The Hague University             Master Studies

Structure and content

The MAAC consists of five phases. In the first four phases, you follow different modules and in the fifth phase, you complete your studies with a research report (thesis). Two streams of study run through each phase: management accounting and information management. These form the core of the programme. At the end of each phase, you work individually or in a group on a phase project where you get the chance to apply what you have learnt. You follow two of the modules together with students from the Master of Business Administration (MBA) programme.

 Phase 1 
  • Organisational Behaviour & Change (2.0 EC)
This module offers you insight in the dynamics of the business world. You explore changes in market, policy and culture. You analyse the behaviour of organisations from sociological, psychological and business economic viewpoints.
  • Management Accounting (1.5 EC)
You are taught about how accounting process works, including long-term planning, budgeting and forecasting. You also learn more about the history of this field and key accounting concepts.
  • Entrepreneurship & Business Functions (2.0 EC)
In this module, you concentrate on writing a good business plan. How can you increase your chances of obtaining finances from banks and/or private investors?
  • Corporate Finance
    (3.0 EC)
The focus is on the relationship between business capital and the market. You learn more about financial instruments such as securities, dividends, warrants, bonds and options.
  • Logistics Management (2.0 EC)
You become familiar with different organisational structures and procedures. You also study all the activities in the value chain, so that you become well-versed in business strategy.
  • Research Methods & Statistics (2.0 EC)

Research skills are of crucial importance for a Master's student. In this module, you learn more about the different methods and techniques of collecting, processing, interpreting and presenting research data. Statistics is essential for analysing large amounts of data.
  • Project Business Plan (2.0 EC)
In this project, you focus on drawing up a sound business plan. You systematically translate all your ideas into a long-range budget/financing model and expected cash flows. This must also include practically feasible actions. Among others, the following topics are discussed: SWOT analysis, business planning, marketing plan and financial basis.
 Phase 2 
  • Management Accounting & Control (1.5 EC)
Short-term planning and control issues related to the latest developments in Management Accounting and an ever-changing business environment.
  • Information Systems & Controls - I (3.0 EC)
This module helps you increase your analytical skills through data analysis, results analysis and functional analysis. Which systematic approach can you take to solve administrative problems and improve business processes?
  • Off-Campus P2P Workshop (1.0 EC)
This is a three-day workshop programme which teaches you, in a practical manner, to deal with international professional ethics, communication and leadership. The workshops are held off-campus, in the countryside.
  • Ethics in Business & Professional Life (2.0 EC)
Partly because this is a position involving confidentiality, high ethical standards are expected from a Financial Controller. You must also always have the courage to come up with an independent assessment. In this module, you learn about various aspects of (international) professional ethics.
  • Project - Managing Consumer & Employee Relations (2.0 EC)
In this project, you work on developing your interpersonal communication, conflict management and team building skills. This helps you develop an agreeable, effective and goal-oriented manner of interaction with both customers and employees.
 Phase 3 
  • Strategic Cost Management (1.5 EC)
This module examines the features and tools of strategic cost management. How do you convert the cost outline into a strategic recommendation that is useful both internally and externally?
  • Treasury Management (2.0 EC)
You explore the various aspects of corporate finance at a broader and more international level. How can you manage financial risks, optimise returns and innovate internationally?
  • External Reporting I & II (2.5 EC)
The emphasis lies on financial accounting and external reporting. You are given guidelines for drawing up proper annual reports and monthly reports and you study the international differences in reporting.
  • Information Systems & Controls - II (2.0 EC)
How does information systems design impact decision-making? This is the main question of this module. You look at decision models, business-to-business communication, databases and the impact of technological developments.
  • Project - Information Management (2.0 EC)
In this project, you combine the various aspects of Information Management in practice. You sharpen your management skills, as well as your social skills and your knowledge of accounting systems and ERP software.
 Phase 4 
  • Strategic Financial Management (1.5 EC)
You step into the shoes of a Finance Director and find out how customer-driven the market is. This modules deals with strategy formulation, control systems and the role of the Financial Controller in a dynamic internal and external work environment with a strong focus on the future value of the company.
  • External Auditing Management (2.0 EC)
This module includes seven aspects of the control process: international audits, the audit market, the audit process, professional ethics, customer acceptance, internal controls and audit reports.
  • International Business Law (1.5 EC)

Central to this module are international policy developments. You learn more about self-regulation, arbitration and treaties. Extra attention is given to European regulations.
  • International Corporate Taxes (1.5 EC)
You gain insight into the different tax systems in the world. You learn about the tax burden and international tax competition, enforcement issues and corporate taxes on profits and capital.
  • The Controlling Profession (1.5 EC)
This module introduces you to all the tasks and responsibilities of a Financial Controller. You develop your teamwork, leadership and communication skills to the highest level.
  • Project - Accounting & Controlling (2.0 EC)
This project gives you an idea of ​​how accounting and controlling come together in the office of the CFO. You meet a real CFO and hear about the day-to-day problems from him.
 Phase 5 
  • Dissertation Preparation (1.0 EC)
In this module, you work on the planning and research questions for your research report. You learn how to choose a topic that is as close as possible to your actual work and what the assessment criteria are. At the end of the module, you must submit a detailed proposal.
  • Business Report  (15.0 EC)

Based on your proposal, you write a research report of approximately fifty pages. In this, you analyse a management-related topic and show that you have gained mastery over all the knowledge acquired during the MAAC programme. You will be assisted by a personal supervisor. After approval of the report, you will be required to defend this verbally.


Programme Examination Regulations

In the Programme

Examination Regulations

you will find information about the study programme, testing and exam criteria.  

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