Requirements and Target Group for the Distance Learning Programme Dietetics (B.Sc.) at IU

With your degree in dietetics, you could work as a consultant in the nutrition industry, as the head of a nutrition therapy team, or as a nutrition professional for clinical research.

The Bachelor's Distance Learning Programme in Dietetics at IU International University is specifically designed for dieticians who want to further develop their professional qualifications at an academic level. The focus is on individuals who have already successfully completed a state-recognised training as a dietician in Germany and are looking for an accelerated path to a bachelor's degree. By recognising prior achievements, the programme is particularly attractive to professionals who wish to continue their career path in hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, nutrition medical practices, research, or the nutrition industry. The flexible study organisation makes the programme specifically interesting for people who want to combine work, family, and further education - regardless of their current work schedule. In addition, anyone interested in innovative and science-based approaches in dietetics benefits from the wide range of modules and elective areas.

Admission Requirements in Detail

Completed Vocational Training: Proof of completed training as a state-certified dietician is required for the accelerated programme.

Educational Requirement (Studying with General or Subject-Specific Entrance Qualification):

• General higher education entrance qualification (A-levels) or subject-specific higher education entrance qualification or university of applied sciences entrance qualification (including the theoretical and practical parts), each + completed dietician training in Germany.
• For applicants with international qualifications, an equivalency assessment is carried out.

Studying without (subject-specific) entrance qualification:

• Completed, qualified vocational training as a state-certified dietician and
• at least 3 years of full-time professional experience in this field.

Language Proficiency for International Applicants: For studying in German, proof of recognised German language skills (at least level B2, e.g. TestDaF, DSH, Telc, ÖSD) must be provided. Generally, the certificate must not be older than five years.

Geographical Restriction: The training as a dietician must have been completed in Germany. Qualifications from abroad, especially from Austria, are not recognised.

Recognition of Prior Achievements: Due to the previous vocational training, up to 90 ECTS credits are usually recognised; the programme starts directly from the 4th semester onwards.

Personal Requirements

• Self-management and self-motivation: Since the distance learning programme is very independent, you should be able to organise your study times and exam preparations independently.
• Time flexibility: The programme is particularly suitable for professionals and individuals with caring responsibilities (e.g. parental leave) who are looking for a flexible, location-independent study model.
• Interest in academic work: Interest in evidence-based practice, research, and the development of advanced methodological skills is advantageous for successfully completing the modules.
• Communication skills and soft skills: As dietetics focuses on counselling, teamwork, and interacting with patients, communicative skills and empathy are beneficial.
• Basic technical knowledge: To use the online campus, AI-supported learning systems, and digital learning platforms, you should be familiar with common computer applications.

Ideal applicants bring self-motivation, team orientation, and interest in scientific developments in the field.

What do you learn in the Bachelor of Dietetics? – Overview of study contents and competences

The distance learning course in Dietetics at IU International University builds specifically on your completed training as a dietitian and recognizes your previous achievements. You start directly in the 4th semester and can obtain the Bachelor of Science degree within three to a maximum of six semesters – depending on the chosen study model.

Scientific work and evidence-based practice: You deepen your skills in competently evaluating scientific studies and integrating current research results securely into dietary practice.

Law and quality management in healthcare: You learn the legal basics in healthcare with a focus on health claims, quality seals, consumer protection, and the requirements of quality management in nutrition facilities.

Specialized modules in Nutritional Medicine:

• Parenteral and enteral nutrition therapies
• Nutritional therapy for childhood diseases
• Functional food, immunonutrition, and personalised nutrition
• Pharmacological-nutrient interactions – considering interactions
• Clinical reasoning in nutritional therapy
• Seminar: Nutritional Epidemiology

Soft skills and interdisciplinary work: Collaborative work, communication in healthcare teams, and practice-oriented action.

Elective modules for specialisation: Deepen your expertise, for example in "Leadership Skills", "Mental Health", or "Dietetic Specialisation" – depending on your career goals.

You will complete your studies with the Bachelor's thesis in the final semester. You can choose your own topic from the field of dietetics to demonstrate your scientific and practical expertise.

Flexible distance learning – how your studies work

The distance learning program in Dietetics at IU is fully digitally organized. Enrollment is possible at any time; there is no fixed semester start. You choose one of three time models (full-time 18 months, part-time I 24 months, part-time II 36 months) and can switch models if needed.

• Digital learning platform and AI tools: All materials, scripts, and interactive textbooks can be found on the online campus and in the IU Learn app. Additional support is provided by the AI-based learning assistant Syntea.
• Virtual seminars and tutorials: In virtual classes and live tutorials, you exchange ideas with lecturers and fellow students; participation is voluntary but recommended.
• Examination format: Exams are taken flexibly online from home or if needed at an examination centre. Possible formats include online exams, essays, project work, or presentations.
• Curricular flexibility: Modules can be completed in an individual order. You determine the pace yourself.
• Support: Lecturers, tutors, and study coaches provide individual support.
• Recognition of previous achievements: 90 ECTS points are immediately recognized due to your training; further credits can be reviewed upon request.

A one-month free trial month allows you to get started and test all offers without risk.

Career paths after the IU Bachelor in Dietetics – Your career options

With a degree in Dietetics, you expand your qualifications as a dietitian and open up new professional fields, especially in clinical and scientific contexts.

• Clinical Nutrition & Therapy: Taking on challenging tasks in hospitals, rehabilitation clinics, and interdisciplinary teams – such as leading nutrition teams or coordinating complex nutritional therapies.
• Nutrition Industry and Product Development: Advising companies on the development of new products, e.g. with regard to health claims, quality seals, and consumer protection. Contributing to the market launch of innovative foods.
• Science and Research: Participation or management of clinical studies with a dietary focus, for example in researching new therapy approaches or in the field of immunonutrition.
• Health Insurance Companies and Nutrition Communication: Providing advice for health insurance companies, developing prevention programs, or editorial work for nutrition.

Due to the scientific orientation and the possibility of specialization, you are well prepared for responsible positions as well as for further development, e.g. into a Master's degree in Nutritional Sciences.

Costs of the studies and financing options

The monthly tuition fees vary depending on the chosen model:

• Full-time study (18 months): from €399 per month
• Part-time I (24 months): from €344 per month
• Part-time II (36 months): from €259 per month
• Graduation fee: approximately €2,299 at the end of the course

Services included: Digital learning materials, access to the online library, study coaching, MS Office, LinkedIn Learning, optional semesters abroad, and support from tutors and coaches.

• The IU offers regular discount promotions, flexible payment models, and a free trial month.
• A free extension of the study period is possible for up to 12 months.
• For financing, you have traditional options such as BAföG, educational funds, student loans, and tax benefits (depending on individual circumstances).
• Recognized previous achievements reduce the total costs. Approximately €30 per ECTS point will be credited for each recognized previous achievement.