Who benefits from the Bachelor's degree in Nutritional Sciences?

The degree programme Nutritional Sciences (B.Sc.) at AKAD University is aimed at individuals who wish to develop a scientifically based understanding of nutrition, health, and food processes. It is especially targeted at professionals from the fields of social work, education, food production, trade, care, health and auxiliary professions who want to expand their skills. Prospective students with a general university entrance qualification or an equivalent qualification who are interested in the connections between human nutrition, food safety, and public health are also part of the target group. The distance learning programme offers a flexible opportunity for continuing education and career development in various nutrition-related professional fields.

Admission requirements at a glance

The following prerequisites must be met to access the Bachelor's degree in Nutritional Sciences:

• Direct admission: General university entrance qualification, subject-specific university entrance qualification, or advanced technical college entrance qualification.
• Admission without A-levels: Recognised further training or technical school qualifications (e.g. technicians, master craftsmen, business economists, specialist administrators, educators) in combination with an advisory interview.
• Work experience: Applicants with completed vocational training and work experience can be admitted to the programme after passing the university aptitude test.
• German language skills (for foreign qualifications): Proof of German language proficiency, for example through DSH-2, C1 certificate according to CEFR, TestDaF level 4, or an equivalent German school leaving certificate.

Previously earned ECTS credits from other degree programmes or further training can be credited upon application.

Recommended knowledge for a successful start of studies includes:

• English language skills at level B2 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR)
• Basics of mathematics and statistics
• Prior knowledge in human sciences

Missing prior knowledge can be acquired during a study-accompanying preparatory course.

Personal requirements and recommendations

• Interest in interdisciplinary issues from nutritional, life, and social sciences
• Motivation for independent, structured learning in distance education
• Willingness to reflect on and apply scientific methods
• Communication skills to be able to give target group-oriented recommendations later on
• Affinity for scientific and societal contexts

The distance learning programme is particularly suitable for people who wish to flexibly combine work and further education and who have a strong sense of responsibility for health-related and societal nutrition issues.

Study Content: What Does the Bachelor’s Degree in Nutritional Science Teach?

The Bachelor's degree programme in Nutritional Science at AKAD University imparts broad and integrated knowledge in the core fields of nutrition. The focus is on both natural and biological scientific fundamentals as well as on human sciences, business administration and social topics. The study content is modularly structured and includes, for example:

• Biological & Natural Sciences: Biological and natural scientific fundamentals, nutritional physiology and biochemistry of nutrition, food chemistry.
• Core Areas of Nutritional Science: Introduction to nutritional science, life cycle nutrition, nutrition concepts, nutrition planning and nutrient calculation.
• Interdisciplinary Modules: Basics of applied psychology, nutritional sociology, communication sciences, public health, fundamentals of business administration.
• Application & Practice: Food science, food law, food quality, management of food production in households, craft and industry.
• Therapy & Counselling: Nutritional therapy, nutrition care, methods of social research in the nutrition field.
• Project and Quality Management: Project work, quality management and advanced projects.
• Options for Specialisation: Individual specialisation, for example in topics such as nutrition in the first 1000 days, family nutrition, nutrition and consumption, health promotion, strategic marketing, fitness management or entry-level competences for the pharmaceutical industry.

The programme is interdisciplinary and imparts knowledge aligned with the current requirements of the German Nutrition Society (DGE) and the Central Prevention Testing Agency (ZPP). This lays a solid foundation for later certified nutritional counselling.

Course Structure: Flexible, Online and Practice-Oriented

The Nutritional Science degree at AKAD University is offered entirely online, including examinations. Students benefit from high flexibility: they can choose between different time models (36, 48 or 72 months standard duration). Multimedia-based learning formats and interactive learning units (e.g. web-based trainings) promote independent and sustainable learning.

• Individual Start of Studies: Possible at any time, no fixed semester dates.
• 100% Online Distance Learning: Digital learning platform, online exams, personal mentoring.
• Modular Curriculum: Each semester students work on selected modules; specialisations and projects from the fifth semester onwards support practical transfer.
• Practice Orientation: Case studies, projects and the bachelor’s thesis enable the application of theoretical knowledge to real-world issues.
• Specialisations: In the higher semesters, you can align your studies through elective modules specifically to individual career goals.
• Recognition of Previous Achievements: Already completed academic achievements or, for example, IHK advanced training qualifications can be recognised and shorten the study duration.

Career Opportunities and Fields of Work – Where Do Graduates Work?

The programme opens up diverse fields of work in healthcare, educational institutions, the food industry as well as in counselling and prevention. Typical areas of activity include:

• Quality Assurance and Catering Management: Responsibility for catering in day-care centres, schools and youth facilities, organisation and supervision of community catering.
• Product Development in the Food Industry: Optimisation and design of new products in craft and industry taking into account nutritional scientific findings.
• Specialist and Managerial Staff in Healthcare: Deployment in clinics, practices or care facilities for the care and nutritional counselling of patients as well as in the field of disease prevention and therapy.
• Nutritional Counselling: Qualification basis for certified counselling activities, for example according to DGE standards.
• Marketing and Communication: Participation in marketing or public relations of companies in the food sector.
• Science and Research: Involvement in research projects, for example on nutrition trends, public health or sustainable nutrition.

The programme is particularly suitable for professionals from social work, education, health and nursing professions or the food sector who wish to further qualify in terms of content and career strategy.

Costs and Financing: What Does the Degree Programme Cost?

The tuition fees for the Bachelor’s degree in Nutritional Science (B.Sc.) at AKAD University vary depending on the chosen time model:

• Stretch Model (72 months): €219 per month (total costs: €15,768)
• Standard Model (48 months): €309 per month (total costs: €14,832)
• Sprint Model (36 months): €369 per month (total costs: €13,284)

In addition, a one-off examination fee of €960 applies. The study period can be extended free of charge (depending on the model by 3–12 months).

• Recognition of Prior Learning: Recognised achievements reduce total costs and duration of study.
• Financing Options: Instalment payment models, discounts during promotions, and possibly funding options through scholarships or education vouchers.
• Trial Phase: Four weeks of non-binding trial possible.

AKAD University is state-recognised and ZFU-certified.