The Specialist Study
The Specialist Study Program Clinical Nutrition is designed to educate healthcare professionals in the application of clinical nutrition principles in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases. The program represents a modern, interdisciplinary, and market‑relevant form of postgraduate education that integrates knowledge from nutrition science, internal medicine, endocrinology, pediatrics, oncology, and other clinical disciplines.
The program lasts one academic year, organized across two semesters, comprising a total of 60 ECTS credits, with teaching delivered in a hybrid format. It includes 10 compulsory courses, including clinical practice and the preparation of a final research project.
mproper nutrition and nutritional imbalances are major risk factors in the onset and progression of leading chronic non‑communicable diseases today, including cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, obesity, malignant diseases, as well as malnutrition among hospitalized patients and vulnerable groups. For this reason, the education of specialists in clinical nutrition holds particular importance for improving healthcare services, treatment outcomes, and the quality of life of patients.
The Specialist Study Clinical Nutrition is the first accredited program of its kind in Bosnia and Herzegovina specifically focused on clinical nutrition for graduates of medical and related health sciences faculties.
The program is intended for candidates wishing to advance their professional knowledge and competencies in the fields of clinical nutrition and nutritional therapy, and to apply them in contemporary clinical practice and patient care. Admission requirements include completion of an integrated study program in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, or health sciences with a minimum of 300 ECTS creditsCandidates must also submit motivation letter and Curriculum Vitae, while a valid license to practice within the healthcare system is recommended but not mandatory.
Upon completion of the program graduates earn the academic title Clinical Nutrition Specialist. or academic title Clinical Nutrition SpecialistThe qualification is aligned with EQF Level 7 / BiH OKO Level VII,, providing graduates with advanced knowledge and skills for addressing complex problems in clinical practice through evidence‑based nutritional approaches.
Basic Information
Program title: Clinical Nutrition
Program type: The Specialist Study Program
Program level: One‑year postgraduate study
Program holder: The University of Sarajevo – Faculty of Medicine
Duration: 1 academic year / 2 semesters
Scope: 60 ECTS
Mode of instruction Hybrid (ex cathedra and online)
Language of instruction: Bosnian, with the possibility of delivering parts of the program in English
Key Competencies
Upon completion of the program, students will be equipped to demonstrate advanced and specialized knowledge in clinical nutrition, including the pathophysiology of nutrition‑related diseases, nutrient metabolism in health and disease, and the principles of enteral and parenteral nutrition. The program develops competencies in nutritional status assessment, independent nutritional counselling, and the creation, implementation, and evaluation of individualized diet therapy and nutritional support plans for patients with complex clinical conditions.
Students will also develop advanced communication skills, behavioural counselling techniques, competencies for work within multidisciplinary healthcare teams, as well as the ability to design and implement research projects in the field of clinical nutrition. Emphasis is placed on independence, responsibility, ethical practice, and commitment to continuous professional development.
Curriculum
The study program includes a total 10 compulsory courses, five per semester, ensuring the acquisition of clearly defined specialist competencies.
First Semester
Second Semester
Thematic Areas Covered by the Program
The curriculum encompasses a wide range of clinically relevant topics, including macronutrient and micronutrient metabolism, nutritional status assessment, the pathophysiology of nutrition‑related diseases, system‑based clinical dietetics, public health nutrition, research methodology, nutrigenomics and personalized nutrition, as well as patient counselling and behavioural techniques in dietary habit modification.
Special emphasis is placed on nutritional therapy in cardiovascular, endocrine, gastrointestinal, hepatobiliary, renal, neurological, and infectious diseases, as well as nutritional support in critical care and for special populations such as pregnant women, children, older adults, and oncology patients.
Practical Training and Clinical Experience
The practical component is deeply integrated throughout the curriculum. The central practical module is the course Clinical Practice and Final Research Projectclinical Practice and Final Research Project, which includes supervised clinical training in partnering healthcare institutions. Additionally, many clinical courses incorporate exercises and seminars based on case studies, development of diet therapy plans, and patient interaction simulations.
Practical work is documented through a practice logbook, mentor evaluations, a student portfolio and and the final research project, collectively confirming the acquired professional and research competencies.
Partners and Teaching Bases
The program maintains strong connections with the healthcare sector and the local community through cooperation with key teaching bases and partners. Notable partners include the University Clinical Center of Sarajevo (KCUS) and and the Public Health Center of Sarajevo CantonOther relevant institutions include the General Hospital “Prim. dr. Abdulah Nakaš”, public health institutes, and other public and private healthcare facilities.
This collaboration ensures that students gain knowledge and skills in real clinical environments, supported by mentoring and direct exposure to contemporary clinical nutrition practice.
Professional Opportunities After Completion
The program is completed once the student has passed all course examinations, successfully completed clinical practice, and defended the final research project. After fulfilling all requirements, the student acquires of 60 ECTS credits and the academic title Clinical Nutrition Specialist.
Graduates are qualified to work in healthcare institutions, including clinics, polyclinics, and medical practices, as well as in public health institutes and multidisciplinary teams for diet therapy and nutritional support. They are also competent to provide patient and healthcare staff education and to participate in clinical studies and research projects.
The increasing need for experts in clinical nutrition is especially evident within team‑based patient care and the prevention of diet‑related chronic diseases.
The program ensures vertical mobility toward doctoral studies in biomedicine, nutrition science, and public health in Bosnia and Herzegovina and abroad. Additionally, due to its ECTS‑based structure, students can participate in mobility programs such a The Erasmus+, CEEPUS and other forms of international academic exchange.
Admission Information
Enrollment of the first generation of students is planned for autumn 2026. Detailed information regarding the call for applications, application deadlines, and admission requirements will be published on the official website of the University of Sarajevo – Faculty of Medicine.