Tutor Support Included

Learning remotely doesn’t mean you’re on your own! You’ll be able to message your tutor through our industry-leading learning platform.

Flexible Payment Options

Enrol today from £9.99 deposit & spread the cost over 24 months

Learn At Your Own Pace

Study wherever and whenever you want. You’ll have access to your course for two years so you can fit your learning around your other commitments.

Tutor Support Included

Learning remotely doesn’t mean you’re on your own! You’ll be able to message your tutor through our industry-leading learning platform.

Flexible Payment Options

Enrol today from £9.99 deposit & spread the cost over 24 months

Learn At Your Own Pace

Study wherever and whenever you want. You’ll have access to your course for one year so you can fit your learning around your other commitments.

Click here to
- Click here to Request a Callback
25% OFF Save £81.90 - Don’t miss out!

Crime Writing

Get in touch with us and we’ll call you back
Get in touch with us and we’ll call you back
OUR PASS RATE
Professional Skills (National Average 82.6%)
90.9%
  • SALE Savings End Midnight Monday 31st August
  • SALE Savings End Midnight Monday 31st August

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)

learndirect is one of the largest integrated providers of courses and qualifications, training, and employment services in the UK

  • Each year around 6,000 businesses equip their staff for success with learndirect
  • learndirect have helped more than 75,000 businesses equip their employees with the skills needed to improve productivity.
  • Almost 700,000 maths and English test passes have been achieved with learndirect.
  • 300,000 people fulfilled their career ambitions last year with learndirect.
  • Over 250,000 apprentices have achieved with learndirect.
  • SALE Savings End Midnight Monday 31st August
  • SALE Savings End Midnight Monday 31st August

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.

Qualifications

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)

learndirect is one of the largest integrated providers of courses and qualifications, training, and employment services in the UK

  • Each year around 6,000 businesses equip their staff for success with learndirect
  • learndirect have helped more than 75,000 businesses equip their employees with the skills needed to improve productivity.
  • Almost 700,000 maths and English test passes have been achieved with learndirect.
  • 300,000 people fulfilled their career ambitions last year with learndirect.
  • Over 250,000 apprentices have achieved with learndirect.
OUR PASS RATE
Professional Skills
90.9%
(National Average 82.6%)
100% online
learning
0 units
5 guided
learning hours

Rated by our learners

Rated Excellent by our learners

4.5 out of 5

Based on 31,783 Trustpilot reviews

Read all reviews →
Verified

Danyal Hussain was brilliant explained…

Danyal Hussain was brilliant explained everything clearly. That guy is committed. Working those long hours six days a week is hectic. Give him a raise, 100% deserves a thank you from the company. Thank you Danyal

Kim C. 28 Aug 2026
Verified

Scott was extremely professional

Scott was knowledgeable, informative, friendly and extremely patient He answered the many questions I had with ease and I felt comfortable speaking to him.

lynn B. 28 Aug 2026
Verified

Scott Chapman made the application…

Scott Chapman made the application process much easier for me. He was really helpful and explained everything clearly, making the whole process simple and stress free. I really appreciate his help and support.

Yusra A. 28 Aug 2026
Verified

I appreciate the coordinator of Access…

I appreciate the coordinator of Access to HE Diploma, I sincerely thank you for your prompt response and assistance regarding my digital certificate. I contacted you yesterday, after I accidentally deleted the email that I received from awarding body skills that contained my Digital certificate and you help me resolve the issue. I have now received a response regarding my digital certificate without any delay. Your assistance and your encouragement have been very helpful to me.

YETUNDE A. 28 Aug 2026
Verified

Courtney was so positive and friendly

Courtney was so positive and friendly, she was so kind I felt like I was talking to a friend. I couldn't fault her customer service skills and knowledge and professionalism. If I could give her more than 5 stars I would!

Lucy 28 Aug 2026
Verified

The experience was really great.He was…

The experience was really great.He was very clear and informative about everything.All the enquires were answered.Happy with the service and the service offered.Thank you Danyal Hussain.

Joshna C. 28 Aug 2026
Ready when you are

Take the next step in your learning journey

Course tips, career advice and exclusive offers, straight to your inbox. No spam, just guidance.

Accredited & trusted

Working with the UK's leading awarding bodies

Enrol now Request a callback