Originally Posted by
what next
That would be very sporty... A full time theory course takes around 5 months. Allow two months preparation for the exam and a smart student will have passed his theory exams after 7 months. He would then have to fly 10 hours a week for the remaining five months to complete his ATPL in a year. Certainly doable but the weather must be right and the aircraft serviceable and instructors available.
The OP asked if the ATPL is the equivalent of a degree. Anyone completing the above course has not obtained an ATPL.
Maybe they have a frozen ATPL (or whatever it is called nowadays). Not the same thing.
An ATPL requires 1500 hours flying experience, often a lot more if you have to factor Co Pilot time.