I must say i agree that you do not need a degree to get into computer science, but it helps.

If anyone is planning on doing a degree, i suggest you go for a sandwhich course. That is a job placement in yuor second or third year.

I am on my third year of a Software Engineering degree (placement Year), and i am loving it so far. And when i finish i will have a years expeience as well as a degree under my belt. That is if i pass of course.