In the UK if your MSc (or equivalent) is particularly good in terms of grades, or you simply enquire, there is the possibility of counting the MSc as 'Year 1' of PhD. However, this would mean paying MSc fees for a year of PhD. PhDs are generally cheaper on a yearly basis. It also means that if you do decide on this path, and drop out of PhD, you may 'lose it all'. - I was offered progression to 2nd year PhD from my MSc programme and eventually declined, I wanted more letters! No, I just wanted to be careful really.