ATPL's are not rocket science!
Hi guy's and gal's,
I do not have a degree and I was lucky enough to pass most first time. I started them when JAR fist came out and feedbak was not available, now there is no excuse for not passing first time with all the feedback kicking around. This is not to say that you need not study the books as this would be a big mistake. Try to pick out the sort of areas they are questioning and make sure you know why the answer is the answer.
My answer to the survey would be, no you do not need a degree, but just a sound basic brain that can work methodically.
Happy Studying and good luck