I can say for sure its not degree stuff, i have looked over the ATPL's, and they are hard in places, but not really that hard. I would say 14 exams would be about 3 A levels, based on four subjects per A. i would say the depth of the content is under AS Level, its pretty vauge stuff you need to know. ATPL's from what i can see are GCSE level maths and physics at most. Over here, 16 modules would get you a BTEC National Diploma, which is 3 A'Levels, but a fair few of those 16 are junk tutorials, and they are usually open book exams...
I used to think however that the ATPL was like a degree, well i compared it more to a CIMA or Chartered Qualification, but i was wrong again there, or so i was told...
To me the ATPL contains a fair bit of info and brain like a sponge, as there is a load of info to take in and understand... But does it matter what level the ATPL is? Its needed to go commercial, and its got no use in any other industry, just flying... Its like having a CIMA and applying for an Engineering job...