Crime Writing

Crime Writing

About the Crime Writing Certificate

From Agatha Christie to Patricia Cornwell, crime has sold hundreds of millions of books worldwide. Beyond traditional fiction this genre blends forensic methods and real investigative methods that readers appreciate so much in crime novels. The writing course begins with an introduction to criminology and suspense writing, walks you through the techniques of building characters, plot and dialogue. There is also a forensic dimension to it with a module on crime scenes and motives, and it ends with a practical perspective on the business of getting published.

This home study course is specifically addressed to people with little or no experience in crime fiction. It was designed to take students on a journey from research methods down to the practicalities of getting published. Along the way you will develop your writing craft, under the expert guidance of experienced tutors.

Who should study this course?

This distance learning course is just as suitable for skilled writers who would like to broaden their techniques or master the art of building suspense and character profiles, much as it suits those who enjoy reading crime fiction and would like to try their hand at writing it as well.

You can be an experienced writer or a novice in writing fiction. You can join this course either way. There is no need for precedent qualifications or any other experience. You are welcome to embark on this course straight away.

What happens after the course?

After you complete the crime writing course, you may choose to take another writing course to develop your skills even further, or you may follow a career in a publishing house, assessing other writers’ work. You may also complement this course with a communications program and take up a job in investigative journalism, or in public relations keeping the criminology field.

You could also try your hand at writing the crime fiction you dreamt of, and go on to become an acclaimed novelist, like Joe Dunthorne, Anne Enright, or the author of “Before I Go to Sleep” SJ Watson. Jobs that you may consider as well could include:

• Crime writer
• Publishing editor
• Crime reporter

For more information about this course, give us a call on this number: 01202 006 464

Modules

• Introduction to Crime, Mystery & Suspense Writing
• How to Research
• Putting the Story Together
• Characters, Plot & Dialogue
• Motives & Crime Scenes
• Editing & Polishing Your Work
• The Business of Getting Published

Entry Requirements

There is no experience or previous qualifications required for enrolment on this course. It is available to all students, of all academic backgrounds.

All course fees, inclusive of all payment plans including our Premium Credit Limited option, must be settled before certification can be ordered.

*You will have access to the course for 24 months.

On successful completion of your course you will receive the learndirect Certificate of Completion of Training in Crime Writing.

Your course certificate will also state the number of CPD points/hours the course is eligible for.

View a sample of the certificate (opens in new window)

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