Crime Writing Diploma
Why you should study with us
Crime Writing Diploma Course
This course on Crime Writing is ideal for those with an existing interest in the crime fiction genre, as either a reader or amateur writer, looking to master the detailed and specific skills that they need to begin a rewarding and successful writing career in this thrilling field. The wide-ranging and varied course is split into ten interactive and intuitive modules and covers all of the knowledge and skills that you need to get started and make an impact as an author in the crime fiction market.
What you will learn
This course covers these key areas in detail, plus much more:
- The qualities and characteristics of a great crime fiction writer and some of the benefits and rewards that you can enjoy as a writer in this varied field
- An overview of some of the key sub-genres within crime fiction and a closer look at the fascinating careers and writing styles of some of the world’s best-selling crime authors
- Deciding on your own particular writing style and identifying your all-important target readership groups
- Tried and tested techniques to plan and build a gripping plot for your crime story
- Great ways to structure and pace your story, including how to effectively build suspense and intrigue by using clues, red herrings and other techniques to keep your readers guessing
- How to choose the setting of your crime novel, including deciding on a great location for your book and the best time period in which to base your novel
- The importance of writing a thrilling and compelling start to your book and how to do it, including an overview of the use of prologues and backstories
- How to create thrilling, intriguing and believable characters for your crime novel, with a particular focus on creating interesting detective characters
- The different roles that dialogue can play in your novel and how to write exceptional dialogue, both creatively and grammatically
- How to write thrilling descriptions using a variety of stylistic devices to add interest and enrich your writing
- Factors to consider when deciding on your crime scene and how to craft a superb ending to your novel that will both satisfy and intrigue your readers
- How to generate new ideas for your story, including great tips on how to tap into your own creative reserves and how to use automatic plot generators
- Choosing a title, front cover and blurb for your novel which will hook potential readers to find out more
- How to make mainstream and niche publishing houses sit up and pay attention to your novel
- The rise of self-publishing and great ways to build a successful online presence for your e-book.
Benefits of taking the Crime Writing Diploma
Each module will provide you with a wealth of information and some expert tips to broaden your creative writing skills and will equip you with everything that you need to hit the ground running and get started writing your very own crime fiction novel. The Crime Writing Diploma offers students the following benefits:
- The ability to study anywhere at times that suit you
- Study at your own pace, with no deadlines: complete it as quickly or as slowly as you like
- Use any internet enabled device to study on, including computers, tablets and mobile phones
- Follow the course easily thanks to interesting, informative modules, which make studying fun
- A convenient online support system, helping you to stay on track throughout the course
- A comprehensive curriculum, providing you with the knowledge you need to begin writing crime novels.
- Earn a certified, recognised diploma
- An affordable cost
Who should take this course?
If you are already an avid reader of crime fiction and have always wanted to try your hand at writing your own crime novel, this course is the ideal starting point for you. It is also particularly useful for those with some previous writing experience in other genres who want to deepen their understanding of the crime fiction field. However, this course has been specifically designed to require no previous knowledge of creative writing.
This course includes
24/7 Student Support
End of course certification
Lifetime access to your course
Compatible with modern devices
- An overview of the genre of creative crime writing;
- The benefits of getting into the crime fiction writing field;
- The qualities that you need, in order to be a great crime writer;
- How to lay the foundations before writing your crime novel;
- Agatha Christie - the world’s best-selling novelist!
- John Le Carré - from the British Intelligence Service to best-selling Spy author;
- James Patterson - author of fast paced contemporary crime which really packs a punch;
- Arthur Conan Doyle - the creator of one of the best loved detective characters of all time;
- An overview of the different sub-genres within the crime fiction market;
- Some thought-provoking statistics and themes from a recent survey of reading habits in the UK;
- The importance of identifying who your target audience is, before you start writing your own crime novel;
- How to find and recognise your all-important target readers;
- The importance of effectively integrating the different themes within your crime novel;
- Choosing your setting - how to decide on a great location for your book;
- Choosing your setting - what is the best time period in which to base your novel;
- Great techniques to create a really impactful start to your book;
- What a character profile is, and how they can be used to the best effect;
- Ideas to think about, when creating an interesting detective character;
- The role of auxiliary characters, and how to use them;
- Tips on how to create believable and interesting characters;
- What are the key ingredients of an intriguing crime fiction story?
