You don't "need" a degree to do anything, apart from a few obvious exceptions such as medicine, engineering, architecture etc. I got one (and that's underselling myself slightly, because it was hard work) to differentiate myself from the pack, and I couldn't find a flying job at the time (early 2000's).
I went in as a mature student, and it was a bit bittersweet. In my mid twenties I wish I would have gone when I was 18, but my attitude to work when I was 18 meant I would have maybe just scraped a pass which Is meaningless in this day and age. I had to put in the hours of self study and research.
Instead graduating at 27 I got a 2:1 from a very respected university, and 5 'related' job offers within days of graduating and a flying job which I'm still in now.
If I were unlucky enough to no longer be able to fly at least I have work experience and a good degree (not golfism or whatever) to fall back on to feed my family and live the life I am accustomed to.
Is a degree essential, not in the slightest, but I'll remain convinced forever that it was a bloody good idea (I also learnt that my parents were right)
Edited to add: you really can't compare writtens to a degree. They are a completely different kettle of fish. Yes in ATPL you're in a very intense learning environment, however you're spoon fed everything you'll ever need to pass. In a degree you're expected to think and probe and analyse and come up with your own answers.
Last edited by gorter; 20th March 2012 at 15:31.