Modular or Integrated?
I would recommend the modular route. Why? Because its affordable. Its flexible, i.e you can remain in employment whilst in the initial phases of the modular course. The only disadvantage is that it takes a little longer to complete. You also need a lot of self motivation to get yourself through the ATPL exams.
Why not integrated? Costs a lot! A common misconception is that people think that sitting alongside airline sponsored recruits at one of the top aviation colleges will enhance their career prospects. Well, it will, you will have trained through the same school that the airlines trust. However, many self sponsored pilots who have gone this route have complained about the airline students getting preferential treatment, in exam dates for example. Its business - they will. They will give priority to an airline that rakes in £millions each year rather than a one-off £50k. The airline will see the fact that you have trained through that school as a bonus, but not a great advantage - the advantage is not work the extra £10K.
When you go to an airline with a frozen ATPL, if you pass the required standard in the sim/at the interview, they will take you on.
The fact that the student may have burnt holes in the sky in the hour building phase will only make it more difficult for the student when undertaking the CPL and IR modules
