Yes, I mean pilot. A degree helps you stand out, and if you did not meet the requirements at sixth form, gives you the chance to evolve. Looks bad though if you drop out of uni to join: they will not take uni dropouts/failures. A degree is another plus, and if you have done a lot with your life and are not academic, all well and good, however if you got good A-Levels, there may be questions asked as to why you did not bother. Same is of course true for ailines, although they will not reject you point blank if you have failed uni/dropped out (in general). Degrees do in my mind give you a huge advantage, due to the abilities you gain in being able to do the group discussion better, and probably be a better candidate in the hangar exercises.
Sorry about your c0Łk-up in the application for ELUAS/ADStAUAS, but like any organisation, there are of course wallies in the RAF (probably more than their fair share though!). UASs are usually far from disorganised
pr!cks, who now are so organised, that they puch you to do your all for the RAF, while your degree tends to languish in the background: pity in some ways really.
If you look at the stats, 60% ish of RAF pilots come from at UAS, with slightly more holding a degree. BA seems to be more at about 80% (these are all current TEP intake mind you) so this perhaps indicates that the degree is giving people a better economic awareness of the airline business, but does not mean you wil not get in without a degree: if you have the skills, and can talk about yourself, you are just as likely to do well as a graduate.
Good luck again.