Autobiography Writing Diploma
Autobiography/Biography Writing Diploma Course
The Autobiography/Biography Writing Diploma has all the information that any aspiring auto/biography writer needs to become successful in this writing genre in the UK. This course contains all the knowledge needed to write a commercially viable biography, and become an authority on your subject. From choosing the right person, to interviewing techniques, to ensuring your writing brings your subject to life, this course covers it all. You will receive a comprehensive introduction to writing gripping biographies and a thorough understanding of how to achieve success in the biography industry.
Introduction to the Autobiography/Biography Writing Diploma
This online course provides students with the opportunity to cover the diploma’s curriculum in their own time and at their own pace. Most students are able to complete the course in a reasonable amount of time while continuing to work full time.
As this course is online, this diploma is accessible from any device with an internet connection, and you will have access to online support during your study. Before completing the course, you must pass a comprehensive test, covering the curriculum in detail, which will lead to the award of your certificate. You can download and print the certificate yourself at home, or we can post it to you for a small additional cost.
What You Will Learn
This Autobiography/Biography Writing Diploma has been designed to give students a comprehensive overview of how to become a biographical writer and will set you on the route to success. This course will cover:
- What a biography is
- The practical aspects of becoming a writer
- The lives and works of famous biographers
- How to identify your target market
- Working with your chosen subject and an extensive list of interview questions
- The ethics of writing a biography, what to include and what to omit
- How to create a research plan, organise your research, and tell your subject’s story
- The technical aspects of writing and structure and keeping it interesting and dynamic
- Developing self-confidence and belief in your abilities
- Finding your own writing style
- Writing your autobiography
- Different publishing options, and how to approach publishers and deal with rejection
Benefits of the Auto/Biographical Writing Diploma
The Auto/Biographical 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 short, 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 biographies
- Improved prospects when contacting publishers
- Earning a certified, recognised diploma
- An affordable cost
This course includes
24/7 Student Support
End of course certification
Lifetime access to your course
Compatible with modern devices
- What is biographical writing?
- Why pursue biographical writing as a career?
- Why pursue autobiographical writing?
- The basics of what to include in a biography
- What tools you'll need to become a biographical writer
- What personal skills a biographical writer should possess
- The upsides and downsides of working from home as a writer
- How to conduct great research and turn it into something interesting to read
- William Shawcross, journalist and biographer of the Shah of Iran and Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother
- Norman Mailer, novelist, playwright and Pulitzer Prize winning biographer of Lee Harvey Oswald
- Robert Lacy, British historian and Royal biographer
- Andrew Morton, sensational biographical writer of Diana: Her True Story
- General tips on how to identify your target audience
- Why readers love big biographies
- Reasons why people should read more biographies, that may help you consider your target audience
- Where biographies are in the leading book genres
- Tips for a meaningful biographical interview
- Thoughts to keep in mind when conducting a life interview
- How to bond with your subject through their ancestors
- Some great biography interview questions - beyond the obvious
- Different approaches to biographical research
- What to look for in a good biography - and what your readers will query
- How to conduct thorough research
- Getting it right - the importance of truth and accuracy
- The process of deciding a subject
- Formulating a research plan
- The steps to writing a biography - getting everything in order
- A basic biographical writing frame to elaborate on
- Easy tips on how to fix a bad biography
- Why your subject's life story can seem boring, and how to make it better without embellishing the truth
- How to prevent boring your readers to sleep
- Considering the factors that could make your writing dull to read
- The key ingredients to make your writing flow
- Drafting a fluid outline or biographical sketch
- Great transition words to ensure your writing isn't choppy
- Structuring your biographical details for flow and consistency
- How to build your writing confidence
- Secrets for writing with confidence
- How to overcome writer's doubt
- Tips for writing with a sense of purpose
- A miniature biography writing outline
- A quick and easy autobiographical exercise
- Choosing a brief biography and identifying how you could elaborate on it
- Simple writing exercises to get you thinking
- What an autobiography is and what should you include
- Ideas for getting started with your autobiography
- Organising your details and what you must consider
- Tips for making your biography more exciting
- Publishing methods to consider and accumulating validation
- Whether you should consider the self-publishing route
- What to do if you get rejected and common reasons manuscripts are rejected
- Taking steps towards self-publishing or publishing online, along with several top tips for self-publishing
ID: YDFT67YHJ
of achievement
This certificate is presented to
Your Name
For completing the
Autobiography Writing Diploma
on 21st November 2026
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 13 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 13 modules there is a multiple choice test. The questions will be on a range of topics found within the 13 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.
