This award recognises campaigns that attract undergraduate students to apply and enrol for courses. We are looking for a clearly defined campaign aligned to the university’s strategy to engage with its target audience, supported by a coordinated marketing campaign.
This category is open to undergraduate campaigns only, with entries being scored on their success in accordance to how they have met their individual objectives and their evidence of achieving a strong ROI.
What the judges want to know:
The overall aim of your campaign (What was it about? Who were your target audience? What challenge had been identified?) – approx. 100 words
SMART Objectives and overall budget for the project (One sentence per objective) – approx. 100 words
Details of your campaign (How did you plan to achieve your objectives?) – approx. 300 words
How did data and insight inform your decisions? – approx. 150 words
What was the impact of the campaign? A) What were the outcomes relative to each objective, including actual student numbers recruited versus target? – approx. 300 words B) ROI (include figures & calculations) – approx. 100 words
Why should you win? – approx. 150 words
The judges will be particularly looking for demonstration of sector-leading innovation, outstanding creative and evidence of how EDI, accessibility and sustainability have been considered.
TOTAL WORD LIMIT - 1200 *Please note any entries submitted that surpass the total word limit may be disqualified.
Best postgraduate student recruitment campaign 2025
This award recognises campaigns that attract postgraduate students to apply and enrol for courses. We are looking for a clearly defined campaign aligned to the university’s strategy to engage with its target audience, supported by a coordinated marketing campaign.
This category is open to postgraduate campaigns only, with entries being scored on their success in accordance to how they have met their individual objectives and their evidence of achieving a strong ROI.
What the judges want to know:
The overall aim of your campaign (What was it about? Who were your target audience? What challenge had been identified?) – approx. 100 words
SMART Objectives and overall budget for the project (One sentence per objective) – approx. 100 words
Details of your campaign (How did you plan to achieve your objectives?) – approx. 300 words
How did data and insight inform your decisions? – approx. 150 words
What was the impact of the campaign? A) What were the outcomes relative to each objective, including actual student numbers recruited versus target? – approx. 300 words B) ROI (include figures & calculations) – approx. 100 words
Why should you win? – approx. 150 words
The judges will be particularly looking for demonstration of sector-leading innovation, outstanding creative and evidence of how EDI, accessibility and sustainability have been considered.
TOTAL WORD LIMIT - 1200 *Please note any entries submitted that surpass the total word limit may be disqualified.
Best international campaign or initiative 2025
Entries in this category should be campaigns or initiatives clearly aimed at markets outside the UK. This award covers all types of campaigns and could include student recruitment, brand awareness, strategy or alumni activity.
What the judges want to know:
The overall aim of your project (What was it about? Who were your target audience? What challenge had been identified?) – approx. 100 words
SMART Objectives and overall budget for the project (One sentence per objective) – approx. 100 words
Details of the campaign (How did you plan to achieve your objectives? What activity and channels were selected and why?) – approx. 300 words
How did data and insight inform your decisions? – approx. 150 words
What was the impact of the campaign? A) What were the outcomes relative to each objective, including actual student numbers recruited versus target? – approx. 300 words B) ROI (include figures & calculations) – approx. 100 words
Why you should win – approx. 150 words
The judges will be particularly looking for demonstration of sector-leading innovation, outstanding creative and evidence of how EDI, accessibility and sustainability have been considered. TOTAL WORD LIMIT - 1200 *Please note any entries submitted that surpass the total word limit may be disqualified.
Best use of video 2025
This award recognises the innovative and impactful use of video to engage and inspire audiences. We’re looking for creative video content that effectively communicates a message, tells a story, or promotes an initiative in a compelling way. Entries can include single videos, video series, or integrated video campaigns.
What the judges want to know: •The overall aim of your video project. (What was it about? Who were your target audience? What challenge had been identified?) approx. 100 words •SMART Objectives and overall budget for the project. (One sentence per objective) approx. 100 words •Details of your video content. (How did you plan to achieve your objectives? What was the creative approach?) approx. 250 words •How did data and insight inform your decisions? approx. 100 words •What was the impact of the video content? (What were the outcomes relative to each objective? How did the video solution push boundaries?) approx. 300 words •Why should you win? approx. 150 words
The judges will be particularly looking for demonstration of sector-leading innovation, outstanding creative, and evidence of how EDI, accessibility, and sustainability have been considered.
