HSE University School of Integrated Communications Ranked Best by Association of Communication Agencies of Russia (AKAR) for 2020

Students of the bachelor’s programme in Advertising and Public Relations

© HSE University

The School of Integrated Communications, part of the Faculty of Communications, Media, and Design, has topped the ratings of Russian schools that train specialists in the field of advertising. The ranking is compiled annually by the Association of Communication Agencies of Russia (AKAR), which brings together more than 200 participants in the communication services market.

Part of the HSE University Faculty of Communications, Media, and Design, the School of Integrated Communications was named the winner of the AKAR rating for the first time. Six schools under Russian universities, including Saratov State University and Peoples' Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), were recognized by the association. HSE University’s Department of Marketing Communications, which has been renamed as the Department of Marketing, also made the list.

The Association of Communication Agencies of Russia (AKAR) is a leading professional association that brings together more than 200 participants in the communication services market. Every year AKAR compiles a rating of the departments of Russian universities that train advertising specialists. The association also organizes student internships at partner universities and AKAR member agencies, holds workshops with leading experts for future marketers and advertising specialists, and offers excursions to communication agencies. In addition, the association conducts professional and public accreditation of educational programmes.

When ranking departments, AKAR analyses their work over the past three years. The association evaluates various criteria ranging from teaching staff to a department’s engagement with employers and research activities to cultural and social work with students and their professional achievements.

Sergey Zverev, Head of the School of Integrated Communications

We value the recognition from the industry, especially from such a respected association as AKAR. Our task is to train professionals at the highest level to work in the communication industry. We respond rapidly to changing formats and reflect this in our curricula and internship programmes — it is a painstaking joint undertaking of all our colleagues. We work to provide students with many additional opportunities to become part of the industry during their studies. Congratulations to our colleagues and students — this is our shared achievement and victory!