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 20 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.
Thoroughly enjoyed this course. Have decided to change my career path but have no real experience or qualifications in the job I really want to do.
I have always wanted to work with animals but ended up in the retail sector. While I do enjoy that, I feel now is the time to get out there and do what I want to do. I have sent in my CV to a dog groomer near me with a copy of my certificate attached. Fingers crossed!
I enjoyed this Diploma so much I shall be having a go at another pet/dog related one in the very near future!
Claire Hall
Really helpful course, it covers all the main aspects to become a successful PA. I was looking for an admin course where I can improve a new side of my professional career and this course had everything I needed. It gives you everything from basic computer knowledge to tips for the day to day basics like answering the phone or how to create a memo or book your boss’ travel arrangements. It offers a clear structure with all the main subjects divide in short modules, easy to study that way, and it gives you examples in real life as well as practice exercises that help you to understand everything. With support during all the course and access during a whole year, you cannot ask for more value for money! Totally recommended!
Alicia Prenda
This Makeup Diploma course I wanted to have almost half of my life, from when I was a kid. I really enjoyed studying and was really happy to finish this Makeup Diploma course.
Liked videos in modules, PDF’s were easy to save. Not only that I learned new tips on how to do makeup, I also learned how to deal with marketing and advertising for my future business.
I’m sure that will not be the last course that I finished. And I will highly recommend to my friends to this online tutoring as it is great way to gain knowledge. Thank you.
Darija Holm
I undertook the Data Protection Certificate course in May 2017. I found the course to have a very in depth amount of detail on Data Protection and the law and legislation around it. It also went into detail on the new Data Protection Act coming in 2018.
I would recommend this to anyone who is looking for a course with value for money and also to bulk up their knowledge and perhaps perusing a career in IT or security. The course is audited and comes with a certificate on completion which you are able to print yourself or have one sent out to you for a small fee.
Mason Malin
Great course. Easily readable online, no jargon and had up to date information and illustrations as well as the sources that were used within the modules. Most modules had an assessment at the end where you could check your own knowledge - this was a great add on to ensure you are up to speed. The exam was easily laid out great with no tricky to read questions. The completion certificate was easily accessible on completion and you are given your grade immediately after the exam - it even gives you the option to see your incorrect answers so you can review them in your own leisure. All of the modules are printable so you can ready back as often as you like. Not only this, but throughout the whole course, you have the ability to email representatives of the course who will answer any questions you may have and they are very prompt with their responses. I was overall very happy with this course and will definitely keep New Skills Academy in mind when taking future course. Thank you!
Gemma Johnston
Absolutely amazing course.. I had so much fun learning with New Skills Academy. This course was so informative, set out really well and I learned so much. It was great that with two young children under 3, I still managed to learn and pass my course that I’m so happy about.
Also fantastic that for a small fee I am having my certificate sent out to me which is a great option for me. All that’s left for me to do now is practice practice and practice. New Skills Academy have given me the confidence to start my venture as a Face Painter. Thank you so much. Amy xx
Amy Hewson
Autobiography/Biography Writing Diploma Course
The Autobiography/Biography Writing Diploma has all the information that any aspiring auto/biography writer needs to become successful in this writing genre in the UK. This course contains all the knowledge needed to write a commercially viable biography, and become an authority on your subject. From choosing the right person, to interviewing techniques, to ensuring your writing brings your subject to life, this course covers it all. You will receive a comprehensive introduction to writing gripping biographies and a thorough understanding of how to achieve success in the biography industry.
Introduction to the Autobiography/Biography Writing Diploma
This online course provides students with the opportunity to cover the diploma’s curriculum in their own time and at their own pace. Most students are able to complete the course in a reasonable amount of time while continuing to work full time.
As this course is online, this diploma is accessible from any device with an internet connection, and you will have access to online support during your study. Before completing the course, you must pass a comprehensive test, covering the curriculum in detail, which will lead to the award of your certificate. You can download and print the certificate yourself at home, or we can post it to you for a small additional cost.
