MA to PhD from Durham

I guess like most postgrad students on this forum I'm an American (here we go) and am starting to feel ~anxiety~ over the idea of applying to PhD/DPhil programs after only one term at Durham. This time last year I was already working on my applications for the MA/PhD programs I applied to, but I feel like I don't have significant to add since then (except for my bs-y thesis, hooray). But then I think this must be pretty standard in the UK since MAs are required before PhD/DPhil programs. Has anyone done it before or is anyone planning to do it this year?

I also know gap years are an option—ideally I'd like to go straight on or the major benefit of a one year MA is lost. But I'm open to suggestions.