Why are the responses to this post so negative?
I don't see where Ray has suggested that his employer should/would pay him more for having this qualification?
Sometimes this site puzzles me...
My own 2 cents is that the distance courses from UL are ok, they provide good material and the standard they expect is high enough to make it worth your while doing the course in the first place.
Are people seriously suggesting that a course over a few days by a private body (which would probably cost nearly as much) or buying a book would provide the same benefit/educational value as 10 months interaction and discussion with fellow students, tutorials, assignments, practical project work and exams?
These courses are generally subsidised by Enterprise Ireland so refundable to the company and/or the participant, and a lot of companies, even in these times, offer refund of fees on completion of a relevant course.
The only advice I would give is to think about whether distance learning is for you - it's a long lonely slog, and generally outside of tutorials it's up to yourself to keep motivated. UL offer a discussion board with their courses which helps, but you are still geographically distant. Also, it may be worth having a chat with a supervisor/ hr as to what skills & qualifications they are specifically looking for over the next months/ years in terms of HR planning & strategy, or even in your own professional development.