Who Benefits from the Bachelor Distance Learning Programme in Nutritional Sciences?

The distance learning programme is aimed at all those who have a scientific interest in nutrition, food, and health promotion and wish to obtain an academic qualification in this field. It is especially intended for individuals who want to work in nutritional counselling, prevention, the food industry, or healthcare – regardless of whether they have a (specialised) university entrance qualification or already have professional experience and training. The format is suitable due to its flexibility for working professionals, parents, career changers, and those who want to study independently of their location.

Formal Admission Requirements for the Degree Programme

The following admission criteria apply for the distance learning programme “Nutritional Sciences, B.Sc.” at Hochschule Fresenius:

• With a general university entrance qualification (Abitur), advanced technical college entrance qualification or subject-specific university entrance qualification: direct access to the programme
• With completed vocational training of at least 2 years and 2 years of professional experience in a relevant field: access through passing a subject-specific university entrance examination
• With advanced training (e.g. master craftsman examination, certified business administrator, technician; at least 400 hours in scope): access through passing a subject-specific university entrance examination
• With a secondary school leaving certificate and at least 3 years of vocational training (final grade at least 2.5): possibility to start via a study agreement (proof of certain credit points in the 1st year); if the grade is lower, a subject-specific university entrance examination is additionally required

For individual case assessment, a counselling interview and the submission of evidence may be required. A numerus clausus (NC) is not planned – the degree programmes are admission-free.

Personally, you should have an interest in scientific and medical issues. Analytical thinking, communication skills and willingness for self-organised learning are advantageous. It helps if you work independently, have perseverance for a long-term distance learning programme, and feel comfortable in digital learning environments. Practical experience, for example prior training or experience in health- or nutrition-related professions, is advantageous but not mandatory.

What Awaits You in the Bachelor's Distance Learning Programme in Nutritional Science?

In the distance learning Bachelor's programme in Nutritional Science (Bachelor of Science) at Hochschule Fresenius, you will engage with scientific, medical, and societal aspects of nutrition. The curriculum is broad and designed to be practice-oriented. You will develop a deep understanding of the biochemical, physiological, and psychological fundamentals of nutrition and learn how current digital trends, such as social media, are integrated into nutritional counselling and prevention.

• Scientific Fundamentals: Biochemistry, general chemistry, anatomy, food microbiology and toxicology provide solid scientific basic knowledge.
• Food Sciences: Food commodities, food chemistry and analytics, basics of food processing, sustainable food technology, and food law impart analytical skills and knowledge about product quality.
• Medical Integration: Modules such as fundamentals of physiology and physiology of nutrition, nutrition in illness, and dietetics give you insights into medical and health-related aspects.
• Nutritional Psychology and Social Science: Psychological and sociological fundamentals of nutritional counselling, mental health, and nutritional sociology broaden your understanding of individual and societal factors.
• Data and Method Competence: Statistical procedures (descriptive and inferential statistics), academic working methods, and communication & presentation prepare you for research and practical application.
• Practice and Counselling Orientation: Counselling and coaching, applied nutrition, health promotion and prevention, as well as a practical project (e.g. start-up) ensure a strong practical focus.
• Specialisation Options: You can set individual focuses, e.g. in health promotion & prevention, social media & content creation, or mental health.

Additionally, there is the possibility to acquire international certificates and masterclasses from Arizona State University®. The curriculum is based on the recommendations of the German Nutrition Society (DGE), so that following the course it is directly possible to obtain certification or further training as a DGE nutritional counsellor. As part of a voluntary internship during the studies, you can already gain practical experience for later certification.

How Does the Distance Learning Programme in Nutritional Science Work?

The distance learning programme is built on maximum flexibility and a fully digital study organisation:

• Duration & Flexibility: The standard period of study is six semesters (180 ECTS). You can choose between time models of 36, 48 or 72 months and flexibly adapt your learning pace. You can start your studies at the beginning of any month.
• Study Organisation: All teaching materials are provided via the online campus (studynet). You work through digital study booklets (Studymags), video lessons, eBooks, scientific articles and interactive exercises in self-study. Print versions of the Studymags are available on request.
• Examination Formats: Assessments take place in the form of exams (optionally online or in presence, including online proctoring), term papers, presentations, project work or open-book exams. Many modules offer 24/7 online exams, so you can take assessments at individual times.
• Individual Support: During your entire studies, you will be accompanied by personal study coaches, have access to live webinars, online consultations and forums, and benefit from a dense network of lecturers with practical experience.
• Optional Practical Offers: Participation in face-to-face workshops (SaturdayOnly) or voluntary internships is possible, but not compulsory.
• Special Features: You have access to international teaching content and additional qualifications (Arizona State University®), digital libraries as well as AI-supported tools (e.g. NextGeneration:AI).

At the end, you write a Bachelor thesis which – depending on your interests – can be research-based or practice-oriented. Individual specialisations and practical projects are already planned during the course.

Varied Career Opportunities and Professional Fields in the Nutrition Sector

With the Bachelor of Science degree in Nutritional Science, you are qualified for numerous professional fields in the health and nutrition sector. Graduates work in the following areas:

• Nutritional Counselling: Work in your own practice, as an employed nutritional counsellor in clinics, medical practices, health centres or fitness studios. Implementation of individual nutrition concepts for different target groups.
• Health Promotion and Prevention: Development and implementation of prevention programmes in schools, companies, public institutions and in corporate health management.
• Food Industry: Activities in product development, quality management, marketing or in the field of food law and control.
• Research and Science: Collaboration on university, non-university or in-house research projects on nutritional issues.
• Communication, Media and Content Creation: Education and dissemination of nutritional knowledge via social media, online portals or in publishing; conception and consulting on communication strategies for nutrition topics.
• Self-Employment: Founding your own consulting services, organising workshops, seminars or developing your own products.
• DGE Certification: After graduation, you can obtain the certificate as a nutritional counsellor from the German Nutrition Society and bill prevention services with health insurance companies.

The degree also enables you to pursue a further Master's degree in the field of nutrition, health sciences or related disciplines.