Who is the Distance Learning Controlling (M.Sc.) at AKAD University Suitable for?

The master's degree programme in Controlling is aimed at professionals who want to qualify for demanding specialist and management positions in the areas of controlling, finance, accounting or management. You will benefit particularly if you are already working in an economic, technical or administrative context or have planning and controlling responsibilities within a company. It also addresses junior staff in controlling departments, staff units or consultancy as well as experienced specialists who wish to expand their expertise or sharpen their profile for jump positions towards top management.

Formal Admission Requirements for the Controlling Degree

You can enrol in the Distance Learning Controlling (M.Sc.) programme at AKAD University if you can prove a first, successfully completed university degree in one of the following study fields:

• Economics
• Administrative Sciences
• Industrial Engineering with an economic focus
• Mathematics with statistical or economic-mathematical focuses
• Computer Science

If you come from abroad, you must also provide proof of sufficient German language skills, for example through:

• DSH-2 (German Language Examination for University Entrance)
• C1 certificate according to the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR)
• TestDaF at level 4
• a comparable school leaving qualification equivalent to German university entrance qualification

A recognition of previously completed achievements (e.g. ECTS credits from previous studies) is possible, provided equivalence exists.

Recommended personal requirements for a successful course of study:

• Profound knowledge of academic work, in particular for the independent preparation of scientific texts and analyses
• English language skills to enable you to also complete English-language modules
• Basic knowledge of mathematics and statistics
• Self-motivation, organisational skills and readiness for time-flexible learning alongside work
• Analytical thinking, structured working and the ability to grasp complex business management contexts
• Interest in strategic, technical or data-based issues within a company

What skills does the Master’s degree in Controlling at AKAD University impart to you?

In the Master’s degree in Controlling (M.Sc.) at AKAD University, you acquire comprehensive skills for modern corporate control and analysis. The programme focuses on the quantitative and qualitative aspects of controlling and prepares you to actively support strategic and operational decisions within companies.

• Core content: Strategic management, investment and financing, accounting, tax law, sustainable corporate management, functional controlling, success and value measurement, advanced corporate finance, tax and corporate law.
• Practical relevance: The General Management simulation game, project workshop and case studies provide application-oriented connections.
• Specialisation options: You choose from four profile orientations (Management, Finance/Accounting/Controlling/Taxation, Data Science/AI or IT) and can deepen your expert knowledge specifically within these focus areas.
• Advanced modules: These include, among others, Entrepreneurship Finance, process organisation, corporate governance, digital controlling, financial management, controlling dashboard development, balance sheet analysis, diversity management as well as current challenges in external accounting and tax law.
• Key qualifications: You develop competencies in digital management, data analysis and the use of modern IT and AI tools.

The curriculum is designed so that you first specialise in a secondary competence such as Data Science, IT or Accounting, and then deepen the core competencies in controlling. Through the variety of methods and community offerings, you strengthen teamwork, academic working skills and digital communication abilities. The programme concludes with a master’s thesis and the colloquium.

How is the course structured and what frameworks shape this distance learning programme?

The Master’s degree in Controlling at AKAD University is consistently designed for maximum flexibility and can be tailored entirely to your professional and private requirements.

• Duration and models: Study according to the Sprint model (24 months), Standard model (36 months) or Stretch model (48 months). Depending on the variant, the study can be accelerated or completed part-time with a lower weekly workload.
• Start of studies: You can start at any time, without being bound to semester deadlines.
• Online campus: The entire programme is delivered digitally. Learning materials are available as PDFs, e-books, videos, podcasts and interactive web formats. Through the campus, you manage modules, appointments and communication.
• Study organisation: The sequence of modules and your learning progress are individually plannable. Adaptive AI-supported learning systems help you to manage your own pace and learning needs.
• Attendance and practice: A compulsory seminar in Stuttgart is scheduled; optional seminars and online workshops strengthen application and exchange.
• Examinations and assessments: Exams, term papers, open-book exams and practice-oriented projects are possible. You can take examinations on-site or online, often flexibly with immediate start.
• Final phases: The programme ends with the independently written master’s thesis and the master’s colloquium, which you usually carry out digitally.
• Community and support: Intensive digital support, personal contact persons for each module as well as virtual study groups and forums help you in your day-to-day studies.

Breaks and free extensions are included in all time models, allowing you to respond flexibly to changes in your life situation.

What career paths open up after the Master’s in Controlling?

Graduates of this master’s programme are broadly positioned and qualified for demanding tasks in controlling and at the interfaces with management, IT, data science and accounting.

• Finance controllers: You analyse and control the cash flows of a company and play a key role in planning operational decisions.
• Data analysts: With a focus on data analysis processes, you prepare relevant company data and contribute to data-driven decision-making processes.
• IT coordinators: In the area of digitalisation, you are involved in the selection, implementation and support of company software or IT infrastructure.
• Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) and management positions: With your master’s degree, you have the chance to take on leadership roles in the finance sector, for example as Head of Controlling or in executive management.
• Consulting and advisory services: Junior managers and career changers find attractive development opportunities in the consulting industry.

The programme is explicitly career-qualifying – for both operational and strategic activities. Thanks to the individual profile orientation, you further specialise towards management, IT, data science or finance. A doctorate is also possible after successful completion of the programme.

How much does the course cost and how can you finance it?

The tuition fees at AKAD University for the Master’s in Controlling (120 ECTS) depend on the chosen time model:

• Sprint (24 months): €481 per month, total costs €11,544
• Standard (36 months): €367 per month, total costs €13,212
• Stretch (48 months): €295 per month, total costs €14,160

A one-time examination fee of €960 is added. Current discount promotions can temporarily reduce the costs (e.g. €2,111 discount including waiver of the examination fee).

The following financing options support you:

• Employer sponsorship – many companies financially support part-time further education.
• Tax deductibility – the fees can usually be claimed as work-related expenses or special expenses.
• Flexible instalments – monthly payments reduce the financial burden.
• Free trial period – the course can be tested for 4 weeks free of charge.

A free extension of the standard period of study by up to one year is possible. If previous achievements are credited, both the duration of study and the tuition fees can be reduced.