How long does it normally takes for admission officers in Uk universities to decide regarding the fate of Phd application?

Depends when the start date is. I have known for this process to take over 3 months. If you need an answer soon, then email them. But don't do this unless it's necessary as it is being a pest.

It took nearly two months for my decision to come from the interview date but actually 5 months since I applied with my proposal. But as Stu said if the starting date is nearer then they will most probably decide quickly.

Mine only took a couple of weeks. I applied, had an informal chat with the supervisor, and a couple of weeks later I was offered the place. I was asked when I would like to start (January 2004 as I was in a high level job at the time that needed some notice before I could leave), and here I am almost 2 years into it. Loving it at times, tearing my hair (like now!) most of the time!

I didnt apply for my PhD, my MSc project supervisor asked me if I wanted to do one and I said yes. However the admin took 2 months to get a formal offer out....rubbish!

I didn't apply for mine either. Got official offer 2 weeks after interview as they had to wait for head of dept to sign paperwork as he was away at the time of interview! But sometimes it can take months or you even have to chase them up to get back to you! It all depends how good the dept/uni is!

I didn't have an interiew as I already knew my supervisor (or I should say, she knew me). They kept faffing about and said they were waiting on the head of department to make a decision. I was like WHAT?!?! I emailed him and asked him what was going on and it got sorted in 10mins......

Mine was sorted in a week, I enquired on thursday, invited to interview on the monday and offered the place on wednesday. But the uni i am at did all the interviews in one day.