Wise words from
WWW. I understand the JAR reqirement still is still based on a five year validity period from exams to ATPL issue.
Remember not only will you need the CPL/IR qualification but also 1500 hours total time and 500 hours multi-crew time which basically means you will need a commercial flying job for at least a year of this 5 year period. I think Gatwick will look at individual cases if you get close but there are no guaranties in that department so I wouldnt plan anything on that basis.
Doing the CPL/IR training whilst at Uni might be theorectically possible during the summer breaks but as you have probably already expericenced most things in aviation have a habit of taking longer than planned.; usually in areas outside of your own control. If you go down that avenue then give yourself plenty of slack time-wise. The last thing you need is to have to return to uni with a half complete IR as it will cost you dear in getting back up to speed for its completion.
As far as then exams go, academically minded or not, you only want to do the ATPL exams once.