I got caught in a local vacuum after finishing my BSc: after completing a really interesting (not to mention funded) MSc course at the same Uni, I've now found the ideal DPhil, and am very tempted to apply as I'd like to pursue a career in lecturing/research.

The problem? This will result in a clear run of qualifications from the *same institution* - I'd find it difficult to move out for a similar course elsewhere however as I'm loathe to leave behind my fiancee, who cannot relocate due to her work; does it reflect badly to have a set of quals from the same institution?

My old supervisor had a great PhD project as I was finishing my BSc, but he said that I shouldn't go for it because it's better to get some experience with institutions (though maybe he just thought I was rubbish and didn't want me to do his project, and this was his way of getting rid of me...)

I was similarly advised that if I wanted a career in academia, it would be better to gain qualifications frm a variety of institutions. I undertand your reasons inductible, but it does somewhat yes [IMO], unless of course we are talking a top 6 Uni in your field?

It depends- I did both my undergrad and my masters qualifications at the same university and recently I went back to do my PhD there too. I, too, worried about staying at the same institution, but in my case it really is one of the best places, if not the best place, in the country to study my subject, has the experts in the area of my PhD, and is in the city that I want to make the focus of my study (I'm an archaeologist)- it seemed daft to go anywhere else (especially as my husband and I own a flat here too). If the department is one of the top ones for your particular specialism then I think it's less of a problem to stay on- if it's not then you may have to explain your decision. Having said that, it is good to get different perspectives on your discipline. I try to go to plenty of conferences to get an idea of the range of viewpoints on my specialism that are out there, try to read fairly widely, and pick the brains of those who move to my institution from elsewhere.

Bear in mind that moving to another university won't necessarily take you too far from your fiancee- many university towns are within an hour of each other by train- commuting distance.

I was similarly advised. In fact I was told by my then tutor NOT to do my PhD at the same university as my BSc. I would guess it's preferable to move around but it's not essential.

Leaving your fiancee, even just an hour apart, would be difficult, really difficult I imagine. Your PhD might actually suffer as you'd be trying to fit in visits at weekends whilst trying to meet deadlines at uni. If you took the PhD at your current uni you would have her to support you which I think would be more valuable than experiencing different institutions.

Thanks for your replies so far; it's really useful to know other peoples' opinion on this. It seems that there's perhaps a little leaning towards studying somewhere new. I've now approached the prospective supervisor to express my interest for the project, and ask his advice on the matter too. What is important to me is that it's not an absolute no-no, or instant academic career suicide to proceed again at the same institution.

Well, I don't think it should make a difference but I know it probably does (which I think is silly!) People have commitments and want to stay local for the sake of family/support network/mortgage whatever. For some its just unrealistic to create so much upheaval for the sake of it, when there's a perfectly good project waiting for you 'down the road'.. I'm doing my PhD at the same place as my undergrad (with a year of work in between) because I like the local area and I'm settled. I'm 'living the dream' in the sense of having the opportunity to do a PhD and I am committed and motivated to finish it but I knew when I was looking for a project that I was not going to upset my life for it. The place where I am now has changed so much in the space of a year - new management, new faces, new research. So if and when I get to the end of this project, someone challenges me about this issue then I feel I can justify it.

one additional thing you could consider: while doing your PhD you might have the opportunity to go away for a year or half a year as a visiting PhD student. if your fiancée is a bit flexible she might be able to go, too, which might make it a really fun experience! and if she can't, the separation would be made easier by the knowledge that it is really only temporary. that way you would get some experience of different departments, perhaps different countries, without having to permanently leave your "home".
myself, I decided against a funded place at my previous university with a semi-interesting project, in favour of a so-far unfunded place with a really interesting project at a top uni with my ideal supervisor, but in a different country, leaving my long term partner behind. I would have so much liked to have the choice of getting it all - good uni, good project, funded, stay with partner. I envy you!

Thanks again everyone The project supervisor accepts that it's generally advised that you 'leave the nest', but it's not necessarily 'damaging' to one's potential in an academic career. I'm going to chase this local project and see how things go

It used to be considered a 'bad' thing to have only studied at one place, but not any more.

I will have completed all my qualifications at the same uni purely because I have commitments here that mean I can't move.

'It used to be considered a 'bad' thing to have only studied at one place, but not any more'.

I personally don't think that’s accurate. I am informed that studying at one University throughout is still frowned upon in certain circles. I personally wasn't inclined to chance any career repercussions down the line, and was accordingly willing to make certain sacrifices. Others aren't. Ultimately, it’s a personal choice.

I personally do think it is accurate and there are many academics who do not care

I also don't appreciate the implication that someone with commitments is less commited to their career than someone who, due only to circumstance, is able to move around

'I personally do think it is accurate and there are many academics who do not care'.

Probably those academics that did their qualifications all at the same uni.