Master’s Programme in Arts and Culture Celebrates Graduates with Diploma Awarding Ceremony
HSE University held a diploma-awarding ceremony on the 1st July, 2025 to honor the graduates of its master’s programme in Arts and Culture Management. The event celebrated the academic achievements of students, with special recognition given to those who graduated with distinction.The ceremony brought together graduates, faculty members to commemorate the hard work and dedication of the students. The programme, known for its rigorous curriculum and interdisciplinary approach, equips students with advanced knowledge in art history, cultural studies, and arts management, preparing them for leadership roles in the creative and cultural sectors.
A highlight of the event was the recognition of high-achieving graduates who earned distinctions for their exceptional academic performance.
Professor Elena Zelenskaya and Vice Dean Professor Irina Aleynikova praised the graduates for their resilience, creativity, and intellectual curiosity. They emphasized the importance of the arts in shaping society and encouraged the new alumni to leverage their expertise to drive innovation in cultural institutions, museums, galleries, and academic research.
Professor Aleynikova encouraged the graduates to embark on their professional journeys, join a global network of HSE alumni who are making significant impacts in the arts and cultural landscape. The university takes pride in their accomplishments and looks forward to their future contributions to the field.
STUDENTS' REFLECTIONS
Aleksandra Kovalеvskaya
The most valuable part of studying at HSE for me was how practical the Arts and Culture Management programme is. Unlike my bachelor’s degree, this master’s programme was very focused on hands-on experience. It allowed me to find myself professionally by trying out different roles in various projects and team settings. That helped me understand what I enjoy and where I fit best in the cultural field.
Being here also gave me so many useful tools for working on management projects and, importantly, it connected me with a wide network of people and organizations. Throughout the programme, I met professionals from museums, theatres, and other cultural institutions, which would have been much harder to do on my own. This context — these connections and opportunities to test myself in real environments — is what made this programme truly unique and meaningful for me.
Jennifer Ethel Astui
I am Jennifer Ethel Atsui from Ghana, a passionate, energetic art lover who excel on chasing my dreams. I had my Bachelor’s in Information Technology. But I came to St. Petersburg to pursue Arts and culture Management to have in-depth knowledge on entrepreneurship and how to manage my business. I adore dancing, listening to great music, and exploring versatility across all artistic fields. For me, the most valuable part was meeting people from so many different countries and backgrounds. It truly opened my eyes to new ways of thinking about art, culture, and even life itself. I also really enjoyed the practical projects where we worked together to organize real cultural events — it gave me confidence and hands-on experience that I will always carry with me.
This programme has shaped my dream of working internationally in the arts and culture sector. It has given me both the knowledge and the network to aim for a career where I can help promote cultural projects that connect people across borders. I feel much more prepared to take on leadership roles in this field because of what I’ve learned here.
I would say to anyone from my country: go for it! It’s a wonderful opportunity not just to study, but to grow as a person. You’ll learn a lot about different cultures, discover new ideas, and make amazing friends. Plus, living here teaches you independence and gives you memories that will stay with you forever.
Alina Ayzinova
My name is Alina Ayzinova, and I am now the Director of the Youth Centre in Mezuza. When I was still in school, I studied Arts and Culture at the Hermitage Museum, which first sparked my interest in the creative world. Although I pursued my bachelor’s degree in law here at HSE, my early experiences at the Hermitage showed me how I could shape my life in a more digital and creative direction, where I could actually see the results of my ideas. I’ve always had a creative mind, and this programme has been the perfect place to develop and apply it.
There are so many opportunities, not only within the Arts and Culture Management programme itself, but also all around it — for instance, connections to institutions like the Hermitage and Alexandrinsky Theatre. This environment allows you to build networks across different fields, which has been incredibly valuable for me.
As a director now, the knowledge and experiences from this programme have directly helped me create new initiatives. For example, next month I’m organizing a festival for students from the 18th to the 28th, something that grew out of what I learned across the diverse courses in this programme.
From my perspective, the first year is the most interesting for students, while the second year focuses more on research and the corporate side. I believe it would be very helpful to have more courses or projects that bring first- and second-year students together in creative spaces. In this field, people often prefer to collaborate with those they already know and trust, so creating such shared environments could be a real benefit — perhaps something the university or programme leaders could consider.
I’m truly glad I made the decision to study in this programme. Coming from a background in law, it has transformed not just my career path but also my way of life. I’m happier, I better understand my true interests, and I have no regrets about this choice for my future.
Asma Talpur
My name is Asma Talpur, and I graduated from the Arts and Culture Management Program. Honestly, the most valuable part for me was learning how diverse and rich the world of arts and culture truly is. Through our classes and group projects, I got to explore so many perspectives. I also loved how supportive the professors and classmates were — it felt like being part of a global family.
This programme gave me a clear direction. I’ve always been passionate about using art to bring communities together, and now I feel equipped with the right tools and confidence to work on cultural initiatives back home in Pakistan or even internationally. It made me more ambitious about what’s possible.
I would tell someone from my country that it’s absolutely worth it. You not only get a high-quality education, but you also learn how to live in a new environment and grow stronger as a person. It’s an adventure that challenges you in the best way, and you come out of it with lifelong friendships and a broader worldview.
