Best Self funded route to CIPS certification

I am looking for some advice on studying CIPS, which I will be funding myself. The 2 options I am considering are the distant learning Diploma route (Levels 4, 5 and 6) or whether to study an MBA / Masters CIPS accredited course. I can see benefits in both, but I would love to know what route people decided on, any recommendations and why they chose that option? Any advice would be really appreciated.