There are courses now which offer aeronautical engineering or (rather more lightweight) aeronautical science
combined with a PPL.
In principle this should give you a good degree, some valid and transferrable flying experience, and the ability to know which way you want to take your career and how.
Look at...
Brunel
Liverpool
Salford
Sheffield
Of-course none of this is easy or cheap, BUT it may well be the best way to cover your bets at the moment - and almost certainly whichever way you go it'll make you a better pilot or engineer because of the dual training.
A caution however, if you are planning on an airline career as a serious possibility - invest in a JAA Class 1 medical sooner rather than later; even if you let it lapse, at-least you'll know you've passed it. (Incidentally, the four I've linked are serious grown-up degree courses, there are one or two out there which aren't).
G