Digital, Creative & Business
Adobe Photoshop
Photo editing, retouching and graphics production in Photoshop.
Syllabus at a glance
Around 4 weeks of guided study, with weekday evening or weekend sessions and short practical tasks between sessions.
| Unit | Study block | Module |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Week 1 | Interface, layers and selections |
| 2 | Week 2 | Photo correction and retouching |
| 3 | Week 3 | Text, effects and compositing |
| 4 | Week 4 | Export for print and web |
Module breakdown
- 1
Interface, layers and selections
Week 1Build a shared working vocabulary for interface, layers and selections and set the standards this course expects of you.
What you cover
- Key concepts, terminology and standards behind interface, layers and selections
- Step-by-step methods and templates for interface, layers and selections
- Common problems, risks and mistakes in interface, layers and selections, and how to avoid them
- Applying interface, layers and selections in low-resource and community settings
Assessed work: Case study discussion applying interface, layers and selections to a local scenario.
- 2
Photo correction and retouching
Week 2Work through the methods and tools used for photo correction and retouching in day-to-day programme work.
What you cover
- Step-by-step methods and templates for photo correction and retouching
- Common problems, risks and mistakes in photo correction and retouching, and how to avoid them
- Applying photo correction and retouching in low-resource and community settings
Assessed work: Practical task: draft one working document related to photo correction and retouching.
- 3
Text, effects and compositing
Week 3Practise text, effects and compositing on realistic case material drawn from Sierra Leonean community and field settings.
What you cover
- Common problems, risks and mistakes in text, effects and compositing, and how to avoid them
- Applying text, effects and compositing in low-resource and community settings
- Recording, reporting and communicating your text, effects and compositing work
Assessed work: Group simulation using text, effects and compositing under time pressure.
- 4
Export for print and web
Week 4Turn export for print and web into documents, plans and decisions your team or employer can actually use.
What you cover
- Applying export for print and web in low-resource and community settings
- Recording, reporting and communicating your export for print and web work
- Key concepts, terminology and standards behind export for print and web
Assessed work: Portfolio entry: reflect on how you will use export for print and web in your role.
Who this course is for
- • Learners, freelancers and small business owners who want practical, job-ready digital skills.
- • Programme, project and community staff who need structured, practical training.
- • School leavers and graduates building a first professional portfolio.
Entry requirements
- • Open to all learners; no formal qualification required.
- • Access to a phone, tablet or computer for online and blended study.
- • Commitment to attend sessions and submit assignments on time.
How you are assessed
- • Short module tasks completed during the course.
- • Practical component: Portfolio piece completed and reviewed in class.
- • A final assessment or portfolio review covering the full syllabus.
- • Participation in guided sessions, discussions and group exercises.
Materials and support
- • Session handouts, checklists and templates you keep after the course.
- • Practice files and design or campaign briefs for each tool covered.
- • Tutor guidance by WhatsApp between sessions.
Certification
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.
Learning outcomes
By the end of the certificate you should be able to:
- Retouch and correct photographs
- Build layered graphic compositions
- Export correctly for print and web
Practical component
Portfolio piece completed and reviewed in class.
How this programme is delivered
Online
Guided sessions and assignments you can follow from anywhere with a connection.
Face-to-face
Classroom sessions at our Mile 91 learning centre, including weekend and evening options.
Blended
A mix of online study with periodic in-person workshops, field exercises and simulations.
Ready to start Adobe Photoshop?
Applications for the Founding Student Intake 2026 are open. Register your interest and we will guide you to the right programme.