I have applied for a PhD studentship. How long, after the closing date, will a supervisor invite you for an interview? How many weeks, after the closing date, can one consider their application unsuccessful? Would you be informed if your application was unsuccessful or would you just have to assume it is? Regards

Depends on the institutions you've applied to - some places never got back to me at all. I think if you haven't heard anything within 3-4 weeks after the closing date you can assume your application has been unsuccessful.

Dont' just wait around, because it is unlikely that anything will happen. Only proactive students with a keen and persistent attitude are more likely to get a PhD. The PhD process is very informal, and you should call the person directly. Ask to met them. Show an interest in the institution. And most importantly, you are the one doing them a favour. i.e. try to give the impression that you are worth having. Don't delay, make more applications, call people, get busy. Its not gonna happen otherwise.

Thank you Ian for your reply. Are you a PhD student? If so, how long did it take for you to get a PhD place? How do you find research work? Regards

Ian can you give examples of questions a supervisor might ask during an informal and formal interview. Thanks

"Informal" interviews are the same as "formal" interviews only without a tie. I've just posted the standard qu areas I would ask normally. One month after receipt generally means unsuccessfull.
My latest U/G students who are about to start their PhDs started applying in late Oct and all had a PhD by March. Don't give up and please, please apply for as many PhDs as you can find interest in!!!