DWHLO,- Sorry if I was misleading in any way.I wasn't thinking along the modular route- just giving info on the route I took (CAP 509) and pointing out one is not required to hold a PPL to commence the course (Ab-initio ; From The Beginning).
Yes you do a PPL taking Modular route, but as I understand it the Ab-initio course that has replaced CAP 509 consists of a similar sequence of events, but I stand to be corrected!