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The Central State Office for Distance Learning (ZFU) has approved the course Nutritional Science under the number 1190726. Who this M.Sc. in Nutritional Sciences suits – and what you need to apply
This distance-learning master’s is designed for working professionals who want to deepen evidence-based nutrition expertise while studying remotely. Typical profiles include: experienced dietitians/nutritionists aiming to qualify for therapy, prevention or research roles; health and life-science graduates (e.g. biology, public health, sports science) seeking to pivot into applied nutrition; and clinicians or health writers who need rigorous training in nutrition counselling and therapy to strengthen practice or content quality.
Admission requirements
To enrol you need a completed first degree and sufficient German for academic study. Key points at a glance:
- First degree: a successfully completed Bachelor’s or Diploma from a recognised university is required.
- Direct admission: degrees in Nutritional Sciences, Oecotrophology (Dietetics), Nutrition Management, or a comparable nutrition-focused programme.
- Related degrees: applicants from adjacent fields (e.g. medicine, pharmacy, psychology, public health, biology, sports science, food science) can be admitted after a preparatory propädeutics course that covers core nutrition fundamentals.
- Recognition of prior learning: previous study and relevant training can be assessed individually for credit towards the programme.
- International qualifications: foreign first degrees are accepted if comparable to a German bachelor’s or diploma; equivalence is checked case by case.
- Teaching and assessment mode: all seminars are offered online or on site; many assessments can be completed online, enabling fully remote progress from abroad.
- Language of instruction: the programme is taught in German. You must be able to study, discuss and write academically in German at an advanced level (recommended C1) for materials, seminars and exams.
Personal requirements
Studying successfully from abroad hinges on strong self-management. Plan for a weekly workload of around 23 hours for reading, assignments and online activities. You will need reliable internet access, a quiet study space, and the discipline to spread work evenly across the week.
What helps most: solid scientific literacy (reading primary research, applying epidemiology/biostatistics), confidence in academic German (including Scientific Writing), and the perseverance to complete longer projects and case tasks on schedule. Time-zone aware planning is essential for live online seminars and group work. If your background is not strictly nutrition-focused, the propädeutics route ensures you build the biochemical, dietetic and food-science basics needed for this master’s. Finally, be honest about your calendar: map deadlines against work and family commitments and reserve protected study blocks to keep momentum over 24 or 32 months.
What will you study in the Ernährungswissenschaften (M.Sc.) at APOLLON University of Health Sciences?
This programme is taught in German. You should be comfortable studying and writing academically in German, typically at C1 level. Common proofs include TestDaF, DSH, Goethe-Zertifikat C1 or telc C1 Hochschule. The degree is a 120-ECTS research-informed master focusing on evidence-based nutrition counselling and therapy.
You start by deepening scientific foundations for practice: modules such as Spezielle Ernährungsphysiologie und Pathophysiologie, Ernährungsmedizin and Klinische Ernährung connect physiology with disease mechanisms and guideline-based therapy across care settings.
You then build counselling and behaviour-change expertise. Ernährungskommunikation and Gesundheitspsychologie address communication strategies, motivation and behaviour change, while zielgruppenspezifische Ernährungsinterventionen trains you to tailor interventions for different populations and conditions.
Method skills and research literacy are core. Epidemiologie und Biostatistik covers study design and critical appraisal; Scientific Writing und Publizieren develops structured academic writing, reporting standards and ethics—skills you will apply through projects and your master’s thesis.
The social context of diet is treated explicitly. Ernährungssoziologie und Ernährungsarmut examines consumption, inequality and vulnerable groups, helping you design interventions that work beyond individual advice and in public health contexts.
Electives let you shape your profile: choose two from areas such as Nachhaltige Ernährung und Ernährungssicherheit, Integrative Ernährungswissenschaft, Forschungsmethoden für Ernährungsfachkräfte, or Unternehmensführung und Selbstständigkeit für Ernährungsfachkräfte.
Special features of this Fernstudium (distance learning) include a flexible mix of online and optional on-site seminars, an introductory seminar at the start, and a final master’s thesis with colloquium. APOLLON is a German Fachhochschule (university of applied sciences); the programme holds ZFU approval (Zentralstelle für Fernunterricht – Germany’s state authority for approving distance-learning courses).
How does the Ernährungswissenschaften (M.Sc.) distance programme work?
You study fully at a distance with flexible pacing. Teaching materials are digital-first, seminars and exams are available online, and you can choose whether to attend any seminar on site in Germany or join remotely. The course has ZFU approval number 1190726 and offers rolling admission year-round.
