This FAQ refers to frequently asked questions regarding the Master's program in Business Administration with a Major in Accounting. For general questions about the Master of Business Administration, such as application, admission and study program, please refer to  the information page of the Master of Business Administration. For general information regarding a semester abroad (requirements, partner universities, application procedure, etc.), please refer to the website of the International Relations Center (IRC) of the School of Business and Economics and the International Office of the University of Münster.

Questions regarding studying, foundation modules and elective modules

• Is the curriculum strictly prescribed?

  No. The structure of the Master’s Programme in Business Administration described in the module handbook should only be seen as a suggestion for the course design. Students are largely free to adapt the curriculum to their individual needs. However, it should be noted that some courses build on each other.

• Because I studied at another university, I lack certain knowledge in the field of accounting. Can I acquire this missing knowledge in the course of my studies in Münster?

  As the Master’s degree is a follow-on to a bachelor’s course in business administration run by the University of Münster, the subject matter covered by the MA course overlaps to a certain extent with that of the BA programme. It is up to applicants to fill in gaps in their knowledge. Repetition courses are offered in individual courses to help students to align their knowledge. Detailed information on the modules of the Major Accounting and on prior knowledge is available here (only available in German).

• Are written exams or examinations only offered after the respective course?

  No. Written exams and examinations are usually also offered in the following semester in the early examination phase. The early examination phase takes place at the end of the first term.

• Is it possible to earn more than 120 ECTS?

  No, the number of credits is limited to 120 ECTS. The average grade is also calculated on this basis. However, it is possible to complete additional modules and have them listed on the degree certificate without these modules being included in the calculation of the average grade. These courses must be declared in advance as additional modules. It is not possible to revise this declaration at a later date.

• Are there any preparatory courses that I can attend to prepare for the Major Accounting?

  No. There are no accounting-specific preparatory courses offered as part of the Master’s Programme in Business Administration at the University of Münster.

• Are the elective modules offered every semester?

  No. The elective modules are not offered every semester. They only take place in the summer or winter semester.

• Are courses also offered in German?

  Yes, a variety of courses are offered in German. From the winter semester 2025/26, the Master's program in Business Administration can be completely studied in English.

• Are the foundation modules ACM 01-03 mandatory or can they also be replaced by other course achievements if, for example, the contents were already part of the Bachelor's program?

  The foundation modules ACM 01-03 are mandatory and cannot be replaced by other courses or course achievements.

Questions regarding seminar papers and project work

• What is the content of the modules “Seminar Accounting I” and “Seminar Accounting II”?

  The four chairs of the Accounting Center offer differently structured seminars. The seminar work consists of writing a seminar paper and presenting and discussing the results of the paper. In addition, a final exam is part of the module for some chairs.

• Can both seminars be completed at the same chair?

  Yes, it is possible, but not mandatory, to complete both seminars at the same chair. It is recommended that you complete at least one seminar at the chair where you want to write your Master's thesis.

• Do I have to complete the two seminars in the second and third semester?

  No. Students can decide for themselves when to attend the seminars. Please note that in addition to registering with the Examination Office, you must also register with the respective chair.

• Is it mandatory to have completed my seminars at the chair where I want to write my Master's thesis?

  No. The Master's thesis can also be written at a chair where no seminar has been attended. However, it should be noted that a seminar is usually a good preparation for the Master's thesis. We therefore recommend attending at least one seminar at the chair where you plan to write your Master's thesis.

• Can both Accounting seminars be completed in the same semester?

  Yes, generally it is possible to complete both seminars in the same semester.

Questions regarding the Master's thesis

• Can the Master's thesis be written in cooperation with a company?

  Yes, generally it is possible to write a Master's thesis in cooperation with a company, although this is not the norm. If a Master's thesis in cooperation with a company is preferred, this should be agreed with the supervising chair at an early stage.

• Do all modules have to be completed before the Master's thesis can be commenced?

  No, the Master's thesis can also be completed during the course of study, i.e. if modules still have to be completed.