The Systematic Literature Review (SLR) Masterclass is an intensive, evidence‑based training program designed to equip researchers, postgraduate students, and professionals with the knowledge and practical skills necessary to conduct high‑quality, publishable systematic reviews.
From Research Question to Publication‑Ready Review
Led by Prof. Beatrice Opeolu, together with Prof. Gabriel Dedeke and Dr. Florence Dedeke, the program provides end‑to‑end guidance — from conceptualising a research question and designing a robust review protocol, to conducting screening, data synthesis, and writing for publication.
This masterclass bridges theory and practice, combining internationally recognised frameworks (such as PRISMA, PICO/PECO/PEO, and GRADE) with hands‑on demonstrations using widely used software tools like Mendeley, Covidence, Rayyan, RevMan, and NVivo. Each component of the course is designed to build competence, confidence, and methodological rigour in evidence synthesis.
Purpose
The masterclass aims to demystify the systematic review process, providing participants with a clear, structured workflow for designing and executing comprehensive and transparent literature reviews that meet international publication standards.
Participants will gain both theoretical understanding and practical exposure to:
- Defining and refining research questions
- Identifying research gaps and selecting appropriate methodologies
- Designing and registering systematic review protocols
- Conducting comprehensive literature searches and managing references
- Extracting, assessing, and synthesising data
- Writing and reporting reviews following PRISMA guidelines
- Preparing outputs for publication, conferences, and policy briefs
Course Structure
The masterclass unfolds across two integrated modules, reflecting the complete lifecycle of a systematic review:
Module 1: Understanding Systematic Literature Reviews
Module 1 introduces the foundational concepts and prepares participants to plan their reviews systematically. It covers understanding the types and purposes of reviews, identifying research gaps, formulating research questions using established frameworks, designing review protocols under PRISMA‑P, and developing comprehensive search strategies.Participants also gain practical experience conducting database searches, managing references with Mendeley, and preparing literature libraries for screening.
Module 2: Conducting and Reporting Systematic Literature Reviews
Module 2 takes participants into the execution and reporting phases. It focuses on study screening and selection, data extraction and quality appraisal, as well as advanced methods for data synthesis (qualitative, quantitative, and mixed‑methods). The module concludes with guidance on writing and reporting according to PRISMA 2020 standards, with insights on how to share findings effectively through journals, conferences, and policy communication.
Learning Outcomes
By completing the masterclass, participants will be able to:
- Design and register transparent review protocols using international standards
- Conduct systematic and replicable literature searches across multiple databases
- Apply rigorous methods for study screening, data extraction, and quality appraisal
- Perform qualitative and quantitative data synthesis using analytical tools
- Write, structure, and report a publishable systematic review
- Avoid common methodological pitfalls and enhance research reproducibility
Unique Value
- Expert Facilitation: Delivered by internationally recognised research leaders with extensive publication experience.
- Practical and Interactive: Balances conceptual instruction with real‑world application and tool‑based demonstrations.
- Globally Recognised Standards: Aligned with PRISMA, Cochrane, CASP, and GRADE frameworks.
- End‑to‑End Methodology: Covers every phase—from idea to publication.
- Applied Relevance: Equips participants to produce reviews that inform policy, guide research, and support postgraduate theses.
Format and Duration
Originally presented as a two‑day intensive workshop, the masterclass is also offered as an online, self‑paced learning program totalling approximately 16 hours of content. Videos, templates, guided exercises, and interactive assessments replicate the depth and engagement of the live sessions, allowing learners to progress flexibly on their own schedule.
Who Should Enrol
Ideal for:
- Postgraduate and doctoral researchers designing theses or dissertations
- Academics and professionals undertaking evidence syntheses
- Early‑career researchers preparing publications
- Policy analysts, scientists, and sector specialists seeking evidence‑based research skills
Outcome and Certification
Participants who complete both modules, including practical exercises and final assessments, receive a Certificate of Mastery in Systematic Literature Review, attesting to their methodological proficiency and readiness to conduct and publish systematic reviews aligned with international best practices.