Total word count: 1000 words
Best use of content 2025
This award recognises innovative and creative thinking. We’re looking for bold creative content ideas that push the boundaries in compelling ways. Any type of content can be entered – it could be a content series, user-generated content, a moving piece of copy or an entire campaign. Whilst this category doesn’t require supportive stats, we are looking to see an outline of the problem that needed solving and evidence of how the idea was used to address the problem. Please note that video led content should be entered into the Best Use of Video category specifically.
What the judges want to know:
The overall aim of your project. (What was it about? Who were your target audience? What challenge had been identified?) approx. 100 words
SMART Objectives and overall budget for the project(One sentence per objective) approx. 100 words
Details of your content (How did you plan to achieve your objectives?) approx. 250 words
How did data and insight inform your decisions? approx. 100 words
What was the impact of the content? (What were the outcomes relative to each objective? How did the content solution push boundaries?) approx. 300 words
Why should you win? approx. 150 words
The judges will be particularly looking for demonstration of sector-leading innovation, outstanding creative and evidence of how EDI, accessibility and sustainability have been considered.
Total word count: 1000 words
most effective use of social media 2025
This award recognises the most effective and innovative use of social media to achieve strategic objectives. All entries should demonstrate how the chosen social media channel was used to build the reputation of your institution and should show evidence of community growth, engagement, and reach.
Please note, this category is not about content.
What the judges want to know: •The overall aim of your social media campaign. (What was it about? Who were your target audience? What challenge had been identified?) approx. 100 words •SMART Objectives and overall budget for the project. (One sentence per objective) approx. 100 words •Details of your social media campaign. (How did you plan to achieve your objectives? What was the rationale behind channel selection?) approx. 250 words •How did data and insight inform your decisions? approx. 100 words · What was the impact of the chosen social media platform? (Remember, this category is not about the content itself, but how and why it was delivered on your chosen channel!) A)What were the outcomes relative to each objective? (Did the campaign achieve the initial objectives and how well did it perform?) approx. 300 words B)ROI (include figures & calculations) approx. 100 words •Why should you win? approx. 150 words
The judges will be particularly looking for demonstration of sector-leading innovation, outstanding creative, and evidence of how EDI, accessibility, and sustainability have been considered.
Total word count: 1100 words
Innovative USe of technology 2025
This category celebrates excellence in the use of technology to attract and engage potential students. This could include anything from the use of AI, to an app or a website. All entries should show true innovation in how the chosen digital solution was used to meet your objectives and build the reputation of your institution. Please submit links to your work for the judges to view.
Please note, this category is not about content. What the judges want to know: • The overall aim of your project (What was it about? Who were your target audience? What challenge had been identified?) approx. 100 words • SMART Objectives and overall budget for the project (One sentence per objective) approx. 100 words • Details of your project (How did you plan to achieve your objectives?) approx. 200 words • How did data and insight inform your decisions? approx. 100 words • What was the impact of the chosen platform? A) What were the outcomes relative to each objective? (Did the campaign achieve the initial objectives and how well did it perform?) approx. 300 words B) ROI (include figures & calculations) approx. 100 words · Why should you win? approx. 150 words
The judges will be particularly looking for demonstration of sector-leading innovation, outstanding creative and evidence of how EDI, accessibility and sustainability have been considered.
Total word count: 1050 words
best brand/ reputation campaign 2025
This category celebrates excellence in creative brand reputation development. We are looking for the institution that demonstrates how their brand has raised awareness or enhanced their reputation. The campaign itself could be internal or external and could include PR campaigns.
What the judges want to know:
The overall aim of your campaign (What was it about? What is your institution’s proposition? Who were your target audience? What challenge had been identified?) – approx. 200 words
SMART Objectives and overall budget for the project (One sentence per objective) – approx. 100 words
Details of your campaign (How did you plan to achieve your objectives?) – approx. 200 words
How did data and insight inform your decisions? – approx. 100 words
Evidence of how the content effectively promotes your institution. How effectively have students, target audiences and influencers been engaged? – approx. 150 words
What was the impact of the project? A) What were the outcomes relative to each objective? (Did the campaign achieve the initial objectives and how well did it perform?) – approx. 300 words B) ROI (include figures & calculations) – approx. 100 words
Why you should win – 150 words.
