Leadership, Governance & Research
Research Methods, Data Analysis & Evidence-Based Reporting
Design studies, analyse data and write evidence that decision-makers can act on.
View prospectus
Programme rationale
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.
Programme at a glance
Around 24 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 1–5 | 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 |
Target audience & entry requirements
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.
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.
Learning outcomes
By the end of the programme, learners should be able to:
- Design an ethical, feasible study
- Analyse and interpret field data
- Write a clear evidence-based report
Detailed modules
Each module below follows this programme’s published syllabus and contributes to the final practical work.
- 1
Research design, sampling and ethics
Weeks 1–5Examine research design, sampling and ethics as an evidence-to-decision process, from selecting suitable methods to interpreting and presenting findings.
What you cover
- 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 6–10Examine survey design and qualitative interviewing as an evidence-to-decision process, from selecting suitable methods to interpreting and presenting findings.
What you cover
- 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 11–15Examine data management and cleaning as an evidence-to-decision process, from selecting suitable methods to interpreting and presenting findings.
What you cover
- 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 16–20Examine analysis with spreadsheets and statistical basics as an evidence-to-decision process, from selecting suitable methods to interpreting and presenting findings.
What you cover
- 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 21–24Build audience-aware and ethical practice in evidence-based writing and dissemination, from evidence and message design to delivery and feedback.
What you cover
- 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.
Practical project / portfolio
Complete a small applied research study and final report.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Career & professional pathways
This programme supports professional development; it does not guarantee employment, promotion or entry to a regulated occupation.
- 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.
Fees & enrolment
- • Indicative programme fee: SLE 3,500.
- • One-off indicative registration fee: SLE 100.
- • Final fees, start date, delivery arrangement and any instalment option are confirmed in writing before commitment.
- • Submitting an application does not require payment and does not guarantee admission.
Regulatory & recognition 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.
Ready to start Research Methods, Data Analysis & Evidence-Based Reporting?
Applications for the Founding Student Intake 2026 are open. Register your interest and we will guide you to the right programme.