Who is the Bachelor’s Degree Programme in Naturopathy Suitable For?

The part-time Bachelor’s degree programme in Naturopathy (B.Sc.) at Anhalt University is aimed at individuals with professional experience in the healthcare sector who wish to deepen their expertise at the interface between conventional medicine and naturopathy. It is especially intended for professionals interested in naturopathic methods, prevention, and health communication. Typical target groups include trained alternative practitioners (Heilpraktikerinnen and Heilpraktiker), health-related professionals such as nursing, physiotherapy or nutritional counselling, as well as graduates of related fields of study. Those interested in working in science, counselling or teaching also benefit from the broad curriculum and the job-related skills taught.

Admission – Who Can Enrol?

The following requirements must be met to be admitted to the Bachelor’s degree programme in Naturopathy:

• University Entrance Qualification:
  • Abitur, advanced technical college entrance qualification, or a comparable qualification recognised as equivalent
  • Alternatively: Recognised professional qualification according to § 27 Higher Education Act (e.g. master craftsman’s certificate, specialist business administrator, certified business economist, qualification as a state-certified technician, etc.)
• Professional Experience in the Healthcare Sector:
  • Proof of successful alternative practitioner examination, completion of a health-related vocational training (e.g. nursing, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, nutrition) or a degree in a corresponding field
  • Additionally: At least one year of qualified professional practical experience in a health-related environment
• Motivation Letter: A written letter of motivation must be submitted with the application.
• German Language Skills:
  • The programme is delivered entirely in German.
  • For international applicants: Recognised German language certificate (e.g. DSH 2, TestDaF (four times TDN 4) or comparable proof)

The combination of formal university entrance qualifications, professional practical experience and the required language skills ensures that students are optimally prepared for the interdisciplinary requirements of the programme.

Personal Requirements

In addition to the formal requirements, the following personal qualities are especially advantageous for successful studies in naturopathy:

• Interest in medical-scientific correlations as well as holistic therapy concepts
• Willingness to engage with scientific methods and evidence-based practice
• Communication skills and social empathy – especially with regard to counselling and health communication
• Self-motivation and self-organisation, as this is a part-time, partially online-based programme
• Openness to interdisciplinary work and lifelong learning in the health sector

These competences facilitate both the successful completion of the programme and the later professional activity in various fields of application of naturopathy.

Study Content in Detail

The part-time Bachelor's degree programme in Naturopathy at Anhalt University provides comprehensive knowledge at the interface of medicine and naturopathy. The focus is on the scientific evaluation and application of naturopathic methods – with particular emphasis on prevention and intervention.

• Medical Fundamentals: Anatomy, physiology, medical biochemistry, general medicine, internal medicine, paediatrics, orthopaedics and trauma surgery, pharmacology and toxicology, emergency medicine.
• Naturopathic Competences: Fundamentals of naturopathy, classical methods such as phytotherapy, application of phytopharmaceuticals, human nutrition, applied human nutrition.
• Scientific & Methodical Competences: Introduction to scientific methods, basic medical skills, fundamentals of diagnostics.
• Psychosocial and Communicative Competences: Psychosocial fundamentals, psychosomatics and psychiatry, communication and counselling, compliance and behaviour change.
• Professional Legal Aspects: Professional and legal knowledge, expert and teaching activities.
• Practical Elements and Final Thesis: Competence internships in conventional medicine and naturopathy, case seminar, Bachelor's thesis.
• Limits and Risks: Examination of the limits and dangers of therapeutic methods.

The content taught also specifically prepares students for the Heilpraktiker examination.

Study Organisation and Course of Study

The programme is designed for 7 semesters and is offered in German. It is a part-time distance learning course that can mostly be completed online. The modules are designed to be flexible and compatible with professional commitments. Selected modules can also be taken individually.

• Start of studies: Winter semester
• Standard period of study: 7 semesters
• Study format: Part-time, online components, attendance phases possible
• Awarding of 180 ECTS credits

The programme includes classic learning formats such as lectures and seminars as well as practical elements (competence internships). A Bachelor's thesis must be written as the final requirement.

Career Opportunities and Professional Perspectives

Graduates qualify for diverse professional tasks in the field of naturopathy and health promotion. Typical fields of activity are:

• Assistance or collaboration in the field of naturopathy in medical practices and clinics
• Prevention counselling and intervention in health-related institutions
• Activity in science communication (e.g. science journalism)
• Expert activity in the field of naturopathy
• Teaching activities in educational institutions

After passing the Heilpraktiker examination, there is also the possibility to practise naturopathy independently. The Bachelor's degree allows entry to a subsequent Master's programme.

Costs and Financing

The tuition fees amount to €1,000 per semester. With a standard period of study of 7 semesters, the total fee is €7,000.

• Tuition fee per semester: €1,000
• Total cost of the programme: €7,000

Various financing options such as BAföG, scholarships or tax deductibility of fees are possible. Information on this is provided by Anhalt University and the student services.