Hi there Knight,
I've just finished mine: all passed first time, self-study, with 4 Forces, alongside a pretty hectic full-time job.
Answers to your questions:
1) 10-15 hours per week is expected. It really depends on how quickly you work and absorb knowledge.
2) Yes, I did, a lot of people try this. It is very hard work and does not work for some, though - do not underestimate the size of the commitment - it's basically a year with no life. I am now rediscovering my social life
3) Most courses are structured in two parts. Each part has seven of the fourteen subjects, and is made up of 3-5 months self study, followed by 2-3 weeks full time, then the exams. The actual distribution of the subjects between these two sections varies from school to school. With some it can be a pain (IMHO) as it means you have to sit exams on all four exam days in both sections - other schools arrange things so that you only need to be present for two days exams for each section.
4) Most schools say that it takes a minimum of 8 months. Plan for a year. There will be setbacks, especially if you're doing a full-time job alongside.
Hope this helps,
foggy.
[This message has been edited by foghorn (edited 30 May 2001).]