I did an integrated ATPL, and worked from 0600 to 1800 weekdays, for about 18 months on and off - but that included the commute between Oxford and Aylesbury every weekday. Then I did 2-4 hours work or revision at home most weekday evenings. My overall exam average was over 90%, so I might have overdone it a bit.....
As paco says, the exams are not difficult as such, there's just so much of it to cram and then reproduce, and so many different subjects.
By the way, I would save your money, and NOT get into aviation. It is a mug's game these days, honestly. As well as working on zero hours contracts etc and terrible terms and conditions, you will basically have to decide between getting an aviation job (if you're extremely lucky), or buying a house. I don't want to sound cynical, but you have been warned. You are looking at the wrong end of about £120k.
Last edited by Uplinker; 13th Mar 2015 at 09:55.