Applied Nutrition Science, Bachelor of Science

Who is the dual Bachelor's degree in Applied Nutritional Science (B.Sc.) at CBS suitable for?

The dual Bachelor's degree in Applied Nutritional Science is aimed at individuals who are interested in the scientific and practical aspects of nutrition, prevention, and nutritional therapy. It is especially targeted at school leavers with university entrance qualification (Abitur) as well as prospective students with a university of applied sciences entrance qualification (Fachhochschulreife) who are looking for an applied academic programme with fixed practical components. The course is also suitable for anyone who wants to support people in adopting a healthy lifestyle, has a passion for scientific and medical contexts, and wishes to assume responsibility later in nutritional counselling, clinics, or companies in the health and food sectors. Applicants who are aiming for a future career in the healthcare sector, e.g. as a nutritional therapist, are also addressed.

What formal requirements must you meet?

To be admitted to the dual Bachelor's degree in Applied Nutritional Science at CBS University of Applied Sciences, you need a valid higher education entrance qualification. These include:

• General higher education entrance qualification (Abitur)
• Subject-specific higher education entrance qualification
• University of applied sciences entrance qualification (Fachabitur)
• or a vocational qualification recognised as equivalent in accordance with regional legal requirements

A Numerus Clausus (NC) is not required at CBS University of Applied Sciences. Instead, you undergo a personal selection process in which your motivation and potential are the focus. The necessary documents include proof of your higher education entrance qualification (certificate or current confirmation if the degree is still pending). For dual study programmes, a practical partner is also required – CBS supports you in finding and selecting one.

Personal requirements: What should you pay attention to?

Successful applicants for the programme ideally bring the following personal qualities and interests:

• Strong interest in medical-scientific questions and contexts
• Willingness to work scientifically and analyse complex topics
• Communication skills to carry out counselling and prevention tasks
• Empathy in dealing with people and enjoyment in developing individual nutritional strategies
• Carefulness as well as independent and structured working
• Openness to digital teaching formats and innovations in the field of nutrition and healthcare
• Ability to work in a team, especially for cooperation with other health professions (interprofessional approach)
• Self-motivation and resilience to manage studies, practical phases, and self-study times well

The programme is particularly suitable for you if you want to combine theory with practice and actively contribute to promoting health.

Course Content in Detail: What Do You Learn in the Dual Bachelor’s Degree in Applied Nutritional Science?

In the dual Bachelor’s degree programme in Applied Nutritional Science (B.Sc.) at CBS University of Applied Sciences, you engage with scientific and practical aspects of nutrition. The aim is to develop action and counselling skills for needs-based and individual nutritional therapy. The programme combines solid scientific fundamentals with medical-therapeutic modules as well as communicative and methodological competencies.

• Needs-based Nutrition: You learn how to assess nutrient requirements, plan meals, and address special nutritional situations.
• Human Anatomy & Physiology: Fundamentals about the structure and function of the human body form the basis for nutritional science competence.
• Scientific Perspective: Biochemistry, physiology and other natural sciences provide insights into how metabolism and health are connected.
• Pathophysiology: Here you understand how nutrition influences health and disease progression.
• Food, Sustainability & Food Trends: This covers product selection, current developments in food research, and trends such as sustainability.
• Case-oriented Nutritional Counselling and Therapy: You train with practical cases to provide individual advice to clients.
• Communication & Methodology: In addition to specialist topics, counselling conversations and methodological skills are taught practically.
• Other Topics: Research methods, consumer protection, quality management, healthcare, ethics, as well as nutrition-related medicine and pharmaceutical science are covered.

During your studies, you deepen your knowledge through elective modules, for example in applied nutritional counselling, clinical nutrition therapy, artificial nutrition or business start-up. The degree is completed with a bachelor’s thesis.

Course Structure: How the Dual Degree Programme Works

The dual degree follows the “4plus1 model”: You work four days a week at your practical partner company and study digitally on one day through online classes. Additionally, there is a seven-day on-campus phase each semester at the Cologne campus, during which practical exercises and exams take place. You have six weeks of lecture-free time per year.

• Duration: 6 semesters (standard period of study), a total of 180 ECTS credits
• Learning Format: Predominantly digital, supplemented by practical phases in the company and on-campus blocks
• Practical Module: Each semester you reflect on how the acquired knowledge is applied in the “Practical Reflection” module
• Practice Orientation: Business projects, corporate cooperations and diverse practical insights are central
• Start: In the winter semester

The programme requires personal responsibility and active time management, as preparation and follow-up work as well as practical assignments must be scheduled alongside teaching days.

Career Opportunities and Professional Prospects After Graduation

With a Bachelor’s degree in Applied Nutritional Science, you have diverse entry opportunities in the health and nutrition sector:

• Nutritional Adviser – Individual counselling and support in clinics, rehabilitation centres or pharmacies
• Nutrition Therapist – Work in multidisciplinary teams, also focusing on clinical nutrition and artificial nutrition
• Quality Manager in the food industry – Development, control and review of food quality and safety
• Product Developer – Accompany innovations in the food industry
• Sports Nutrition Adviser – Creating targeted nutrition plans for athletes
• Roles in Health Management, e.g. in health insurers, prevention, homecare companies or pharmaceutical consulting

A subsequent Master’s programme and specialisation in science and research are also possible. The high practical content and the CBS network facilitate entry into demanding positions.

Location and Learning Environment

The Applied Nutritional Science (B.Sc.) degree programme is offered at the Cologne campus of CBS University of Applied Sciences. Your studies are predominantly digital, but key practical exams and block courses take place on site in Cologne.

• Location: Cologne, on-campus phases at the campus
• Studying within the Company: The main part of the weekly practice takes place at your practical partner
• Network and Campus Life: Make contacts through company projects, networking events and CBS Talent Development

You benefit from the advantages of digital learning formats whilst also enjoying personal interaction and support on campus.

Costs and Financing

As a dual student, you usually pay no semester fees, since these are covered by the partner company.

• Semester Fee: €0, as the financing is provided by the company
• Study Model: Dual study – the partner company covers the tuition fees and offers you a training position
• Additional Notes: To clarify details about financing and possible remuneration, it is advisable to have a discussion with the company or the academic advisory services

The dual model thus offers an attractive opportunity to combine studies and professional practice without additional costs.