Right, i have been offered an MSc place at a top university (cant name, but its 5*), which is no big deal. However, i have also been awarded a NERC studentship for this course (fees + stipend). Basically, the area is in one of my interests but i have many so its a big decision. Also, do i hold out and hope that i get a PhD, or do i just do the course and then get a better PhD? Is an MSc worth it?

It depends on the availability of PhD's in your area of interest. The best thing to do is speak to your current (or previous if you've already finished) course tutor to ask them what your chances are of getting a studentship. Unless you're thinking of changing specialty you might as well try and get straight onto a PhD. Studentships for MSc's are hard to come by, so don't give up the place you've got until you're sure what you're going to do.

Thanks Andy. The situation is that if i take this MSc, then it will direct me into a different area. My degree is in physiology, but my placement was concerned with population genetics. Therefore i have two possible routes i could take. The MSc would broaden my genetics knowledge which may allow me to combine this with physiology later. I am particularly interested in mental illness.

....because of my current position, i have found it difficult to get a PhD (2 interviews, no offers). My pre-uni education is shakey to say the least and this has been going against me in a big way, despite what people might say. An MSc at a 5* institute would nullify this aspect of 'me' i feel.

helolo