The judges will be particularly looking for demonstration of sector-leading innovation, outstanding creative and evidence of how EDI, accessibility and sustainability have been considered.
TOTAL WORD LIMIT - 1300 *Please note any entries submitted that surpass the total word limit may be disqualified.
best event experience 2025
This category is your opportunity to showcase what makes your Event Experience stand out from the crowd. The judges would like to understand how you created an experience that enhanced your target audiences’ perception of the institution and communicated the essence of your brand and unique offer. This category is open to physical, virtual and hybrid open day entries, but also other events too. How did you drive your audience to a destination at a certain time for an experience, and how did you deliver a unique, effective experience for them?
What the judges want to know:
The overall aim of your project (What was it about? Who were your target audience? What challenge had been identified?) – approx. 100 words
SMART Objectives and overall budget for the project (One sentence per objective) – approx. 100 words
Details of your plan (How did you plan to achieve your objectives? How does the event fit into your wider strategy?) – approx. 200 words
How did data and insight inform your decisions? – approx. 100 words
Details of your entire Event Experience, from sign up to post event – approx. 300 words
What was the impact of the project? A) What were the outcomes relative to each objective? (Did the campaign achieve the initial objectives and how well did it perform?) – approx. 300 words B) ROI (include figures & calculations) – approx. 100 words
Why you should win – approx. 150 words.
The judges will be particularly looking for demonstration of sector-leading innovation, outstanding creative and evidence of how EDI, accessibility and sustainability have been considered.
TOTAL WORD LIMIT - 1350 *Please note any entries submitted that surpass the total word limit may be disqualified.
Best Widening Participation Initiative 2025
This award recognises the most innovative marketing project or activity that promoted diversity and encourages people from non-traditional backgrounds to enter further and/or higher education, or extends the reach of the institution to new audiences.
What the judges want to know:
The overall aim of your project. Describe the background and context of your widening participation or outreach initiative (What was it about? Who were your target audience? What challenge had been identified?) – approx. 150 words
SMART Objectives and overall budget for the project (One sentence per objective) – approx. 100 words
How did you achieve your objectives? – approx. 350 words
What was the impact of the project? A) What were the outcomes relative to each objective? (Did the campaign achieve the initial objectives and how well did it perform?) – approx. 300 words B) ROI (include figures & calculations) – approx. 100 words
Why should you win? How does your initiative differ from standard practice in the sector? Is it transferable as an example of good practice? – approx. 250 words
The judges will be particularly looking for demonstration of sector-leading innovation, outstanding creative and evidence of how EDI, accessibility and sustainability have been considered.
TOTAL WORD LIMIT - 1250 *Please note any entries submitted that surpass the total word limit may be disqualified.
BEst use of data, insight or marketing research 2025
This award seeks to recognise innovative marketing activity routed in data-driven customer and market insight. Have you used data to drive a business outcome for the institution (for example student recruitment, portfolio development, reputation or an alternative motivation)? The winning work will show how data and insight was used to contribute to an improvement in institutional performance or reputation and will celebrate those who have put in place data driven initiatives with measurable results.
What the judges want to know:
The overall aim of your project (What was it about? Who were your target audience? What challenge had been identified?) – approx. 100 words
SMART Objectives and overall budget for the project (One sentence per objective) – approx. 100 words
How did you achieve your objectives? Demonstrate how the application of data and insights facilitated smarter campaign decisions and performance – approx. 350 words
What was the impact of the project? A) What were the outcomes relative to each objective? (Demonstrate how the use of data and insight improved institutional performance or reputation including actual student numbers versus target) – approx. 300 words B) ROI (include figures & calculations) – approx. 100 words
Why you should win – approx. 150 words
The judges will be particularly looking for demonstration of sector-leading innovation, outstanding creative and evidence of how EDI, accessibility and sustainability have been considered. TOTAL WORD LIMIT - 1100 *Please note any entries submitted that surpass the total word limit may be disqualified.
best community/ business engagement campaign 2025
Entries in this category should include initiatives or campaigns to engage with your local community, businesses or the corporate community. They will usually involve a range of integrated activities and use of different marketing/PR techniques and communication channels.