- A basic structure for a crime novel, and the key events that usually take place in each section;
- Tried and tested tips and techniques for creating a gripping plot;
- Some exciting and intriguing ideas for your own crime novel;
- What dialogue is, and the importance of writing great dialogue in your novel;
- The different types of dialogue and the different effects that it creates;
- A comparison between two different types of dialogue in the crime fiction genre;
- Some great tips, to enable you to write your own masterful dialogue;
- Ideas to consider, when determining the length and structure of your crime novel;
- How to write thrilling descriptions, using a variety of stylistic devices;
- A review of the writing style of Raymond Chandler, bestselling crime novelist;
- Deciding on your crime scene;
- The Confrontation - a practical writing exercise;
- Generating ideas - using your own experiences and creativity;
- Generating ideas - using random online idea generators;
- Choosing a title for your crime novel;
- How to get noticed by mainstream and niche publishing houses;
- Building a successful online presence for your e-book;
- Writing a great blurb for your crime novel;
- How to build your confidence and sustain your motivation as an author;
ID: YDFT67YHJ
of achievement
This certificate is presented to
Your Name
For completing the
Crime Writing Diploma
on 21st November 2025
Selena Hurford
Selena Hurford
Course Tutor
Daniel Morgan
Daniel Morgan
Head of Academy
Anyone who has an interest in learning more about this subject matter is encouraged to take the course. There are no entry requirements to take the course.
The course is broken down into 10 individual modules. Each module takes between 20 and 90 minutes on average to study. Although you are free to spend as much or as little time as you feel necessary on each module, simply log in and out of the course at your convenience.
You can study the course any time you like. Simply log in and out of the web based course as often as you require. The course is compatible with all computers, tablet devices and smart phones so you can even study while on the move!
Once you have completed all 10 modules there is a multiple choice test. The questions will be on a range of topics found within the 10 modules. The test, like the course, is online and can be taken a time and location of your choosing.
The pass mark for the test is 70%.
If you don’t pass the test first time you will get further opportunities to take the test again after extra study. There are no limits to the number of times you can take the test. All test retakes are included within the price of the course.
Once you have completed your test you can log in to your account and download/print your certificate any time you need it. If you would prefer us to post you a certificate to a UK address, there will be an admin charge of £10 (certificates sent internationally may cost more).
You can either use your Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Solo cards or PayPal account to pay for the online course. Our site uses the latest SSL encryption to ensure your safety. All payments are handled securely by PayPal.
You can begin the course immediately after your payment has been received. You will create your login details during the checkout process. We will also send you an email confirming your login details.
We estimate that the course will take about 14 hours to complete in total, plus an additional 30 minutes for the end of course test.
Once you have been awarded your certificate it is valid for life. The certificate does not expire or need renewing.
Absolutely loved this course!! I am very happy with my experience in completing this online course with New Skills Academy.
It was an easy process and their website is very easy to get around. No stress over time limits. I worked through the course at my own pace, and from the comforts of my own home.
Very informative and loved the worksheet after each module which gave me a chance to really think about the work needed for the final test and gave me a chance to really understand each module.
I will definitely be putting what I have learned from the course into practice within our office.
Natalie Rogerson
I started this course as it is a keen interest of mine; as someone who worked as an office manager and administrator for large Estate Agents in London, I wanted to tighten my skills. I was not disappointed! There are a huge range of information; from dealing with aspects of marketing to legalities and a lot of reading. It was very easy to access and very thorough. I would recommend anyone looking to start in the industry, have an interest in property or simply want to brush up on knowledge and skills. I was very pleased overall with the course, and will recommend new skill academy to my friends.
