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Deutsch Who is the Master's Programme in Medical Nutritional Science and Nutrition Therapy suitable for?
The Master's programme in Medical Nutritional Science and Nutrition Therapy is aimed at professionals with a first completed university degree (Bachelor, Diplom or Magister) in the field of natural sciences or health-related disciplines. It particularly addresses graduates of therapy sciences, biology, biochemistry, food chemistry, food technology, pharmacology, psychology or comparable courses of study. The programme is suitable for anyone who wishes to deepen their knowledge in nutrition therapy and later work in fields such as clinical research, nutritional counselling, health management, the pharmaceutical industry, sports nutrition or the digital health sector. Those interested in nutrition, prevention, therapy and the impact of food on health and wellbeing will benefit from this offer, especially if collaboration in interprofessional teams and scientifically based working play a role in their profession.
What formal admission requirements are there?
- University degree: Proof of a completed degree (Bachelor, Diplom or Magister) in a natural science subject or a comparable health-related course of study. This includes, among others, therapy sciences, biology, chemistry, biochemistry, microbiology, food chemistry, food technology, pharmacology or psychology.
- German language proficiency: For international applicants, proof of German language level C1 is required.
- Further documents: A copy of the university entrance qualification, a CV with a current passport photo as well as a copy of an ID (for international applicants, alternatively a copy of the National Identity Card).
The application process includes an online application, a selection interview and, after successful admission, formal enrolment.
Which personal prerequisites and skills are helpful?
- Interest in scientific and medical questions: The content builds in depth on biomedical, nutritional science and psychological findings.
- Analytical and scientific thinking: Since current research results and evidence-based work are central, a confident handling of scientific methods is required.
- Communication skills and teamwork: Interprofessional collaboration, empathy and the ability to convey complex issues appropriately to the target audience are key elements of the programme.
- Self-motivation and self-organisation: The programme is practice-oriented and requires both the willingness to work independently and commitment to project work and case studies.
- Affinity for digitalisation and modern approaches in nutrition: Topics such as health coaching, eHealth or digitalisation in nutrition therapy are among the study focuses.
Anyone who wishes to take on a professional role in evidence-based nutrition therapy, in the field of nutrition in clinical practice and research or in innovative professional fields of prevention, counselling and health promotion brings ideal prerequisites with curiosity, social competence and the willingness for continuous development.
What can you expect in the Master’s programme in Medical Nutritional Science and Nutritional Therapy?
In the Master’s programme in Medical Nutritional Science and Nutritional Therapy, you deepen your scientific and clinical-practical knowledge about the importance of nutrition for human health. You work in small groups and deal with the connections between nutrition, metabolism, and the development of diseases. The focus is on evidence-based methods, interprofessional approaches, and the application of current research findings.
Focus areas and content in the course
- Anatomy, biochemistry and molecular biology of nutrition
- Pharmacological and toxicological aspects
- Clinical pathologies: cardiovascular diseases, obesity, oncological, geriatric, endocrinological and gastrointestinal diseases
- Nutrition medicine and nutritional therapy in various clinical pictures
- Nutrition and sport: approaches for recreational and competitive athletes, rehabilitation
- Individual nutritional counselling and health coaching
- Research, scientific work and study management
- Business management and digital aspects of nutritional medicine
- Training theory and health coaching
- Communication, interprofessional skills and counselling psychology
In the course you learn how nutrition contributes to the prevention and therapy of diseases, and how to develop individual therapy plans based on scientific evidence. The teaching of soft skills such as communication, empathy and teamwork forms another important focus.
How is the programme structured?
- Duration: 4 semesters (full-time, part-time possible through block structure)
- 120 ECTS credits
- Start each winter semester
- Study locations: Cologne (SRH Campus Köln), nationwide through hybrid study structure
- Block structure: 6 block weeks per semester, each with 4–5 days of attendance, combined with supervised self-study phases
- Practice-oriented training through real case studies and internships for interprofessional collaboration
- Research orientation: integration of current scientific studies and methods
- In the fourth semester: preparation of the Master’s thesis with colloquium, individual specialisation possible
The combination of block teaching, self-study and practical phases makes it possible to flexibly combine studying with professional or practical activities.
Which professional prospects does the Master’s open up for you?
With the degree you have access to various occupational fields in nutritional science and health therapy. The solid training enables you to respond to current challenges in the prevention and therapy of diseases and to specialise purposefully.
- Nutritional counsellor, nutrition therapist in clinics, practices and health centres
- Employment in the food and dietary supplement industry, quality management, product development
- Sports nutrition counselling and support for athletes in performance and rehabilitation
- Clinical research (scientific collaboration, project coordination)
- Digital health consulting and development of health platforms
- Health management (e.g. in health insurance companies or clinical trials)
- Consulting, coaching and business consulting in the health sector
- Self-employed work in nutritional therapy and counselling
- Science journalism and medical editing
- Opportunity for doctoral studies and scientific career
At which location can you study?
- SRH Campus Köln
- Hybrid study with nationwide attendance phases and online components
The block model with hybrid structure enables participation independent of place of residence. Attendance events take place primarily at the Cologne campus. Practical phases and self-study can be completed nationwide.
What does the programme cost and how can you finance it?
- Tuition fees: €550 per month (fixed contribution over the entire duration of study)
- Total cost: approx. €13,650 for the whole programme
- An additional one-off enrolment fee of €750 applies
- No further examination fees or hidden costs
Various financing options are available to you, such as BAföG, education loans or scholarship programmes. SRH University offers transparent cost structures and supports you with questions about study financing.
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