AFAIK a degree confers no benefit in the recruiters' minds. If anything they will be expecting more from a person who has had an extra three years of life and education, and who has done more at university than party and pass exams.
In the current climate apply when you are 18-ish, with a university application/place as your Plan B.
Unless you want to be a medic, engineer, vicar or nurse your degree choice is irrelevant. There's at least one Royal Navy pilot with a degree in theology.
Start thinking now about everything they will look for outside of the 180 UCAS points.