Confusion about MSci, BSc and Phd

OK, thank you. Which one would you recommend doing? A bachelors followed by MSc or an MSci? Is either regarded as the better option?

Also, the MSc is 1 year right? So whichever route you pick you generally do 4 years altogether.

When do people usually take their Ph.D, relative to finishing the Masters? Also is it usual for someone to get a Ph.D in the same university they got their Masters?

Straight away, most often. I haven't known anyone to take a gap year between masters and PhD, but I'm sure some do.

Lots of people often stay in the same university, but if your university doesn't have a group that is particularly active in research in your intended field, then it is a good career choice to move to a different university. It also helps a lot with networking.

When do people usually take their Ph.D, relative to finishing the Masters?

Also is it usual for someone to get a Ph.D in the same university they got their Masters?

Oh I totally thought that most people take at least a year off. Thanks you so much for clearing that up!!

Not to go off topic but OP mentions guaranteed jobs from medicine or economics. I have a friend that did a B.Sc. and Ph.D. in astrophysics, both at the same university and now works for the ministry of defence and associated companies working on satellites, which seems fascinating as the 'space race' continues and this idea of astropolitics seems to be building momentum.

Specialising is a double-edged sword in that it can minimise the opportunities out there but can also secure those opportunities, it is difficult.

My friend studied at the university of Hertfordshire. From his undergraduate study he was familiar with the faculty and their research.

I think one of his main choices for hertfordshire was proximity to the shared facility of the University of London Observatory.

University College London has an M.Sc. in Space Science and Engineering for satellites.

If you did want to go into something with military applications then consider Cranfield for postgraduate courses in defence technologies, such as the M.Sc. in Guided Weapon Systems but the armed forces does provide such training as their own M.Sc. in Guided Weapon Systems at the Defence Academy. (Just throwing this out there, of interesting stuff that you can do.)

Also, I know of someone who did aerospace engineering at Hertfordshire and now does a Ph.D. funded by BAE Systems.

Which uni if you dont mind me asking?

I am mostly interested in astrophysics, but would it perhaps be a better idea to choose a physics course since it gives a wider range of skills and knowledge? Or would i be better off 'specializing' early by choosing astrophysics? (Taking into account wage and job security)
I imagine you still follow on by doing a masters and a phd regardless, just astrophysics is more focused on the specific part of physics.

Thank you.

The courses you have given as examples seem to be more specialised and specific, whereas physics is more broad.
Is it still relatively straight forward to get into these sectors (such as military or aerospace engineering for example) after a physics masters/phd? Wouldnt you be at a disadvantage compared to someone who already did aerospace engineering as their bachelors?

Is a doctorate straight after a bachelor's common? Or is the masters usually obtained between progressing onto a doctorate?

I understand that in order to secure a research placement as a career a doctorate is highly recommended (if not a must) in physics. It seems that those who only take a bachelor's end up in a different job sector, such as business or IT.

I am thinking of studying physics at uni starting next september, but if i were to do this i would only want a career in this field, not a job which isnt directly related to physics.

My family have been pretty clear that they think i should opt for a course such as medicine or economics, where a profession in the field is more 'guaranteed'.

In order to have a profession within the physics field, would i first have to complete the bachelors, then the masters, and then the doctorate? (Altogether around 7-8 years in education?)
I have recently found a course, physics with astrophysics at a good uni (cant recall which one atm) and it was a MSci - even though the entry requirements shown were A-levels! This was on the 'which university' website. Hence my confusion

Also, i understand that even after a PHd a research profession in not guaranteed. How likely is it to find a secure job like this, and how many of those who do obtain a phd are forced to work jobs outside their preference due to a shortage of placements? (For me this would be teaching).

Quite a lengthy post, hope someone can shed some light on any of the questions i have asked!