What You Will Learn
This Autobiography/Biography Writing Diploma has been designed to give students a comprehensive overview of how to become a biographical writer and will set you on the route to success. This course will cover:
- What a biography is
- The practical aspects of becoming a writer
- The lives and works of famous biographers
- How to identify your target market
- Working with your chosen subject and an extensive list of interview questions
- The ethics of writing a biography, what to include and what to omit
- How to create a research plan, organise your research, and tell your subject’s story
- The technical aspects of writing and structure and keeping it interesting and dynamic
- Developing self-confidence and belief in your abilities
- Finding your own writing style
- Writing your autobiography
- Different publishing options, and how to approach publishers and deal with rejection
Benefits of the Auto/Biographical Writing Diploma
The Auto/Biographical 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 short, 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 biographies
- Improved prospects when contacting publishers
- Earning a certified, recognised diploma
- An affordable cost
This course includes
24/7 Student Support
End of course certification
Lifetime access to your course
Compatible with modern devices
- What is biographical writing?
- Why pursue biographical writing as a career?
- Why pursue autobiographical writing?
- The basics of what to include in a biography
- What tools you'll need to become a biographical writer
- What personal skills a biographical writer should possess
- The upsides and downsides of working from home as a writer
- How to conduct great research and turn it into something interesting to read
- William Shawcross, journalist and biographer of the Shah of Iran and Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother
- Norman Mailer, novelist, playwright and Pulitzer Prize winning biographer of Lee Harvey Oswald
- Robert Lacy, British historian and Royal biographer
- Andrew Morton, sensational biographical writer of Diana: Her True Story
- General tips on how to identify your target audience
- Why readers love big biographies
- Reasons why people should read more biographies, that may help you consider your target audience
- Where biographies are in the leading book genres
- Tips for a meaningful biographical interview
- Thoughts to keep in mind when conducting a life interview
- How to bond with your subject through their ancestors
- Some great biography interview questions - beyond the obvious
- Different approaches to biographical research
- What to look for in a good biography - and what your readers will query
- How to conduct thorough research
- Getting it right - the importance of truth and accuracy
- The process of deciding a subject
- Formulating a research plan
- The steps to writing a biography - getting everything in order
- A basic biographical writing frame to elaborate on
- Easy tips on how to fix a bad biography
- Why your subject's life story can seem boring, and how to make it better without embellishing the truth
- How to prevent boring your readers to sleep
- Considering the factors that could make your writing dull to read
- The key ingredients to make your writing flow
- Drafting a fluid outline or biographical sketch
- Great transition words to ensure your writing isn't choppy
- Structuring your biographical details for flow and consistency
- How to build your writing confidence
- Secrets for writing with confidence
- How to overcome writer's doubt
- Tips for writing with a sense of purpose
- A miniature biography writing outline
- A quick and easy autobiographical exercise
- Choosing a brief biography and identifying how you could elaborate on it
- Simple writing exercises to get you thinking
- What an autobiography is and what should you include
- Ideas for getting started with your autobiography
- Organising your details and what you must consider
- Tips for making your biography more exciting
- Publishing methods to consider and accumulating validation
- Whether you should consider the self-publishing route
- What to do if you get rejected and common reasons manuscripts are rejected
- Taking steps towards self-publishing or publishing online, along with several top tips for self-publishing
ID: YDFT67YHJ
of achievement
This certificate is presented to
Your Name
For completing the
Autobiography Writing Diploma
on 21st November 2026
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 13 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 13 modules there is a multiple choice test. The questions will be on a range of topics found within the 13 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.
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 20 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.
Thoroughly enjoyed this course. Have decided to change my career path but have no real experience or qualifications in the job I really want to do.
I have always wanted to work with animals but ended up in the retail sector. While I do enjoy that, I feel now is the time to get out there and do what I want to do. I have sent in my CV to a dog groomer near me with a copy of my certificate attached. Fingers crossed!
I enjoyed this Diploma so much I shall be having a go at another pet/dog related one in the very near future!
