Digital, Creative & Business
Microsoft Excel
Spreadsheets, formulas and data analysis for everyday work.
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 | Worksheets, formatting and formulas |
| 2 | Week 2 | Functions, lookups and logic |
| 3 | Week 3 | Charts, sorting and filtering |
| 4 | Week 4 | PivotTables and simple dashboards |
Module breakdown
- 1
Worksheets, formatting and formulas
Week 1Build a shared working vocabulary for worksheets, formatting and formulas and set the standards this course expects of you.
What you cover
- Key concepts, terminology and standards behind worksheets, formatting and formulas
- Step-by-step methods and templates for worksheets, formatting and formulas
- Common problems, risks and mistakes in worksheets, formatting and formulas, and how to avoid them
- Applying worksheets, formatting and formulas in low-resource and community settings
Assessed work: Case study discussion applying worksheets, formatting and formulas to a local scenario.
- 2
Functions, lookups and logic
Week 2Work through the methods and tools used for functions, lookups and logic in day-to-day programme work.
What you cover
- Step-by-step methods and templates for functions, lookups and logic
- Common problems, risks and mistakes in functions, lookups and logic, and how to avoid them
- Applying functions, lookups and logic in low-resource and community settings
Assessed work: Practical task: draft one working document related to functions, lookups and logic.
- 3
Charts, sorting and filtering
Week 3Practise charts, sorting and filtering on realistic case material drawn from Sierra Leonean community and field settings.
What you cover
- Common problems, risks and mistakes in charts, sorting and filtering, and how to avoid them
- Applying charts, sorting and filtering in low-resource and community settings
- Recording, reporting and communicating your charts, sorting and filtering work
Assessed work: Group simulation using charts, sorting and filtering under time pressure.
- 4
PivotTables and simple dashboards
Week 4Turn pivotTables and simple dashboards into documents, plans and decisions your team or employer can actually use.
What you cover
- Applying pivotTables and simple dashboards in low-resource and community settings
- Recording, reporting and communicating your pivotTables and simple dashboards work
- Key concepts, terminology and standards behind pivotTables and simple dashboards
Assessed work: Portfolio entry: reflect on how you will use pivotTables and simple dashboards 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: Complete a workplace file using the tool.
- • 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:
- Build reliable working spreadsheets
- Analyse data with functions and pivots
- Present data in clear charts
Practical component
Complete a workplace file using the tool.
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 Microsoft Excel?
Applications for the Founding Student Intake 2026 are open. Register your interest and we will guide you to the right programme.