I would like to respond to Speed Twelve's post as I am in a similar position, but my degrees in Electronics and Physics were granted about 30 years ago. I found my honours degree b***dy hard work for three years and then had a very slightly more relaxing year getting a masters'. When working full time as a teacher I spent about 8 months swatting up to get my CPL exams (R.I.P Avigation!) and then, when working full time with an airline about 10 years later, I spent a fair bit of spare time over about 6 months self studying for my ATPLS. In both cases I got first time passes. So, what has changed?
Food for more thought, ladies and gentlemen!