Kelly-Anne Tomlinson-Docherty
This course is very comprehensive. It is packed full of very helpful information to aid the Teaching assistant to use his or her skills and knowledge to the full.
If this course is being taken by those who have no knowledge of being a TA, then in my honest opinion they would certainly know about the role when they finish.
I do like the online tests at the end. It does make you think and definitely reinforces what material has just been read. It is also an incentive when seeing a 'grade' to realise how much has been taken in thus encouraging enthusiasm to proceed to the next module.
In all I would say that this course is certainly worth doing, I'm enjoying it and what it has to offer.
Samantha Morgans
This course was a good introduction to payroll and the content was easy to read and well set out. I would recommend this course to anyone that would like to start out in payroll.
Mark McAuliffe
I was extremely worried at first that it wouldn’t be what I want in a course but the course is honestly absolutely amazing! It’s made to be really enjoyable, fun and easy to complete and best of all in your own time.
I could not recommend New Skills Academy any more! It’s now gave me something more to put on to my CV and get my career started in the area I’d love to be in for the rest of my life. Thank you so much for helping me reach my goals and achieve my dreams!
I’ve recommended to all of my friends and would also recommend to anyone looking into doing a course. Go for it you won’t regret it!
Helen Buckwell
Fantastic course with great instruction and demonstrations.
I can already feel the benefit of this course whilst at work through improved efficiency and the handy tips I have picked up.
I have been using Excel for years now and I really regret not seeking some tuition sooner as I have learnt so many simple but useful things that can really make a difference straight away.
Very pleased with this provider and looking forward to the advanced level and possibly further courses in the future.
I would highly recommend this to anyone wishing to enhance their current knowledge or as a refresher.
Jordan Price
Crime Writing Diploma Course
This course on Crime Writing is ideal for those with an existing interest in the crime fiction genre, as either a reader or amateur writer, looking to master the detailed and specific skills that they need to begin a rewarding and successful writing career in this thrilling field. The wide-ranging and varied course is split into ten interactive and intuitive modules and covers all of the knowledge and skills that you need to get started and make an impact as an author in the crime fiction market.
What you will learn
This course covers these key areas in detail, plus much more:
- The qualities and characteristics of a great crime fiction writer and some of the benefits and rewards that you can enjoy as a writer in this varied field
- An overview of some of the key sub-genres within crime fiction and a closer look at the fascinating careers and writing styles of some of the world’s best-selling crime authors
- Deciding on your own particular writing style and identifying your all-important target readership groups
- Tried and tested techniques to plan and build a gripping plot for your crime story
- Great ways to structure and pace your story, including how to effectively build suspense and intrigue by using clues, red herrings and other techniques to keep your readers guessing
- How to choose the setting of your crime novel, including deciding on a great location for your book and the best time period in which to base your novel
- The importance of writing a thrilling and compelling start to your book and how to do it, including an overview of the use of prologues and backstories
- How to create thrilling, intriguing and believable characters for your crime novel, with a particular focus on creating interesting detective characters
- The different roles that dialogue can play in your novel and how to write exceptional dialogue, both creatively and grammatically
- How to write thrilling descriptions using a variety of stylistic devices to add interest and enrich your writing
- Factors to consider when deciding on your crime scene and how to craft a superb ending to your novel that will both satisfy and intrigue your readers
- How to generate new ideas for your story, including great tips on how to tap into your own creative reserves and how to use automatic plot generators
- Choosing a title, front cover and blurb for your novel which will hook potential readers to find out more
- How to make mainstream and niche publishing houses sit up and pay attention to your novel
- The rise of self-publishing and great ways to build a successful online presence for your e-book.
