The NATS scheme is a fully sponsored route into ATC. They pay for training, and pay you through with a wage. After 3 years you are fully qualified and start on £29800 I believe. With that wage it would be possible to go on and save money, and learn to fly on the modular route.
With university your practically guaranteed to come out of the degree with a sizeable amount of debt which inevitably prolong the transition to becoming a pilot.