Teaching language and certificates
The teaching language is German. For success from abroad, plan for C1-level academic German comprehension and writing. Typical proofs accepted by German universities include TestDaF, DSH, Goethe-Zertifikat C1 or telc C1 Hochschule.
Learning format and study materials
This is a Fernstudium (distance learning) with a modern online campus. You receive structured study units (Studienhefte) in digital formats (PDF, e-book, audio) supported by web-based trainings and quizzes. Live touchpoints include an online or on-site introductory seminar and further topic seminars—each offered with multiple date options.
Exams and taking them from outside Germany
Exams can be taken online. Seminars are likewise available online, so you can complete the programme from abroad without travelling. If you prefer, selected activities may also be attended in person in Germany.
On-site requirements in Germany
There are no mandatory on-site days. All seminars listed as part of the curriculum can be attended either online or on campus. Choosing online options allows a fully remote path without relocation or travel.
Workload, time models and time zones
Standard duration is 24 or 32 months (120 ECTS), with a free extension of up to 50% (12 or 16 additional months). The average study workload is about 23 hours per week. Occasional live sessions follow German time (CET/CEST); dates are offered in multiple slots to support working professionals and international time zones.
A distance-only route does not require a residence permit or student visa, since you do not need to relocate to Germany.
What does the Ernährungswissenschaften (M.Sc.) cost?
Total tuition depends on the time model you choose. Over the 24-month track, the regular total is €10,488 (24 instalments of €437 per month). Over the 32-month track, the total is €11,168 (32 instalments of €349 per month). You can extend your studies by up to 50% of the chosen track without additional tuition fees, which reduces monthly pressure if your workload fluctuates.
Learning materials are included in tuition in digital form. If you opt for on-site seminars or printed materials, factor in travel or printing costs individually. Payments are made in euros in monthly instalments; if you pay from outside the Eurozone, your bank may charge exchange or transfer fees.
What careers and recognition does the Ernährungswissenschaften (M.Sc.) offer?
You earn a Master of Science (120 ECTS) aligned with the Bologna Process. Credits are based on the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System, which eases international recognition for further study or credential evaluation abroad. The programme is accredited by FIBAA and the German Accreditation Council; APOLLON is a state-recognised German university of applied sciences. As a ZFU-approved distance programme, it is quality-checked for remote delivery in Germany.
Career paths include roles across counselling, therapy, prevention, and research. The curriculum’s mix of clinical nutrition, communication, psychology and methods prepares you to design, implement and evaluate interventions in individual and population settings.
- Nutrition therapist or counsellor in clinics, outpatient settings or private practice
- Specialist in prevention and health promotion for insurers, NGOs or public health bodies
- Research assistant or lecturer in higher education and research institutes
- Medical writing, health content development and science communication
- Management or leadership roles in the nutrition and health industry; self-employment
For Germany, the programme is designed to provide the academic basis for provider qualification in the field of nutrition (Leitfaden Prävention, §20 SGB V) and can open access to certification routes with professional bodies (e.g. DGE, VFED, E-Zert). These are separate, person-based procedures and may require additional practice evidence. Outside Germany, employers and credential evaluators typically look at degree level (master’s), ECTS load, accreditation and institutional recognition—criteria this programme meets.
Who is the Ernährungswissenschaften (M.Sc.) right for – and who not?
This master suits professionals who want to deepen nutrition science with a strong practice and research angle—fully part-time and remotely. If you already work in health, nutrition, sport or life sciences and want to move into therapy, advanced counselling, prevention or applied research, the structure and electives will fit.
- You need a flexible, remote master with online exams and seminars alongside a job
- You want a 120-ECTS master from a state-recognised German university of applied sciences
- You value applied methods training (epidemiology, biostatistics, scientific writing)
- You plan to work in clinical nutrition, counselling, prevention or science communication
- You appreciate electives like sustainable nutrition or entrepreneurship for self-employment
There are also clear limits. The programme is not a fit if you need English-medium teaching or if you cannot complete academic work in German. It also does not grant automatic access to regulated professions or automatic insurer recognition without further steps.
- You do not have C1-level German and cannot provide recognised proof (e.g. TestDaF, DSH, Goethe C1, telc C1 Hochschule)
- You require a programme taught in English with English-language assessments
- You need mandatory on-campus training in Germany (this course is built for distance delivery)
- You expect automatic licence, insurer approval or ZPP recognition without individual certification steps
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