Benefits of taking the Crime Writing Diploma
Each module will provide you with a wealth of information and some expert tips to broaden your creative writing skills and will equip you with everything that you need to hit the ground running and get started writing your very own crime fiction novel. The Crime Writing Diploma offers students the following benefits:
- The ability to study anywhere at times that suit you
- Study at your own pace, with no deadlines: complete it as quickly or as slowly as you like
- Use any internet enabled device to study on, including computers, tablets and mobile phones
- Follow the course easily thanks to interesting, informative modules, which make studying fun
- A convenient online support system, helping you to stay on track throughout the course
- A comprehensive curriculum, providing you with the knowledge you need to begin writing crime novels.
- Earn a certified, recognised diploma
- An affordable cost
Who should take this course?
If you are already an avid reader of crime fiction and have always wanted to try your hand at writing your own crime novel, this course is the ideal starting point for you. It is also particularly useful for those with some previous writing experience in other genres who want to deepen their understanding of the crime fiction field. However, this course has been specifically designed to require no previous knowledge of creative writing.
This course includes
24/7 Student Support
End of course certification
Lifetime access to your course
Compatible with modern devices
- An overview of the genre of creative crime writing;
- The benefits of getting into the crime fiction writing field;
- The qualities that you need, in order to be a great crime writer;
- How to lay the foundations before writing your crime novel;
- Agatha Christie - the world’s best-selling novelist!
- John Le Carré - from the British Intelligence Service to best-selling Spy author;
- James Patterson - author of fast paced contemporary crime which really packs a punch;
- Arthur Conan Doyle - the creator of one of the best loved detective characters of all time;
- An overview of the different sub-genres within the crime fiction market;
- Some thought-provoking statistics and themes from a recent survey of reading habits in the UK;
- The importance of identifying who your target audience is, before you start writing your own crime novel;
- How to find and recognise your all-important target readers;
- The importance of effectively integrating the different themes within your crime novel;
- Choosing your setting - how to decide on a great location for your book;
- Choosing your setting - what is the best time period in which to base your novel;
- Great techniques to create a really impactful start to your book;
- What a character profile is, and how they can be used to the best effect;
- Ideas to think about, when creating an interesting detective character;
- The role of auxiliary characters, and how to use them;
- Tips on how to create believable and interesting characters;
- What are the key ingredients of an intriguing crime fiction story?
- A basic structure for a crime novel, and the key events that usually take place in each section;
- Tried and tested tips and techniques for creating a gripping plot;
- Some exciting and intriguing ideas for your own crime novel;
- What dialogue is, and the importance of writing great dialogue in your novel;
- The different types of dialogue and the different effects that it creates;
- A comparison between two different types of dialogue in the crime fiction genre;
- Some great tips, to enable you to write your own masterful dialogue;
- Ideas to consider, when determining the length and structure of your crime novel;
- How to write thrilling descriptions, using a variety of stylistic devices;
- A review of the writing style of Raymond Chandler, bestselling crime novelist;
- Deciding on your crime scene;
- The Confrontation - a practical writing exercise;
- Generating ideas - using your own experiences and creativity;
- Generating ideas - using random online idea generators;
- Choosing a title for your crime novel;
- How to get noticed by mainstream and niche publishing houses;
- Building a successful online presence for your e-book;
- Writing a great blurb for your crime novel;
- How to build your confidence and sustain your motivation as an author;
ID: YDFT67YHJ
of achievement
This certificate is presented to
Your Name
For completing the
Crime Writing Diploma
on 21st November 2025
Selena Hurford
Selena Hurford
Course Tutor
Daniel Morgan
Daniel Morgan
Head of Academy
Anyone who has an interest in learning more about this subject matter is encouraged to take the course. There are no entry requirements to take the course.
The course is broken down into 10 individual modules. Each module takes between 20 and 90 minutes on average to study. Although you are free to spend as much or as little time as you feel necessary on each module, simply log in and out of the course at your convenience.
You can study the course any time you like. Simply log in and out of the web based course as often as you require. The course is compatible with all computers, tablet devices and smart phones so you can even study while on the move!
