies I are suitable, for example, if you work part-time alongside your studies.
- In part-time studies II, the standard study time is 4 semesters for the 60-ECTS variant and 8 semesters for the 120-ECTS variant. You can extend the standard study time by up to 2 semesters at no additional cost. Part-time studies II are particularly suitable if you are heavily involved in your career alongside your distance learning.
By the way, you can also take a semester break during your studies at no additional cost.
How does online studying at IU work?

In the Master's distance learning program in Controlling at IU International University, there is no mandatory presence - you learn continuously from home, in the library of your choice, or wherever you can learn best.
You can take your modules and courses whenever you want. This way, you can flexibly put together your study plan and semester schedule.
Central to IU distance learning are your interactive study scripts. You will receive the scripts in printed form as well as digitally as a PDF and for your tablet. Through the smart app IU Learn, you have access to the scripts for your Controlling studies as well as scripts from all other distance learning programs at IU.
Through myCampus, the online campus of IU, you also have access to additional materials, such as videos. You interact with your lecturers and fellow students, for example, in virtual live formats, such as interactive courses.
And exams? You can take them as online exams if you prefer. You can take an online exam 24/7 once you feel adequately prepared for the study material. Alternatively, you can take the exam at one of the numerous exam centers of IU throughout Germany.

Advisory Service
Have questions about Academic Programs Controlling? Ask your question here, even anonymously. An employee of the institution IU International University of Applied Sciences or the editorial team will answer you.
or post as a guest