Dietetics (dual) BSc

The dual study programme enables dietitians to obtain an academic degree (B.Sc. Dietetics) while simultaneously undergoing a training programme at a vocational training school. Dietitians are experts in the fields of clinical nutrition, diet therapy and nutrition counselling. They can help people understand the relationship between nutrition and disease and have a special role in the management and treatment of diseases such as diabetes, cancer, gastrointestinal diseases, malnutrition, food allergies and intolerances.

To practice as a dietitian in Germany, you are usually required to attend a three years' education and training programme at a vocational training school followed by the successful completion of a state examination. The dual study programme offers a qualification comparable to the requirements abroad.

This provides new opportunities for research and development in dietetics. As a graduate, you will be able to develop, implement and evaluate strategies and concepts in the field of dietetics.

If you

• have a (special) higher education entrance qualification,
• would prefer to combine undergraduate studies with vocational education at a vocational training school,
• are interested in nutrition and diet therapy,
• like cooking and food,
• like to work with clients/patients,
• have good German language skills (International students require a DSH 2 level in German language proficiency by the day of enrolment. At the time of application a lower level is sufficient),

then this might be the right study programme for you.

Under the dietetics dual study programme, the Department of Nutritional, Food and Consumer Sciences at the University of Applied Sciences in Fulda collaborates with five specialised vocational training schools.

The duration of the study programme is nine semesters. During the first six semesters, you will undergo vocational training as a dietitian at one of our partner schools (which is successfully completed upon passing the state examination at the end) and take one module per semester at the University of Applied Sciences in Fulda. In the following three semesters, you will study full time at the University of Applied Sciences in Fulda. Teaching, applied sciences and research are closely intertwined in the curriculum. The different modules in the dietetics undergraduate programme build on one another. You will apply theoretical principles and research methods to case studies taken from clinical practice. You will work in project groups focusing on general dietetics aspects and thereby gain insight into professional practice. Your studies will provide you with the scientific knowledge and methods necessary to work in the field of dietetics.

Having completed your undergraduate studies in dietetics, you may

• offer diet therapy and nutritional counselling to individuals or small groups
• apply in practice the scientific dietetics expertise acquired
• develop, implement and evaluate strategies and concepts in the field of dietetics.

Potential employers include hospitals and clinics, rehabilitation facilities, nursing homes, health insurance providers, research institutes and manufacturers of dietary foods. Upon graduation, you may also choose to enroll on a master's degree programme.