Is the dual study programme in Nutritional Counselling and Management right for you?

This dual study programme is aimed at motivated individuals who want to explore nutrition and health as a professional field or deepen their knowledge in these areas. You are ideally suited if you are looking for a combination of imparting scientific fundamentals, digital learning, and direct practical experience in a company. The offering is particularly suitable for high school graduates interested in natural sciences, professionals from the health, nutrition, or fitness industries, as well as career changers who want to qualify practically with a recognised degree.

Admission requirements: What do you need to fulfil?

For the dual study programme in Nutritional Counselling and Management at EHiP, one of the following access routes applies:

• General university entrance qualification (A-levels)
• Technical college entrance qualification (A-levels from a technical college) or subject-specific university entrance qualification
• Specialised further education qualification (e.g. specialist business administrator, specialist clerk, business administrator, business economist, specialist merchant, technician, master craftsman, qualified accountant)
• At least a two-year vocational training plus up to three years of professional experience in the relevant specialist field – this grants access to the trial study programme according to § 58 paragraph 3 of the State Higher Education Act

Neither A-levels nor a numerus clausus are mandatory. You need to have a practical partner (company or institution in a professional context) in place by the time you start. The university assists with the search and application process. Formal evidence such as graduation certificates or training certificates must be submitted.

You should also bring along personal requirements:

• Interest in nutrition, health, natural sciences, or counselling
• Willingness to work scientifically and use digital learning methods
• Ability to work in a team, show initiative and communication skills – especially important for counselling practice
• Organisational talent and perseverance for independent, job-accompanying learning
• Readiness for weekly practical phases (20-35 hours) in the company

What content does the dual study programme in Nutritional Counselling and Management convey?

In the dual Bachelor's degree programme in Nutritional Counselling and Management, you will acquire expertise in nutritional science, counseling, management, and communication. The curriculum is divided into basic, advanced, specialization, specialization, and final modules - always with close practical integration through the dual structure. The acquired skills include:

• Basic Scientific Principles: Biology for Nutritional Science, Physics and Chemistry, Food Science, Food Production, Food Chemistry and Analysis.
• Nutritional Science Competencies: Dietetics, Basics of Nutrition, Nutritional Medicine and Epidemiology, Physiological Fundamentals, Biochemistry of Nutrition.
• Counseling & Communication: Conversational Skills, Communication with Clients, Nutritional Psychology, Targeted Counseling and Therapy for Different Target Groups.
• Management & Business Administration: Business Administration, Project and Quality Management, Marketing, Digitalization in Healthcare, Business Management and Leadership.
• Law & Politics: Food Law and Toxicology, Nutrition and Consumer Policy.
• Entrepreneurship & Prevention: Nutrition Counseling Strategies, Concepts for Prevention Courses, Methods of Scientific Work, Study-related Practice Reflection.

You can choose an individual focus. The options include:

• Nutritional Therapy: Medical Nutrition Concepts, Bioavailability, Microbiome, Personalized Nutrition.
• Sports Nutrition: Performance Physiology, Dietary Supplements, Target Groups in Sports, Weight Management, Coaching.
• Nutritional Psychology and Communication: Nutrition Education, Eating Disorders, Public Health, Media Use, Marketing.
• Sustainable Nutrition: Climate-Friendly Nutrition, Sustainability Management, Nutrition and Agricultural Systems.
• Management: Business Management, Accounting, Strategic Management, Personnel Management.

Optionally, you can acquire additional qualifications such as the C and B licenses for Nutritional Counseling through an educational partner.

How does the dual study programme in Nutritional Counselling and Management work?

The course structure is flexible and can be tailored to individual needs. You can start at any time without fixed semester boundaries and adjust your studies to your daily life. The key points are:

• Practical Partner: Throughout the entire application process, you will receive support in finding and selecting your practical partner.
• Online Learning: The entire programme is delivered online via the EHiP Campus - with digital scripts, instructional videos, web-based training, live consultations, and online working spaces.
• Practical Phases: You will work 20-35 hours per week with your practical partner alongside your studies. The coordination of work and study hours is individual, promoting a work-study-life balance.
• Examinations: Examinations are conducted 100% online, and you can schedule the dates yourself.
• Support: Study Coaches will accompany you throughout your studies. Academic support is provided by lecturers and practical reflections.
• Module Structure: After completing the basic modules, you will have flexible access to additional modules to align content and sequence with your practical focus areas.
• Degrees: You will complete the programme with a scientific paper and the Bachelor's thesis (including a colloquium).

During the programme, you will gain practical experience early on and develop job-relevant competencies alongside. Depending on your specialization, you can acquire additional licenses and certificates.

What professions does the Nutritional Counselling and Management programme qualify you for?

With a Bachelor's degree, you will have various career paths in the field of nutrition and health. Professional fields of application include:

• Nutritional Advisor: Advising individuals, groups, or companies on nutrition, prevention, and well-being - whether employed or self-employed.
• Leadership and Management: Management roles in care facilities, clinics, health centres, companies in the food industry, and the public sector.
• Sports Nutrition Coach: Developing and supervising individual nutrition plans for athletes, teams, or fitness studios.
• Nutrition Management in Healthcare: Developing and implementing nutrition concepts for patients, participating in quality management.
• Prevention and Course Leader: Conducting prevention courses (if the requirements of the Central Prevention Agency are met).
• Specialist in Sustainable Nutrition, Nutritional Psychology, or Corporate Health Management, depending on the chosen specialization.
• Freelance Teaching or Consulting: For example, as a coach, consultant, or speaker in the field of nutrition.

The Bachelor's degree is nationally recognised and internationally transferable. The work experience gained during the programme enhances your job prospects.

What costs and financing do you need to consider for the dual study programme?

In the dual study model at EHiP, there are no tuition fees for you as a student, as these are covered by the practical partner (employer). Additionally, during the practical phases (20-35 hours per week), you will receive a salary, usually based on industry-standard apprenticeship pay rates. The specific remuneration varies depending on the region, industry, company size, and practical assignment.

• Tuition Fees: €0 (covered by the practical partner)
• Salary: varies depending on the practical company, based on standard training salaries
• Additional Certificates: Individual fees may apply for external additional licenses or exams.

The dual study model thus provides you with financial security and independence without tuition fees. Additionally, tax advantages can be claimed for further training or travel expenses if you have to bear them yourself.