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.
WOW, I really learned so much more than I thought I would, this is an amazing course with useful insights and guidance. It was really well laid out, user friendly and a joy to participate in, even if you don’t want to start a business.
Any animal lover or owner would benefit from taking this course, as it covers so many aspects, from simple ways to handle a variety of different types of pets, grooming feeding and first aid as well.
It’s absolutely brilliant, I feel that I am now ready and prepared to start on my new journey. Thank you!
Loraine Simpson
When I first started, I was quite anxious, but after seeing the course layout, it was very simple, effective and most important, engaging.
I especially liked the fact you don't become overwhelmed by the courses quantity of modules, and in the end you have to answer a certain amount of questions within a certain time limit. Every module's layout is very clean, fresh and comprehensive when it comes to its explanation.
If there was any part of the course I was unsure of, I would seek help from the advisors via the online chat and I could say they have been very friendly and helpful.
I'm glad I have taken this course through New Skills ACADEMY and I intend to undertake other courses by them.
Mohammed Hussain
So far I am really enjoying the course. the details were sent through to me within 4 hours, even though there was up to a 48 hour wait.
This course is very well structured and has many helpful features, such as the recap option for each module, and the summary section at the end of each module.
I will definitely be recommending this course.
Melissa Newlin
I have really enjoyed doing the receptionist course online and I recommend anyone that wants to improve in whatever qualifications they wish to progress in to do it on New Skills Academy. It is very helpful and I have learnt a lot - My family members couldn’t believe how much I have progressed and they have actually said that they will probably do the courses online themselves. I will definitely finish the courses that I still have on here, and maybe do more courses in the future as I have learned a lot and I am willing to learn more as the resources you have on here are brilliant.
Kaoutar Benabdejlil
Brilliant course. As a busy ,working mum this course gave a chance to change my career but it also gave me a chance to study in my own free time. Very easy wording, education videos, important information you can't find online. The brilliant thing is that even after finishing the course you still can go back to your modules and view the videos again. The help from assistants is great. The minute I contacted them with question they always responded very quickly and professionally.
Monica Carter
I really enjoyed the course and would recommend this to my friends.
I completed a City and Guilds Certificate 40 years ago and was looking at bringing my skills up to date. This gave me the encouragement and insight to what I needed to go back into hairdressing. I understand the importance of keeping my skills up to date and would like to study further in styling, hair treatment and colouring.
Thank you very much I enjoyed the 27 modules attached to the course. I particularly enjoyed the videos attached to the course and have always enjoyed putting hair up for special occasions such as weddings.
Margaret Whitehead
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.
WOW, I really learned so much more than I thought I would, this is an amazing course with useful insights and guidance. It was really well laid out, user friendly and a joy to participate in, even if you don’t want to start a business.
Any animal lover or owner would benefit from taking this course, as it covers so many aspects, from simple ways to handle a variety of different types of pets, grooming feeding and first aid as well.
It’s absolutely brilliant, I feel that I am now ready and prepared to start on my new journey. Thank you!
Loraine Simpson
When I first started, I was quite anxious, but after seeing the course layout, it was very simple, effective and most important, engaging.
I especially liked the fact you don't become overwhelmed by the courses quantity of modules, and in the end you have to answer a certain amount of questions within a certain time limit. Every module's layout is very clean, fresh and comprehensive when it comes to its explanation.
If there was any part of the course I was unsure of, I would seek help from the advisors via the online chat and I could say they have been very friendly and helpful.
I'm glad I have taken this course through New Skills ACADEMY and I intend to undertake other courses by them.
Mohammed Hussain
So far I am really enjoying the course. the details were sent through to me within 4 hours, even though there was up to a 48 hour wait.
This course is very well structured and has many helpful features, such as the recap option for each module, and the summary section at the end of each module.
I will definitely be recommending this course.
Melissa Newlin
I have really enjoyed doing the receptionist course online and I recommend anyone that wants to improve in whatever qualifications they wish to progress in to do it on New Skills Academy. It is very helpful and I have learnt a lot - My family members couldn’t believe how much I have progressed and they have actually said that they will probably do the courses online themselves. I will definitely finish the courses that I still have on here, and maybe do more courses in the future as I have learned a lot and I am willing to learn more as the resources you have on here are brilliant.
Kaoutar Benabdejlil
Brilliant course. As a busy ,working mum this course gave a chance to change my career but it also gave me a chance to study in my own free time. Very easy wording, education videos, important information you can't find online. The brilliant thing is that even after finishing the course you still can go back to your modules and view the videos again. The help from assistants is great. The minute I contacted them with question they always responded very quickly and professionally.
Monica Carter
I really enjoyed the course and would recommend this to my friends.
I completed a City and Guilds Certificate 40 years ago and was looking at bringing my skills up to date. This gave me the encouragement and insight to what I needed to go back into hairdressing. I understand the importance of keeping my skills up to date and would like to study further in styling, hair treatment and colouring.
Thank you very much I enjoyed the 27 modules attached to the course. I particularly enjoyed the videos attached to the course and have always enjoyed putting hair up for special occasions such as weddings.
Margaret Whitehead
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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.
Keith Smith
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
Yet another well laid out course. This is my 3rd course so far with New Skills Academy.
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.
Rob Coops
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
Fantastic course! Well-presented and challenging with frequent assessments. I feel a serious sense of accomplishment having not studied for over 30 years! Videos that accompany each module are carefully thought out and informative. Am so impressed with this course, have now signed up for 3 other courses and recommending New Skills Academy to everyone!
Marva Hudson
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
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
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



