Apology accepted.
I converted my SA licence to the JAR one.
You can do it either distance learning or full time, just depends on how disciplined you are at studying.
As for the flying, it will be hours as required for both the CPL and IR.
What you will end up with is a CPL/IR (ME or SE depending on what you do it on).
You will need 500 hours Multi Crew time and a Multi Pilot Type Rating and then an ATPL skills test, although your initial Multi Pilot Type Rating will count as as the ATPL skills test too.
You will also need the MCC to be completed or you can send in a letter and your log book and request an exemption.
I would hazard a guess, 15k pounds would cover it.
Market is booming here!