Looking for a vibrant and international oriented learning community at a top 100 university with challenging and interactive courses taught by highly qualified staff in a historical city? Learn more about the strenghts of our faculty!
Why choose Accountancy?
Interactive studies combining theory with group assignments and case studies
Modular learning system allows in-depth learning
Challenging programme
Highly qualified academic staff
Focus on national and international perspective of accounting
Course content and programme
Accountancy studies the financial reporting process in organisations. On the one hand, financial reporting aims to inform investors, shareholders, employees, customers, suppliers and the government about the organisation’s performance. Important aspects are the liquidity, solvability and profitability of the organisation. That communication occurs, to a considerable extent, via the annual report. On the other hand, the financial reporting system provides management with indispensable information that allows them to make accurate policy decisions. This discipline studies that last aspect within the Management Control course, while other courses investigate financial reporting based on international reporting standards (IAS/IFRS) and check the reliability of financial reporting. Specific attention is paid to scientific research methods within the field of accountancy. Finally, supervised work sessions aim to integrate scientific research and questions that are relevant to the job. Several courses use a problem-driven methodology in which students analyse and work out specific case studies in small groups.
The master’s programme has a modular structure. That means that you will no longer be taught according to the traditional semester system. From now on, your courses will be bundled in four modular blocks of six weeks each. You only have two courses per block which allows you to process the content in a more focused and in-depth manner. The teaching methods are challenging: case studies, group assignments, discussion panels, lectures, business games, etc. At the end of each modular block you have exams from the two previous courses. During a modular block you also get interim tests and (group) assignments. As a result, you no longer have exams in January or June.
In the second semester you will receive a practical course that fits with your specialisation and in which you become acquainted with the professional field. You will have enough time in the programme to work on your master’s dissertation which is a very important element. Via the master's dissertation you can show that you are able to apply the acquired knowledge to a problem independently.
Next to the general courses, you can choose one or two elective courses (6 credits in total). You could do an internship as an elective course. It's a great way to learn potential employers, get acquinted with the workflow of an accountant or auditor and start building your professional network. An internship is definitely an asset for your future career. Read more about an internship.
Student profile
Students who choose for Accountancy are eager to learn how to make sound decisions in the best interest of their employer of clients. They are organized, logical and smart. Rationality and integrity are important values. At large, you are interested in the business scene. Our programme prepares you for the active and flexible fulfilment of a wide range of tasks in the financial, industrial, trade and service sectors in which companies and social profit organisations operate.
Diploma requirements for the Master of Science in Business Economics
The Business Economics programme consists of three learning trajectories. These trajectories should be present in the candidates' educational background in order to be eligible for the master's programme.
economics and business economics trajectory: microeconomics, macroeconomics, accounting, marketing, etc
quantitative trajectory: mathematics
methodological trajectory: statistics, econometrics, research methodology
Language requirements
English at level B2 is required upon enrolment.
GMAT/GRE
GMAT and/or GRE should be included in the application file. If you submit an application file without GMAT or GRE, you have significantly less chance of being admitted.
Career perspectives
The largest outlet for Business Economics - Accountancy graduates is the business world. We find graduates in every possible position within companies and social profit organisations. Most graduates start their career in the discipline that they choose in the master’s programme. After a few years this often shifts. Some graduates are given greater responsibilities within the original field and become a Marketing Manager or Financial Director. Others expand their career within a different functional field or are promoted to general management posts. The broad orientation of the programme makes such career moves easier. A significant number of graduates choose what is called an economic profession: accountant, corporate consultant, fiscal advisor, registered accountant, etc. These professions can be practised as an employee or as a self-employed person. Finally, we also find Business Economics graduates in banks, insurance companies, government services and services close to the government. Some examples of jobs in which Business Economics - Accountancy graduates start: auditor, cost price expert (controller), financial director, financial consultant (IPOs, company acquisitions).
Testimonial
Ieva Balcere studied Business Economics - main subject Accountancy at our faculty. She learned a lot in the challenging programme at our high-ranked university and fell in love with the historical city of Ghent.
Application
How to apply
In order to apply, you have to start up the online application procedure.
After completing the online application, you will be required to submit an application package (paper package) before the deadline.
Application deadline
Applications for academic year 2020-2021 are closed.
Applications for academic year 2021-2022 will start on October 1st.
These tuition fees are applicable for academic year 2020-2021 and can change in academic year 2021-2022.
Funding
Master Mind scholarship: the Government of Flanders awards scholarships to academically outstanding students for master programmes in Flanders and Brussels.
Top-Up grant: Ghent University provides Top-Up grants to candidates from all countries on the OESO-DAC list, who wish to obtain a master's degree at Ghent University.
