I honestly doubt that having a university degree, in itself, helps with the ATPL exams - especially if, like me, your degree was awarded some 30 years ago ! So you can relax on that point. It is more to do with having an interest in and displaying monumental dedication to the task. I am with redsnail on his points here too. I also think there is a fair proportion of luck involved - many come out of an exam really not having a clue whether they have passed or failed.
I did mine using correspondence plus brush-up (PPSC/Bristol) and it was hard, with 4 resit papers en route. If I were to start again (joke !) and had the time, I would do it full-time. Working in a 9-5 job, evenings and weekends stuck in back bedroom, studying in isolation, particularly with a family to run, I cannot recommend. If possible, therefore, do as I say, not as I did.
Believe me, the whole world is a much brighter place when you finally pass the lot !