I stand corrected! Maybe it does count! It was all a long time ago. I already had a PPL when I joined the UAS so didn't need to count the hours.
As for the whole commitment thing though, it can't be reiterated enough that to get into the UAS is HIGHLY competitive. I had a sixth form scholarship from the RAF, had spent 6 years in the ATC, had completed an RAF flying scholarship and had a PPL and the interview and selection was still very tough and I considered myself bloody lucky to get in.
On top of all that I only lasted a year as the time i needed to devote to my university course and the fact that I was also holding down a job all contributed to the general impression that I wasn't committed enough and therefore I was "chopped." If you want to make it in the UAS and stay in for the duration of your university course be prepared to make your squadron a BIG part of your life.