Once you have completed all 10 modules there is a multiple choice test. The questions will be on a range of topics found within the 10 modules. The test, like the course, is online and can be taken a time and location of your choosing.
The pass mark for the test is 70%.
If you don’t pass the test first time you will get further opportunities to take the test again after extra study. There are no limits to the number of times you can take the test. All test retakes are included within the price of the course.
Once you have completed your test you can log in to your account and download/print your certificate any time you need it. If you would prefer us to post you a certificate to a UK address, there will be an admin charge of £10 (certificates sent internationally may cost more).
You can either use your Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Solo cards or PayPal account to pay for the online course. Our site uses the latest SSL encryption to ensure your safety. All payments are handled securely by PayPal.
You can begin the course immediately after your payment has been received. You will create your login details during the checkout process. We will also send you an email confirming your login details.
We estimate that the course will take about 14 hours to complete in total, plus an additional 30 minutes for the end of course test.
Once you have been awarded your certificate it is valid for life. The certificate does not expire or need renewing.
Absolutely loved this course!! I am very happy with my experience in completing this online course with New Skills Academy.
It was an easy process and their website is very easy to get around. No stress over time limits. I worked through the course at my own pace, and from the comforts of my own home.
Very informative and loved the worksheet after each module which gave me a chance to really think about the work needed for the final test and gave me a chance to really understand each module.
I will definitely be putting what I have learned from the course into practice within our office.
Natalie Rogerson
I started this course as it is a keen interest of mine; as someone who worked as an office manager and administrator for large Estate Agents in London, I wanted to tighten my skills. I was not disappointed! There are a huge range of information; from dealing with aspects of marketing to legalities and a lot of reading. It was very easy to access and very thorough. I would recommend anyone looking to start in the industry, have an interest in property or simply want to brush up on knowledge and skills. I was very pleased overall with the course, and will recommend new skill academy to my friends.
Kelly-Anne Tomlinson-Docherty
This course is very comprehensive. It is packed full of very helpful information to aid the Teaching assistant to use his or her skills and knowledge to the full.
If this course is being taken by those who have no knowledge of being a TA, then in my honest opinion they would certainly know about the role when they finish.
I do like the online tests at the end. It does make you think and definitely reinforces what material has just been read. It is also an incentive when seeing a 'grade' to realise how much has been taken in thus encouraging enthusiasm to proceed to the next module.
In all I would say that this course is certainly worth doing, I'm enjoying it and what it has to offer.
Samantha Morgans
This course was a good introduction to payroll and the content was easy to read and well set out. I would recommend this course to anyone that would like to start out in payroll.
Mark McAuliffe
I was extremely worried at first that it wouldn’t be what I want in a course but the course is honestly absolutely amazing! It’s made to be really enjoyable, fun and easy to complete and best of all in your own time.
I could not recommend New Skills Academy any more! It’s now gave me something more to put on to my CV and get my career started in the area I’d love to be in for the rest of my life. Thank you so much for helping me reach my goals and achieve my dreams!
I’ve recommended to all of my friends and would also recommend to anyone looking into doing a course. Go for it you won’t regret it!
Helen Buckwell
Fantastic course with great instruction and demonstrations.
I can already feel the benefit of this course whilst at work through improved efficiency and the handy tips I have picked up.
I have been using Excel for years now and I really regret not seeking some tuition sooner as I have learnt so many simple but useful things that can really make a difference straight away.
Very pleased with this provider and looking forward to the advanced level and possibly further courses in the future.
I would highly recommend this to anyone wishing to enhance their current knowledge or as a refresher.
Jordan Price
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More than likely will be back for another one soon. This course was enjoyable to do, and I learnt a lot and passed first try. My certificate will be up on the wall soon.
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I took up this course initially to help me with my own dog, but found that as I worked through the material I actually started thinking that this could be something that I could use to make a second income. From start to finish I found the course engaging and interesting. I am now doing another dog related course and am experiencing the same level of enjoyment. I would recommend New Skills Academy without hesitation.
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