Although I did my ATPL's through distance learning I also purchased the Oxford Manuals to supplement the reading.
Whirlygig is right in that unless you are exempt a training course everyone applying for the exams needs the signature of the chief ground instructor prior to applying for the exams.
Most schools run the training over 2 or 3 modules. I prefer the three module route as most exams are interlinked ie Gen Nav and Flight Planning. Performance and Principles of Flight. etc
Cabair do the course in 4 modules. London University in 3 modules. Bristol and most others are in 2 modules.
Personally I would suggest doing as many as you can in each module.
The main rules are the 18 months from the first exam pass to take and pass ALL the exams. No more than 6 visits to the exam centre and if you fail a paper 4 times then you have to start ALL the exams AGAIN.
Good luck, on anyone doing the ATPL's. I NEVER, thankfully have to do the ATPL exams again.
