Digital, Creative & Business
Graphic Design & Digital Content Creation
Design skills for posters, social media and organisational branding using industry tools.
Syllabus at a glance
Around 12 weeks of guided study, typically two sessions a week plus independent work, so you can keep working while you study.
| Unit | Study block | Module |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Weeks 1–2 | Design principles, layout and typography |
| 2 | Weeks 3–4 | Colour, branding and visual identity |
| 3 | Weeks 5–6 | Photoshop and Illustrator essentials |
| 4 | Weeks 7–8 | Canva and fast social content production |
| 5 | Weeks 9–12 | Print preparation and portfolio building |
Module breakdown
- 1
Design principles, layout and typography
Weeks 1–2Build a shared working vocabulary for design principles, layout and typography and set the standards this course expects of you.
What you cover
- Key concepts, terminology and standards behind design principles, layout and typography
- Step-by-step methods and templates for design principles, layout and typography
- Common problems, risks and mistakes in design principles, layout and typography, and how to avoid them
- Applying design principles, layout and typography in low-resource and community settings
Assessed work: Case study discussion applying design principles, layout and typography to a local scenario.
- 2
Colour, branding and visual identity
Weeks 3–4Work through the methods and tools used for colour, branding and visual identity in day-to-day programme work.
What you cover
- Step-by-step methods and templates for colour, branding and visual identity
- Common problems, risks and mistakes in colour, branding and visual identity, and how to avoid them
- Applying colour, branding and visual identity in low-resource and community settings
Assessed work: Practical task: draft one working document related to colour, branding and visual identity.
- 3
Photoshop and Illustrator essentials
Weeks 5–6Practise photoshop and Illustrator essentials on realistic case material drawn from Sierra Leonean community and field settings.
What you cover
- Common problems, risks and mistakes in photoshop and Illustrator essentials, and how to avoid them
- Applying photoshop and Illustrator essentials in low-resource and community settings
- Recording, reporting and communicating your photoshop and Illustrator essentials work
Assessed work: Group simulation using photoshop and Illustrator essentials under time pressure.
- 4
Canva and fast social content production
Weeks 7–8Turn canva and fast social content production into documents, plans and decisions your team or employer can actually use.
What you cover
- Applying canva and fast social content production in low-resource and community settings
- Recording, reporting and communicating your canva and fast social content production work
- Key concepts, terminology and standards behind canva and fast social content production
Assessed work: Portfolio entry: reflect on how you will use canva and fast social content production in your role.
- 5
Print preparation and portfolio building
Weeks 9–12Review, quality-check and improve your own print preparation and portfolio building work with tutor and peer feedback.
What you cover
- Recording, reporting and communicating your print preparation and portfolio building work
- Key concepts, terminology and standards behind print preparation and portfolio building
- Step-by-step methods and templates for print preparation and portfolio building
Assessed work: Guided exercise: produce a short worked example covering print preparation and portfolio building.
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
- • 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.
How you are assessed
- • Short module tasks completed during the course.
- • Practical component: Build a five-piece client-ready design portfolio.
- • 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:
- Design branded materials for print and social
- Work confidently in industry design tools
- Present a professional design portfolio
Practical component
Build a five-piece client-ready design portfolio.
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 Graphic Design & Digital Content Creation?
Applications for the Founding Student Intake 2026 are open. Register your interest and we will guide you to the right programme.