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Official programme prospectus
Research Methods, Data Analysis & Evidence-Based Reporting
Design studies, analyse data and write evidence that decision-makers can act on.
- Duration
- 6 months / about 24 weeks
- Fee
- SLE 3,500
- Delivery
- Online · Face-to-face · Blended
- Level
- Advanced
SLIHSD · Research Methods, Data Analysis & Evidence-Based Reporting · Programme prospectus
1. About SLIHSD
Sierra Leone Institute for Humanitarian and Sustainable Development is a developing professional education, training and capacity-development institute focused on practical, accessible learning for humanitarian, community and sustainable-development practice.
2. Why this programme?
Design studies, analyse data and write evidence that decision-makers can act on. The programme is structured for learners who need practical, assessable capability they can connect to real responsibilities while continuing work or other commitments.
3. Programme at a glance
- Category
- Leadership, Governance & Research
- Level
- Advanced
- Duration
- 6 months (about 24 weeks)
- Study modes
- Online · Face-to-face · Blended
- Indicative programme fee
- SLE 3,500
- Registration fee
- SLE 100
- Location
- Mile 91, Tonkolili District, Sierra Leone
- Application deadline
- 31 March 2026
Around 24 weeks of guided study, typically two sessions a week plus independent work, so you can keep working while you study.
4. Target audience
- • NGO, public-service and community-organisation staff with planning, leadership, finance, research or reporting duties.
- • Project officers and emerging managers seeking stronger professional systems and decision-making skills.
- • Graduates and practitioners building an applied work portfolio.
5. Entry requirements
- • Basic literacy and secondary-level education, or relevant practical work experience.
- • Access to a phone, tablet or computer for online and blended study.
- • Commitment to attend sessions and submit assignments on time.
6. Learning outcomes
- • Design an ethical, feasible study
- • Analyse and interpret field data
- • Write a clear evidence-based report
7. Course structure and modules
| Unit | Study block | Module |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Weeks 1–5 | Research design, sampling and ethics |
| 2 | Weeks 6–10 | Survey design and qualitative interviewing |
| 3 | Weeks 11–15 | Data management and cleaning |
| 4 | Weeks 16–20 | Analysis with spreadsheets and statistical basics |
| 5 | Weeks 21–24 | Evidence-based writing and dissemination |
8. Detailed module breakdown
1. Research design, sampling and ethics (Weeks 1–5)
Examine research design, sampling and ethics as an evidence-to-decision process, from selecting suitable methods to interpreting and presenting findings.
- • Purpose, scope and ethical considerations for research design, sampling and ethics
- • Appropriate data sources, methods and quality checks
- • Interpretation, documentation and decision-ready reporting
Assessed work: Produce and review a working analysis or evidence tool for research design, sampling and ethics.
2. Survey design and qualitative interviewing (Weeks 6–10)
Examine survey design and qualitative interviewing as an evidence-to-decision process, from selecting suitable methods to interpreting and presenting findings.
- • Purpose, scope and ethical considerations for survey design and qualitative interviewing
- • Appropriate data sources, methods and quality checks
- • Interpretation, documentation and decision-ready reporting
Assessed work: Produce and review a working analysis or evidence tool for survey design and qualitative interviewing.
3. Data management and cleaning (Weeks 11–15)
Examine data management and cleaning as an evidence-to-decision process, from selecting suitable methods to interpreting and presenting findings.
- • Purpose, scope and ethical considerations for data management and cleaning
- • Appropriate data sources, methods and quality checks
- • Interpretation, documentation and decision-ready reporting
Assessed work: Produce and review a working analysis or evidence tool for data management and cleaning.
4. Analysis with spreadsheets and statistical basics (Weeks 16–20)
Examine analysis with spreadsheets and statistical basics as an evidence-to-decision process, from selecting suitable methods to interpreting and presenting findings.
- • Purpose, scope and ethical considerations for analysis with spreadsheets and statistical basics
- • Appropriate data sources, methods and quality checks
- • Interpretation, documentation and decision-ready reporting
Assessed work: Produce and review a working analysis or evidence tool for analysis with spreadsheets and statistical basics.
5. Evidence-based writing and dissemination (Weeks 21–24)
Build audience-aware and ethical practice in evidence-based writing and dissemination, from evidence and message design to delivery and feedback.
- • Audience, purpose and ethical practice in evidence-based writing and dissemination
- • Message, content or participation methods
- • Delivery channels, feedback and quality review
Assessed work: Create and present an audience-ready communication product for evidence-based writing and dissemination.
9. Practical project / portfolio
Complete a small applied research study and final report.
10. Teaching & learning approach
- • Tutor-led explanation and demonstration focused on the published module topics.
- • Guided practice using cases, scenarios, templates or production tasks relevant to the programme.
- • Individual and group feedback that helps learners improve work before final submission.
- • Flexible online, face-to-face or blended participation, with evening and weekend scheduling where available.
11. Assessment & completion
- • Short applied tasks linked to the published modules.
- • Practical component: Complete a small applied research study and final report.
- • A final assessment or portfolio review covering the full syllabus.
- • Participation in guided sessions, discussions and group exercises.
12. Career & professional pathways
- • Apply the programme’s tools in field, programme, coordination or community-facing responsibilities related to leadership, Governance & Research.
- • Use the completed project or portfolio as evidence of applied professional development.
- • Progress to related SLIHSD intermediate or advanced professional learning where available.
13. Learner support
- • Session handouts, checklists and templates you keep after the course.
- • Case material and worked examples based on community and field practice.
- • Tutor guidance by WhatsApp between sessions.
14. Fees & enrolment
Indicative programme fee for this course is SLE 3,500, plus a one-off registration fee of SLE 100. Final fees and any instalment arrangement are confirmed with you in writing before you commit.
| Course length | Indicative fee |
|---|---|
| 1 month short courses | SLE 150 – 750 |
| 1–3 months | SLE 2,500 |
| 3–6 months | SLE 3,500 |
| 6–18 months | SLE 5,000 |
15. Quality, recognition & regulatory notice
SLIHSD is a developing professional learning institution. Accreditation and formal recognition are subject to applicable regulatory approvals. Completion records an SLIHSD professional short course and is not presented as an accredited academic award.
Learners who complete all assessments receive an SLIHSD professional certificate of completion. This records completion of an SLIHSD short course and is not presented as an accredited academic award.
16. Contact & application
Learn. Build skills. Make a difference.
Apply online at slihsd.org/admissions, message us on WhatsApp +232 73655013, call +232 73655013, or email info@slihsd.org.
Sierra Leone Institute for Humanitarian and Sustainable Development (SLIHSD) · Mile 91, Tonkolili District, Sierra Leone · WhatsApp Business +232 73655013 · info@slihsd.org · slihsd.org
SLIHSD is a developing professional learning institution. Accreditation and formal recognition are subject to applicable regulatory approvals. Certificates issued reflect completion of SLIHSD short courses and are not presented as accredited academic awards.