Why nutritional medicine?
Nutrients are the building blocks of life and control all biochemical processes in the human body. Nutritional medicine focuses on the prevention and treatment of nutrition-related diseases such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, autoimmune diseases, cancer and neurodegenerative disorders - the main causes of death and high healthcare costs in the Western world.
Many current approaches to treating these diseases are based on outdated assumptions and insufficient studies. The future lies in personalized nutrition, which follows the principle: "One solution does not fit all."
The future is personalized
The revolution in nutritional therapy requires a deep understanding of the following areas:
- Molecular mechanisms of disease
- Influence of micronutrients on the body
- Interactions between nutrients, genes, drugs and the gut microbiome
What you will gain
As a graduate, you will be well prepared to be a leader in the biomedical and nutritional science fields. You will:
- Develop new therapeutic strategies
- Drive innovation in personalized nutrition
- Strengthen the link between medicine and the food industry
Is this program right for you?
We are looking for curious minds who are passionate about scientific challenges. A solid foundation in molecular and cell biology is required. Knowledge in pathophysiology, clinical trial design and bioinformatics will be built during the program.
Your impact starts here
Become part of a new generation of researchers transforming healthcare through nutrition science.
Type of Study
FulltimeStandard period of study
4 SemesterCredits
120 ECTSCourse language
EnglishAdmission period
01.05. - 15.07.
Admission Requirement
Study program with admission requirementsStart
Winter semesterDegree
Master of Science (M.Sc.)Hints for application
Apply online via the university's application portal.
Non-EU applicants please follow the application procedure via uni-assist
Your path to expertise in nutritional medicine
The Master's program in Nutritional Medicine offers a balanced combination of theory and practice. It provides advanced knowledge and practical experience to succeed in this dynamic field.
First year: knowledge building
In the first two semesters, you will focus on advanced scientific topics, including the molecular mechanisms of disease, clinical research methods and the impact of nutrition on health. You will also explore specialized areas such as personalized nutrition and systems biology, laying the foundation for practical applications.
Second year: specialization and practice
The second year focuses on practical placements and research projects. You will apply your knowledge in clinical settings and choose from over 40 specialized courses to deepen your expertise in areas that particularly interest you. The program concludes with a Master's thesis in which you will conduct independent research on innovative topics.
Why this curriculum stands out
This program combines academic excellence with practical application and offers you the freedom to shape your education according to your interests. Whether you want to conduct groundbreaking research, develop new therapies or strengthen the link between nutrition and medicine, our curriculum will help you achieve your goals.
Start your journey to become a leader in nutritional medicine.
Yes, there are. To apply for the Master's program, you need a Bachelor's degree with a Bachelor's thesis in Nutritional Medicine or a related subject, such as Biology or Molecular Life Sciences. Please note that our Bachelor's program is heavily science-based, with subjects such as mathematics, chemistry and biology, many of which include practicals. Your previous studies must adequately cover these subjects. A degree in dietetics or ecotrophology does not usually meet the required criteria.
You must also demonstrate sufficient English language skills (B2 level or an English-language Bachelor's degree) and have a grade point average of 2.7 or better in your previous studies.
You can find all the information you need for the start of your first semester here.
The scientific orientation of the course opens up a wide range of career prospects for graduates, primarily in the field of basic and applied research in academic and non-academic institutions such as universities, research centers, biotechnology companies, food and pharmaceutical industries. Other fields of activity include teaching and education, quality management, association work and management consultancy. The Master's degree also qualifies students to take up a doctoral thesis.
You should have a passion for science and a solid academic foundation, especially in molecular and cell biology. A Bachelor's degree in a related subject such as nutritional medicine, biology or molecular life sciences is required. A strong interest in scientific research and the relationship between nutrition and health is essential.
This program combines cutting-edge research with hands-on training and focuses on personalized nutrition to tackle current health problems such as obesity and diabetes. You will learn from leading researchers and clinicians at one of Europe's most renowned medical centers and gain hands-on experience through internships and clinical trials. With over 40 specialization options, you can customize the program and prepare for a career in research, healthcare or the food industry.
Two sets of regulations apply to the Bachelor's and Master's degree programs in Medical Nutritional Science:
- The examination procedure regulations for all degree programs: These regulations contain guidelines that apply to all technical and scientific degree programs at the University of Lübeck.
- The course-specific course regulations: These summarize all regulations that apply specifically to the course. Among other things, the individual courses of the entire semester are listed here and a study plan is presented.
All current versions of the regulations can be found here. Each student is subject to the most recent version at the start of their studies.
For the recognition of external achievements, please use the form on the SSC website under Examination Offices-Mint, Forms and Information Sheets
Chairmen
Prof. Dr. Christian Sina (Chairman) / Prof. Dr. Karsten Seeger (Deputy Chairman)
The current composition of the Examination Board can be found here.
The Examination Board
Please contact the Examination Board if you have any problems concerning your studies, e.g. prolonged illness or problems with examinations. In justified exceptional situations, the committee can grant special permission. You should contact the chair of the committee, Prof. C. Sina, directly. The chairperson can decide many things directly.
As a rule, there are two examinations per module each year: One at the beginning of the lecture-free period directly after the semester and another at the end of the lecture-free period. Each student has three attempts to pass the examination. The final module grades almost always consist solely of this examination grade.
Dates
The examinations for all STEM courses are organized centrally each semester. Every lecturer is required to adhere to this central schedule.
This schedule only takes into account the respective compulsory courses; the dates for purely elective courses are usually set by the lecturers by arrangement.
All examination dates should also be available in UnivIS.