I have a BA Honours degree in Business Studies, and am MCIPD qualified. I want to do some kind of post graduate course and originally began researching an MA in Human Resource Management. Ideally I want to do the course via distance learning possibly with some study blocks where attendance to a site is necessary.

In conducting the research I found various providers. My first question is does anyone know why the duration and cost of MA’s in HRM vary so much and what the disadvantages are of taking a quicker or cheaper route. Is it simply case of prestige in terms of the university studied through ?

My next question is that I have found an MSC in the same subject and wonder whether anyone can shed some light on the fundamental difference between an MSc and an MA (aside from the acronym difference), and whether one is more highly regarded than another in terms of developing a generalist HR career.

Lastly, is there a way of studying for the MA or MSc whilst also knowing that upon completion the qualification will contribute to exemptions from an MBA ?
Are an MA, an MSc and an MBA all similar level postgraduate qualifications ?

As I said, I am a generalist HR professional with longer term aspirations of an HR Directorship. Can anyone offer me their view on a route to a useful Masters qualification, that I can study flexibily and preferably within 12-18 months.
scott dalrymple