I thinkthere is some confusion on here, by ATPL I meant an issued ATPL with 1500 hours, not just the exams. I appreciate that on an academic level that the ATPL exams might not be as difficult as say a BSc Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics, I can not comment how they would compare with say a BA/BSc in Gender Studies, Golf Management or Media Studies.
To make a comparison a BSc in Pysiotherapy at Nottingham University. which is is a vocational qualification like the ATPL, takes three years, of which one third is taught and the other two thirds is course work and practical work.
Gengis is of course correct that a number of universities will accept people on couses such as a MSC in Airline Management or Human Factors on the basis of an issued ATPL, flying experience and demonstation of ability or knowledge in a specific field.