can someone explain a few questions about degrees for me?

[ssd]

1. if a first degree is funded by a loan, how is a second degree funded?

1. is a second degree called a post graduate degree?

1. when is a PHD done and how is it funded? and when would a PHD be needed?

1. what's the difference between a taught degree and a research degree?

1. what is the grant for the undergraduate degree thats being phased out? is it the same as a bursary?

thanks, I know I'm ignorant but I want to learn these answers!

Available in England only....

oops, sorry yes the 30 year old thing is the loans.

To qualify for the funding for free masters this year however, you must have done a 3 year degree. There are 100s - if not 1000s - of very pissed off Open University graduates this year. Our degrees normally take 6 years. Other unis also offer part time degrees. I can't see any logic in making this restriction.

Because those who took 3 years will have paid £9000 a year fees. Those who started 4, 5, 6+ years ago paid FAR less....