I am completely new, planing to apply for PSW for October, have some questions

1. What is Biometric Residence Permit and where/how can I get it?

2. Is Birth Certificate compulsory to submit?

3. What is Home Office reference number? and Points Based System migrant reference number?

I got a simple questions (PSW For Dummies)

I am MA student, gonna graduate in September 2011, I am wondering if I can still apply for PSW visa? if yes, under which conditions?

thanks