What the judges want to know:
The overall aim of your campaign (What was it about? Who were your target audience? What challenge had been identified?) – approx. 100 words
SMART Objectives and overall budget for the project (One sentence per objective) – approx. 100 words
Details of the campaign or initiative (How did you plan to achieve your objectives? What activity was selected and why?) – approx. 250 words
How did data and insight inform your decisions? – approx. 100 words
What was the impact of the project? A) What were the outcomes relative to each objective? (Did the campaign achieve the initial objectives and how well did it perform?) – approx. 300 wordsB) ROI (include figures & calculations) – approx. 100 words
Why you should win – 150 words.
The judges will be particularly looking for demonstration of sector-leading innovation, outstanding creative and evidence of how EDI, accessibility and sustainability have been considered.
TOTAL WORD LIMIT - 1100 *Please note any entries submitted that surpass the total word limit may be disqualified.
Best student or alumni engagement initiative 2025
This category seeks to recognise a specific campaign or initiative addressing an identifiable challenge or objective. It could include campaigns covering activity for current undergraduate students, postgraduate students or alumni. Any work specifically produced for institutions wishing to communicate with their current or past students can be entered including on-campus activity, newsletters, apps, websites or a one-off communications project, including wellbeing initiatives (please note this is not for student recruitment activity, or business/community engagement campaigns).
What the judges want to know:
The overall aim of your project (What was it about? Who were your target audience? What challenge had been identified?) – approx. 100 words
SMART Objectives and overall budget for the project (One sentence per objective) – approx. 100 words
Details of your initiative (How did you plan to achieve your objectives? What activity was selected and why?) – approx. 250 words
How did data and insight inform your decisions? – approx. 100 words
What was the impact of the project? A) What were the outcomes relative to each objective? (Did the campaign achieve the initial objectives and how well did it perform?) – approx. 300 words B) Outcome ROI (include figures & calculations) – approx. 100 words
Why should you win? – approx. 150 words
The judges will be particularly looking for demonstration of sector-leading innovation, outstanding creative and evidence of how EDI, accessibility and sustainability have been considered.
TOTAL WORD LIMIT - 1100 *Please note any entries submitted that surpass the total word limit may be disqualified.
best prospective student journey/ experience 2025
This award recognises institutions that offer an outstanding, consistent, and distinctive experience for every prospect/student, from the point of initial engagement through to application and offer or decline. We are looking for evidence of a well-planned and executed experience across multiple stages of the student journey (for example, this could include how you kept applicants warm with digital marketing or printed materials, buddy and ambassador schemes, events or your welcome activities). The campaign should bring to life the brand of the institution whilst engaging students throughout the process. Any form of campaign can be entered, but it must demonstrate continuity in look-and-feel, engagement and alignment to the institution’s objectives.
What the judges want to know:
The overall aim of your campaign (What was it about? Who were your target audience? What challenge had been identified?) – approx. 100 words
SMART Objectives and overall budget for the project (One sentence per objective) – approx. 100 words
Details of the campaign (How did you plan to achieve your objectives? What activity was selected and why?) – approx. 250 words
How did data and insight inform your decisions? – approx. 100 words
How does campaign demonstrate consistency and alignment to your brand? – approx. 150 words
What was the impact of the project? A) What were the outcomes relative to each objective? – approx. 300 words B) ROI (include figures & calculations) – approx. 100 words
Why should you win? – approx. 150 words
The judges will be particularly looking for demonstration of sector-leading innovation, outstanding creative and evidence of how EDI, accessibility and sustainability have been considered.
TOTAL WORD LIMIT - 1250 *Please note any entries submitted that surpass the total word limit may be disqualified.
collaboration of the year 2025
This award recognises outstanding collaborative efforts between institutions, departments, or external partners that have led to significant achievements. We’re looking for projects that demonstrate effective teamwork, shared goals, and impactful results.
What the judges want to know: •The overall aim of your collaboration. (What was it about? Who were your partners? What challenge had been identified?) approx. 100 words •SMART Objectives and overall budget for the project. (One sentence per objective) approx. 100 words •Details of your collaboration. (How did you plan to achieve your objectives? What was the collaborative approach?) approx. 250 words •How did data and insight inform your decisions? approx. 100 words •What was the impact of the collaboration? (What were the outcomes relative to each objective? How did the collaboration push boundaries? Has the collaboration led to other projects or a long-term relationship with your chosen partners?) approx. 300 words •Why should you win? approx. 150 words
The judges will be particularly looking for demonstration of sector-leading innovation, outstanding teamwork, and evidence of how EDI, accessibility, and sustainability have been considered.
