Faculty of Business and Economics









Eine Gruppe junger Frauen sitzen auf dem Campus und unterhalten sich









UNDERSTANDING AND CONTROLLING COMPANIES

- NOTHING WORKS WITHOUT SAFT




Are you interested in Sustainable Accounting, Finance, and Tax (SAFT) and want to know how companies can operate sustainably? Then our Master's programme in Finance, Accounting and Taxes is right for you. It prepares you for responsible positions in management, consulting, controlling or auditing.



Apply now!


























MASTER'S PROGRAMME IN FINANCE, ACCOUNTING AND TAXES




Start

Summer and winter semester


Duration

4 semesters


CHE-Ranking

Top ratings in general study situation


Application

Limited admission (application to the faculty)


Language

German


Credits

120 Credits












MOVING COMPANIES AND SOCIETY




Businesses and society will only be able to meet the challenges associated with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals if the information needed for sustainable management is made available. This involves not only the economic, but also the ecological and social dimensions of sustainability. In our master's programme, we combine finance and sustainability and prepare you for responsible jobs in accounting, controlling, taxation, finance, auditing or management.







  • Basic modules: Understanding companies holistically



    The basic modules in the first and second semesters teach you key competences in the following areas:



    • Financial and sustainability control: Learn how control functions as a "business partner" for the management and how it plays an essential role in the achievement of economic, social and ecological goals of companies, all while considering the effects throughout the entirety of the value chain.

    • International accounting: Learn what information is relevant for international investors and how to use it for the decision-making process.

    • Sustainable finance: Learn to view the fundamental issues of corporate finance from a sustainability standpoint and master the methods needed to integrate sustainability into financial decisions.

    • Corporate taxation: Learn the methods needed for determining tax burdens and study the decision-making effects of taxes for companies and society.


    24 Credits





  • Specialization: Create your individualized profile



    Do you want to become a specialist in the area of sustainable accounting and finance? By choosing the modules in your area of specialization you have the opportunity to acquire in-depth competences in line with your own individual interests. This allows you to build your own individual profile. All modules in this section build on the basic modules and can be combined freely.


    30 Credits





  • Seminar: Rethinking sustainable management



    Seminars offer you the opportunity to develop approaches to solving entrepreneurial problems, to exchange ideas and to critically examine current developments. We deal with the following topics (among others): Sustainable investing, greenwashing, ESG reporting, sustainability of the financial system, sustainability-oriented key figures and indicator systems, environmental cost accounting systems and CO2 accounting, sustainability-oriented incentive systems, business ethics, taxation of companies, tax steering mechanisms and decision effects of sustainable tax policy.


    6 Credits





  • Method area: Learning to think analytically



    This area focuses entirely on your methodological skills. Data analysis is a crucial competence for your career. How are forecasts created, costs of capital calculated, companies valued, how can sustainable companies be identified, and how are simulations carried out? Sound data analysis can help answer these questions and more.


    You will acquire comprehensive methodological skills that can help you identify problem areas, analyse data, and develop solutions.


    6 Credits





  • Electives: Room for more



    This area offers you the opportunity to think outside of the box. Discover the diversity of faculties the University of Göttingen has to offer. Choose from a range of courses or study interdisciplinary. Would you like to improve your language skills? You can freely choose language modules as part of your electives. Or would you rather apply your knowledge practically? Then why not integrate an internship?


    24 Credits





  • Master's thesis: Solving research problems



    The Master’s thesis is a stepping stone for your career. Use your acquired skills to solve relevant problems for companies and for society. Use your thesis to advance sustainable business.


    30 Credits





  • Study plan and additional links


















GOOD REASONS FOR STUDYING IN GÖTTINGEN




  • SAFT - Managing companies sustainably

  • Flexible career planning

  • Decision-making skills

  • Double degree









Sustainable management requires the comprehensive integration of sustainability into the fields of accounting, finance and taxation. Our master's programme prepares you for the major challenges in business and society and enables you to help shape the future.





Ein Baum steht vor einem Bürogebäude.







During your studies, you will have developed your personality, your way of thinking and may have found new interests. Our master’s programme offers you the flexibility to adapt your studies to your personal development. By specializing in accounting, finance, and taxation and by having a systematical link to sustainability you will be able to differentiate yourself. Deepen and enrich your major through additional, freely selectable modules in the elective area - our master's programme gives you maximum freedom of choice.





Zwei Studierende, ein Mann und eine Frau, sitzen am Schalter der Studienberatung und werden von einer Frau beraten.







When it comes to the topics of accounting, finance and taxation, the actuality of the teaching content is crucial as regulations, for example, are constantly changing. Taxonomies and sustainability reportings are also a field that is becoming increasingly important and growing rapidly. With us, you will acquire an up-to-date skillset on national and international regulations. We place a special focus on developing your methodological, personal and social skills to enable you to make responsible decisions.





Zwei weibliche Studierende stehen in der Bibliothek und schauen in ein Buch. Eine der beiden Studierenden zeigt auf eine bestimmte Passage in dem Buch.







Two degrees from renowned universities, an international study environment and intercultural skills - this is what the Double Degree Programme with the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration at the University of Ghent in Belgium offers you. In four semesters, you can earn the degree "M.Sc. in Finance, Accounting and Taxes" at the University of Göttingen and simultaneously the degree "MSc in Business Economics" (with a focus on Accountancy or Corporate Finance) at the University of Ghent.





