Researchers have figured out which degree works the hardest

They're always telling us how much they work hard, play hard, and boasting about setting up IVs to get rid of their hangovers ready for a 9am. We'd always assumed it was bluster, but it turns out that might not be the case.

According to data from HEPI, the Higher Education Policy Institute, Medicine and Dentistry students are the hardest working of all, racking up on overtime-busting 45 hours for their degree per week.

Endless deadlines and studio time seem to really rack up too, with architects and artists both featuring at the top end of the table.

At the other end of the table, Media studies, Journalism, and all those that fall into the sexily named 'Mass Communications & Documentation' category work the least hard, racking up only 24 hours of work per week.

Tied for second bottom are Social Studies, who clearly take one of those words more seriously than others, and Business Studies, who presumably spend all that spare time practicing for the final Apprentice interview in the mirror. Both manage to put in 25 hours of work per week.

Take a look below to find the full list of the hardest working degrees, based on contact hours, hours of independent study, and work hours outside of the course.

Featured image: Biblioteca Centro Lincoln, via Flickr