Total word count: 1000 words
rising star award 2025
This category will acknowledge emerging talent in the industry recognising those who go above and beyond in their professional role.
The Award is not about young versus old; it is simply about celebrating and recognising the achievements of those at the beginning of their career in the sector - shining a spotlight on their success and championing the institutions that do the most to foster and develop new talent in the industry.
Institutions and individuals are welcome to submit nominations for consideration (Please note self-nomination entries will not be accepted and nominated individuals should have a maximum of 3 years of experience in the sector).
Candidates will be judged on three primary factors:
Description of the individual role played by the candidate and the resulting positive outcomes in projects, publications, activities, or initiatives that in total demonstrate exceptional early and ongoing achievement.
Evidence that the contributions of the candidate are having a sustained and positive impact on his or her institution and/or the profession.
Evidence that the candidate's portfolio of work and resulting successes points to increasing levels of responsibility.
In addition, the judges will also look for evidence that supports:
Significant innovation
Uniqueness and impact of the candidate's contributions.
TOTAL WORD LIMIT - 1000
marketing team of the year 2025
The jewel in the crown – prove to the education sector why you have the best FE or HE marketing team. This category is your chance to sell your team, the work you have done and how it has impacted on the wider business needs of your institution.
What the judges want to know:
The number of people in your team
The different roles you have within your team
The types of work that your team manages
Projects undertaken in the last 12 months
And most importantly what makes your team eligible to be called ‘Marketing Team of the Year’.
Total word count - 1000
ENTRY RULES
Who can enter? We welcome entries from all organisations offering further and/or higher education or operating within the sector, regardless of geographical location. Agencies or suppliers may enter on behalf of clients. The client must be ‘organisations offering further and/or higher education’. Awards will be made in the name of both the client and the agency or supplier, however only one certificate and one trophy will be supplied per winner. Additional copies of trophies and/or certificates will be available to purchase after the Gala Dinner in July. Your client must be fully aware and in agreement with the entry. Agencies and suppliers to the sector may not enter their own marketing initiatives. Havas People reserve the right to refuse any entry without any further recourse. What do I need to do to enter? You must submit entries online at www.heistawards.com on or before midnight on Friday 28th February 2025. Entries by any other means will not be accepted. Late entries will only be accepted with the discretion of Havas People. We would strongly advise that you make your entry before the closing day. Havas People reserve the right to extend the entry deadline in exceptional circumstances. Specifications For all categories, you must upload your entry as a PDF document (which can include illustrations and /or links to the work) and attach a high-resolution logo of your institution. The submission should not exceed the specified word limit for each category (see categories for details). Judges will be looking for and giving a score for creativity across all categories. Please ensure that any objectives you list are SMART – Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Time Based. What time period would my work have had to run in? Your entries must be based on publications/materials/projects that are both recent (live within the past 12-18 months) and also fully evaluated. Supporting Materials For campaign categories, you may submit, online with your entry, supporting jpegs/pdfs of any creative work to support your entry. Please ensure these are of the highest quality as they may be used for display purposes including marketing material produced by Havas People for print, social media or online in connection with the Awards. No other supporting material may be supplied, but if the judges require any clarification you will be contacted. Word counts A total word count limit has been set for each category. These word count limits are specific to each category and should be adhered to. Suggested word count limits for each element of the category criteria have also been provided, which can be used as a guide on how to split your entry and as an indicator to where the judges are looking for the most detail. Any entries submitted that surpass the total word count may be disqualified. Entry fee and deadline The early bird entry fee is £210 plus vat per entry, per category. This fee will be valid until Friday 17th January 2025. Entries submitted after Thursday 1st February will be £235 plus vat. Judging Initial judging will be undertaken online by the judging panels between March - April 2025 before the panels meet to decide the final winners in May. Once this has been undertaken, the shortlist will be published online. The judges’ decision will be final and we regret neither Havas People nor the judges can enter into discussion about individual cases or the selection of winners. Shortlist and winners The shortlist will be announced in May 2025. You will be informed via email if your entry has been shortlisted, and you may be asked to supply further material to showcase your entry. The winners will be announced at the Heist Awards ‘Gala Dinner’ on Thursday10th July 2025.