Zwei Studierende, ein Mann und eine Frau, sitzen auf der Wiese vor dem Lern- und Studiengebäude und schauen in einen Laptop, den der Mann auf dem Schoß hält.
















WHAT OUR STUDENTS AND ALUMNI SAY ABOUT STUDYING IN GÖTTINGEN










  • Portrait photo of Bastian Wittig. He is wearing a dark jacket and a white shirt.



    "The theoretical knowledge I acquired during my master’s degree is the basis for understanding how companies and their processes work. Especially my knowledge in accounting helped me classify and evaluate accounting processes. Additionally, I am glad that the faculty offers courses in digitization. These helped me greatly in my everyday professional life by teaching me how to deal with the implementation of digital technologies."



    Bastian Wittig,

    IT consultant in the accounting department at Salzgitter Business Service GmbH






  • Portrait photo of Caroline Tammer. She is wearing a black blazer, a red T-shirt and jeans.



    "Göttingen is a city made for students. It has lots of cafés, bars and is filled with young people. This was particularly important to me. The master’s programme in finance, accounting and taxes offers you a wide range of career opportunities. I am currently writing my master’s thesis and afterwards I will be going into auditing. I am really looking forward to that."



    Caroline Tammer,

    Master's programme in Finance, Accounting and Taxes






  • Portrait photo of Jianfeng Xu. He is wearing a black jacket and a light blue shirt.



    „The Master's in Göttingen provided the perfect foundation for my job. In-depth understanding of accounting, tax law and business valuation; case studies and group work with practical relevance; important soft skills such as analytical thinking and presentation techniques".



    Jianfeng Xu,

    Senior Manager, EY Parthenon






  • Portrait photo of Christian Hundeshagen. He is wearing a black jacket with a white shirt and blue tie.



    "During my studies, I not only acquired important knowledge and skills in the field of business taxation, but also in the subjects of accounting and auditing, financial controlling as well as commercial, business and corporate law, which are still absolutely relevant to practice today."



    Dr. Christian Hundeshagen,

    StB, Partner at Linklaters LLP










How to apply

How to apply

Three simple steps to apply to the faculty

  • 1.

    Fully fill out the online application form during the application period and send it to us via the send button at the end of the form.

  • 2.

    You will receive login-data in order to be able to access the upload portal via email. Go through the attached checklist and upload all necessary documents.

  • 3.

    You will receive a reply via email approximately six weeks after the application deadline.

Apply now!







We accompany you through your studies


Your teaching team (selection)




  • Portrait photo of Stefan Dierkes. He wears a blue jacket and a white shirt.
    Finance and Control
    Prof. Dr. Stefan Dierkes

    “I have an incredible amount of fun diving into the depths of the world of finance and controlling with the students. The students are invited to actively participate in the teaching so that the content is deeply understood and critically reflected upon. I also find the integration of business practice important, for example in the form of discussion rounds or seminars conducted in cooperation with companies.“


  • Portrait photo of Olaf Korn. He is wearing a blue jacket and a light blue shirt.
    Finance
    Prof. Dr. Olaf Korn

    "Finance is not about rich people getting richer. Rather, a good understanding of corporate finance is a key element in really making the transformation to a sustainable economy with sustainable businesses. That's what I want to work on with you."


  • Portrait photo of Vanessa Flagmeier. She is wearing a black blazer and a wine-red blouse.
    Financial Accounting und Sustainability Reporting
    Prof. Dr. Vanessa Flagmeier

    "Although debits and credits have been recorded for hundreds of years, external accounting is subject to constant change (e.g. currently through non-financial reporting) and is an extremely exciting subject. I am delighted when, through my teaching, I can inspire students to pursue this subject and help them to acquire the necessary knowledge and skills."


  • Portrait photo of Andreas Oestreicher. He is wearing a dark blue jacket and a light blue shirt.
    Business taxation
    Prof. Dr. Andreas Oestreicher

    "My goal is to convey the professional and methodological foundations for a successful career in practice or academia. I want to arouse curiosity and enthusiasm in students for the interrelationships of business and taxation and look forward to interested young people who want to take on the challenges of their studies and learn."


  • Portrait photo of Benedikt Downar. He is wearing a dark blue jacket and a white shirt.
    EY Endowed Chair of Financial Governance
    Prof. Dr. Benedikt Downar

    "What information do investors and management need to make sustainable decisions? How can the sustainability performance of companies be presented transparently? We want to enable students to understand both financial and sustainability information, to critically question it and to be able to analyse it in the overall context".








Do you have any questions?

Are you wondering whether a study programme at the Faculty of Business and Economics is right for you or do you have questions about the course of studies, placement in a higher semester or recognition of academic achievements? During our office hours, we advise you on site at the Oeconomicum, digitally via BBB and by telephone without prior registration.

Student Advisory Office

+49 551 39-28800 service-center.wiwi.uni-goettingen.de

Oeconomicum, 1st floor, Room 1.135

Portrait photo of the student advisory service. From left: Dorothee Konings wears a turquoise blouse, Dennie Oertel wears a dark blue checked jacket and a white shirt and Anja Schöfer wears a black blazer and a white blouse.