Claire Hall
Really helpful course, it covers all the main aspects to become a successful PA. I was looking for an admin course where I can improve a new side of my professional career and this course had everything I needed. It gives you everything from basic computer knowledge to tips for the day to day basics like answering the phone or how to create a memo or book your boss’ travel arrangements. It offers a clear structure with all the main subjects divide in short modules, easy to study that way, and it gives you examples in real life as well as practice exercises that help you to understand everything. With support during all the course and access during a whole year, you cannot ask for more value for money! Totally recommended!
Alicia Prenda
This Makeup Diploma course I wanted to have almost half of my life, from when I was a kid. I really enjoyed studying and was really happy to finish this Makeup Diploma course.
Liked videos in modules, PDF’s were easy to save. Not only that I learned new tips on how to do makeup, I also learned how to deal with marketing and advertising for my future business.
I’m sure that will not be the last course that I finished. And I will highly recommend to my friends to this online tutoring as it is great way to gain knowledge. Thank you.
Darija Holm
I undertook the Data Protection Certificate course in May 2017. I found the course to have a very in depth amount of detail on Data Protection and the law and legislation around it. It also went into detail on the new Data Protection Act coming in 2018.
I would recommend this to anyone who is looking for a course with value for money and also to bulk up their knowledge and perhaps perusing a career in IT or security. The course is audited and comes with a certificate on completion which you are able to print yourself or have one sent out to you for a small fee.
Mason Malin
Great course. Easily readable online, no jargon and had up to date information and illustrations as well as the sources that were used within the modules. Most modules had an assessment at the end where you could check your own knowledge - this was a great add on to ensure you are up to speed. The exam was easily laid out great with no tricky to read questions. The completion certificate was easily accessible on completion and you are given your grade immediately after the exam - it even gives you the option to see your incorrect answers so you can review them in your own leisure. All of the modules are printable so you can ready back as often as you like. Not only this, but throughout the whole course, you have the ability to email representatives of the course who will answer any questions you may have and they are very prompt with their responses. I was overall very happy with this course and will definitely keep New Skills Academy in mind when taking future course. Thank you!
Gemma Johnston
Absolutely amazing course.. I had so much fun learning with New Skills Academy. This course was so informative, set out really well and I learned so much. It was great that with two young children under 3, I still managed to learn and pass my course that I’m so happy about.
Also fantastic that for a small fee I am having my certificate sent out to me which is a great option for me. All that’s left for me to do now is practice practice and practice. New Skills Academy have given me the confidence to start my venture as a Face Painter. Thank you so much. Amy xx
Amy Hewson
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This is a great course for any level of knowledge. Very easy to navigate, great practical tasks and explanations are very clear. You can revise any module with no problem. The test wasn’t too hard if you completed every module. It may be handy to make some notes before you start. Overall I'm very happy with my choice. Thank you New skills for my New skills :)
Julia Bobkova
Very interesting and helpful course. I ve learned a lot of interesting things about make up and the tutorials were very helpful and easy to understand. I really reccomend this course for everyone who is passionate about make up and wish to develop their skills and make a career from their hobby.
Nicoleta Lucaci
The course was clearly set out with helpful end of week tests which built my knowledge. Being dyslexic I found the course was set out in an easy to understand way. I was able to pass the test on my first attempt. The downloaded pdf are a useful resource that you can keep forever. Looking forward to the next course
Ross Dunsten
Wow what an incredible insight for the start of anyone's journey in property. This course gives you so much information and there are tests and questions on each of the modules. The course is very easy to follow and well laid out. You can actually make notes on the pages of each module using the notes tab! I am very excited to say that I passed and I only spent one week on this course. I will print all the PDF information and keep it in a file with my certificate. I feel very confident for my future plans now I have completed this course.
Nichola Anderson
This course is a great way to brush up on my rusty excel skills, I recommend this course to anyone looking for something to do during lockdown, it's easy to use and talks you through each stage step by step. It has given me the confidence I need to further my career.
Georgia Darke
It was an eye opening course that was flexible and easy to access. I was able to complete it from the comfort of my own home whilst also having the tasks to complete which enabled me to check my knowledge. I know feel much more confident in my field of work and really enjoyed doing it.
Ellie Clarke
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.
Keith Smith
Lovely course for people who want to know the basics and of sign language. It's has helped me to get more of an understanding and will greatly benefit me in my workplace. So easy to pick up and the videos were easy to understand. Would definitely recommend to anyone.
Chloe Hambly