FACT – Finance, Accounting, Controlling and Taxation

Program overview

This consecutive Master of Science builds on undergraduate studies in business-related fields and focuses on the core areas of accounting, controlling, corporate finance and business taxation. Courses are designed to reflect how these disciplines interact in practice, and the curriculum allows you to concentrate more deeply by choosing one or two of these areas as a major. Instruction is delivered in English.

The programme also integrates contemporary topics such as digitalisation and sustainability throughout its modules. You can acquire practical analytical skills—including data analysis and programming—by selecting dedicated elective courses. Overall, the degree is aimed at graduates who already covered at least two of the programme’s core subjects during their bachelor’s studies and who want to broaden and deepen their technical and applied knowledge across finance, accounting, controlling and taxation.

Entry requirements

• Completed bachelor's degree (relevant field)
• Bachelor’s coursework must include at least two of the following areas: accounting, controlling, corporate finance, business taxation

Curriculum overview

This master's programme runs over three semesters full-time, with a four-semester option if you choose to do an internship or spend a semester abroad (including the possibility of a double degree). The first semester focuses on strengthening and deepening the knowledge and skills you acquired during your bachelor’s studies. In the second semester you move into more specialised, discipline-specific courses that build advanced competence across finance, accounting, controlling and taxation. The programme concludes with an independent research project: the master’s thesis is normally written in the third semester, or postponed to a fourth semester when practical training or an exchange is taken in semester three.

Teaching is predominantly seminar-based and heavily practice-oriented. Case studies—frequently developed in collaboration with companies—feature throughout the curriculum, giving you regular opportunities to apply theoretical concepts to real business problems and to develop professional contacts. This blend of methodological training, applied cases and research work aims to prepare graduates for technical roles in finance and accounting, consultancy, corporate controlling and tax advisory, as well as for further academic work.

Key modules and topics (high level)

• Consolidation modules that extend bachelor-level competencies
• Specialised advanced modules in finance, accounting, controlling and taxation
• Research methods and thesis supervision culminating in an independent master’s thesis
• Optional practical semester (internship) or semester abroad / double degree

Expected learning outcomes

• Advanced technical knowledge in finance, accounting, controlling and taxation
• Ability to apply theory to practice through case-based problem solving and company projects
• Research competence demonstrated by an independent master’s thesis
• Practical work experience and professional networking through internships and industry collaborations
• Cross-cultural and international exposure if completing a semester abroad or double-degree pathway

Structure & requirements (concise)

• Standard duration: 3 semesters; extended duration: 4 semesters with internship or semester abroad
• Semester 1: reinforcement and extension of bachelor-level competencies
• Semester 2: specialised advanced coursework in core FACT areas
• Semester 3: master’s thesis (or internship/semester abroad if opting for a 4th semester)
• Teaching format: seminar-led classes with a strong emphasis on case studies and company cooperation
• Assessment: coursework, case-based assignments and a final master’s thesis

Graduates are prepared for specialist and leadership roles in accounting, controlling, corporate finance and taxation — for example in corporate finance departments, tax advisory firms, audit firms, controlling teams or financial consultancies. The combination of domain expertise and elective data-analysis/programming skills also opens paths into financial analytics, risk management and consulting.

The programme’s case-study approach, company cooperation and internship/semester-abroad options help students build professional networks and practical experience, improving employability in both national and international organisations.