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The Central State Office for Distance Learning (ZFU) has approved the course Nutritional advice under the number 133605. Who is the dual distance learning programme in Nutritional Counselling suitable for?
The dual distance learning Bachelor of Arts Nutritional Counselling at the German University for Prevention and Health Management is aimed at everyone who seeks a scientifically based, practice-oriented qualification in nutritional counselling. It is particularly suitable for you if you are interested in topics such as health, nutrition, exercise and prevention and want to acquire counselling skills with direct practical relevance. The degree programme is open to career changers, dietetic assistants, athletes as well as practice-oriented individuals who want to position themselves professionally in health promotion or become self-employed. People with completed vocational training in the healthcare sector also benefit from the combination of distance learning and active work in the training company.
Which formal criteria must you meet?
The following requirements are necessary for admission to the Bachelor’s degree in Nutritional Counselling:
- General higher education entrance qualification (Abitur) or
- Advanced technical college entrance qualification (school-based and practical components) or
- Qualification as master craftsman, specialist, technical school qualification or comparable advanced vocational qualification
- If you only complete the school-based component of the advanced technical college entrance qualification, you must also provide proof of the practical component (the university assists in the placement with suitable companies).
- You need a valid training contract with a company as well as a cooperation agreement between this training company and the university.
- For qualified physiotherapists, a shortened study period is possible.
Note: If you wish to pursue DGE certification (German Nutrition Society) after completing your studies, your training company must employ a qualified nutrition specialist.
Personal requirements mainly include a strong interest in health topics, openness to scientific work, enjoyment of interacting with people and willingness for dual learning between theory and practice. Initial experience with nutrition, sport or counselling is advantageous. Willingness to learn, communication skills and reliability are essential to manage the demands of a work-study programme combined with employment in the training company.
Compact knowledge: What does the Bachelor in Nutritional Counselling teach?
In the Bachelor’s degree programme in Nutritional Counselling at the German University of Prevention and Health Management (DHfPG), you learn the basics and applications of preventive-oriented nutritional counselling. The core content is interdisciplinary and links nutrition, exercise, and behaviour. The focus is on the following subject areas:
- Nutrition physiology and biochemistry: You understand nutrient compositions, cellular and organ metabolism as well as medical fundamentals related to nutrition and health.
- Target group-specific counselling: You can develop and support individual nutrition concepts for children, older adults, pregnant and breastfeeding women, and athletes.
- Disease prevention: You learn how nutrition contributes to the prevention of diseases such as cardiovascular conditions or diabetes.
- Exercise science: Imparting knowledge about health-oriented strength and endurance training as well as the integration of exercise programmes into counselling.
- Psychology and communication: You acquire skills in health behaviour, nutritional psychology, and communication strategies to sustainably support behavioural change.
- Business administration and management: The programme covers topics such as service management, marketing, and business basics, enabling you to work independently as a nutritional counsellor.
- Scientific applications: You develop counselling concepts, implement quality management, and are able to carry out evaluations.
After completing the degree, you will be able to handle varied counselling situations, develop nutrition concepts, and communicate appropriately for different target groups.
How is the programme structured? Explanation of process and structure
The dual distance learning programme lasts seven semesters (42 months) and combines independent distance learning phases with regular face-to-face teaching sessions. Important key points of the process are:
- Structure: The programme is modular. In total, you attend face-to-face events on 61 days, held as compact units at the study centres.
- Distance learning and practice: You combine the scientific education with employment in a training company. This way, you link theory and practice and apply your knowledge directly in your professional daily routine.
- Learning methods: You receive teaching materials for self-study, work on online content, and participate in teaching sessions and practical phases. Exams take place alongside your studies.
- Duration and degree: The standard duration is 7 semesters. Upon successful completion, you receive the academic degree Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) with 210 ECTS credits.
The curriculum covers all relevant topics: from nutrition and exercise science to biochemistry, communication, and management strategies. The study model is particularly career-oriented and enables a seamless transition into working life.
Your degree, your opportunities: Professional fields after graduation
With the Bachelor’s degree in Nutritional Counselling, a wide range of professional fields in the health and nutrition sector open up. Possible professions and areas of application include:
- Offering individual and group counselling in health companies, fitness and nutrition practices
- Developing and implementing nutrition programmes for specific target groups (e.g. children, seniors, athletes)
- Counselling in fitness studios, rehabilitation facilities, wellness hotels, or health resorts
- Working in medical practices, pharmacies, health insurance companies, or in the context of corporate health management
- Participation in the food industry or product marketing as well as working as a specialist in media and publishing houses
- Raising awareness and education in the field of education, for example at schools or in parental counselling
- Freelance work as an independent nutritional counsellor
Graduates can obtain certain additional qualifications, for example for further training as a diabetes counsellor (DDG). The degree provides a solid foundation for specialist and leadership roles in the health and nutrition sector as well as for establishing your own business.
Costs and financing options at a glance
The dual distance learning programme in Nutritional Counselling costs a total of 15,120 euros, calculated on the basis of a monthly study fee of 360 euros over 42 months. The following aspects should be noted:
- The tuition fees cover all teaching sessions, materials, and examinations.
- Financing can often be covered by a salary from the concurrently running training company.
- In addition, there are tax deductibility options and funding opportunities such as education premiums or scholarships.
- In certain cases, employers also financially support the studies.
The costs are transparently calculated and can be paid flexibly through various models. A personal consultation helps clarify individual financing.
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