Visa for three months only

Hello All,

In jan 2008 I sent my application for level 6 which was for a year. I received my documents back after nine months(sep) with only three months visa extended (sep-dec). Now my question is , should i consider three months as a visa given for level 6 studies, or should i consider it to be a full year in regards to 5 year caps that students are troubled with

Regards
Robin