Bachelor of Science in Dietetics at the University of Applied Sciences Neubrandenburg (Germany)
- 15.06.2014
- English Articles
- Daniel Buchholz
- Jörg Meier
Peer-Review | Manuscript received: February 12, 2014 | Revision accepted: April 03, 2014
Concept, background and demand from the perspective of dietitians
Introduction
The shortened bachelor’s program in dietetics, which builds on professional training in dietetics, began in the summer semester 2014 at the University of Applied Sciences Neubrandenburg. Together with the University of Fulda1 there are currently two occupation-specific bachelor’s programs for dietitians in Germany. Both programs award a Bachelor of Science in Dietetics and pursue the same objective: working towards academic qualifications for German dietitians.
However, they are based on different conceptual principles. Fulda’s concept is a co-ordinated study program, which links professional training in dietetics with the university course and the Neubrandenburg program builds on completed professional training in dietetics. Based on the recommendations of the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs [1, 2] and European recommendations [3], 90 ECTS2 credits are recognised by Neubrandenburg for the completed professional training in dietetics, from a total of 210 ECTS credits required for a bachelor’s degree in dietetics; as a result the duration can be shortened to two years.
Summary
The shortened bachelor’s program in dietetics, which builds on professional training in dietetics, began in the summer semester 2014 at the University of Applied Sciences Neubrandenburg. The study program in Neubrandenburg was devised following a comprehensive feasibility study, which also included a survey of the professional group of dietitians. The results of the survey influenced the development of the program and indicated the need (based on the desires of German professional groups) to implement a program to provide academic qualifications to dietitians in Germany.
Keywords: dietetics, academic qualifications, university, dietitian
