Downgrade to MPhil to get a better research direction and more suitable supervisor?

r/

I got a DPhil position funded by the university scholarship, and it’s my only offer. I don’t have a choice but to take it.

However, I know that the supervisor does not have the same research interests as me. The supervisor is overall supportive and nice as a person though.

I have an idea, and I wanted to ask for everyone’s advice. Is it possible to attend this DPhil, and after 1 year, downgrade it to a MPhil, and reapply for a better and more suitable DPhil position?

Thank you!

Relevant information:

  • This university doesn’t have any other professors working in this field. This supervisor is the closest. So transferring within the university might not work either.
  • The funding comes from this university, not the supervisor. Not sure if this information is useful.

My concerns:

  • If I reapply for a DPhil, will they dislike the fact that I have an MPhil? I’ve heard that Admissions don’t like MPhil students from other institutions applying because they think that an MPhil is only taken if a student hasn’t decided whether to do a DPhil. So having an MPhil degree does not show my commitment to academia.