UK MA query

[jumpinjamaica]

I'm goin to graduate with a major in Economics (BA) from the Unversity of Mumbai sometime this July.

I'm planning on applying to the University of Nottingham and Warwick, mainly because they offer 1 year Masters in Behavioral economics which seems really interesting.

I have one question peratining to this : is it a good idea to get into these 1 year programs? Consider this :

1) Most reputed Ph.D programs have Late Dec-Early January deadlines for 2013 Fall entry.

2) I'll graduate from the UK in July the following year (2013).

3) In the 3 months that I'll be in the UK till December this year (deadline for Fall '13), is it possible to make such an impact on the advisor or professor such that I'll get an awesome letter of recommendation?

This is especially crucial to me since Simon Gachter is at Nottingham and a good LOR from him will ideally see me through into Harvard or Duke or Chicago.

If that's not possible, should I go for it anyway even though I'll waste a whole year before I can begin my Ph.D in Fall 2014?

This question is really bothering me and I'd totally love some assistance on this.

Thanks.