PFF-PFD Applicant Guide with SFE Information

This guide explains what the PFF/PFD day involves, how to prepare, the skills you will be expected to demonstrate, and how Student Finance England information is included within the admissions process.

The main purpose of PFF/PFD: PFF/PFD is a supportive assessment day. It gives you an opportunity to demonstrate your readiness for higher education, understand the course and support available, and complete important admissions checks before a final decision is made.

What are PFF and PFD?

Prepare for Foundation (PFF) and Prepare for Degree (PFD) are structured assessment days completed after the initial application, pre-screening and online interview stages.

PFF is normally used for applicants entering a foundation route, while PFD is used for applicants entering directly onto a degree route. The activities may vary slightly by course or university partner, but the main expectations and checks are consistent.

The day is designed to be welcoming and supportive. It is not simply a written test. You will take part in discussions, research and communication activities, receive information about academic and student support, and complete an individual reflection.

Why do I need to attend?

The PFF/PFD day helps UKMC to consider whether you are ready for the demands of your chosen course. It also helps you to:

• learn more about studying at UKMC and what will be expected of you;
• understand the academic, wellbeing and wider support available;
• demonstrate your communication, research and independent-working skills;
• reflect on your experience, strengths and areas for development;
• complete relevant identity, document and Student Finance checks; and
• ask questions before progressing to the next stage of admissions.

Before your PFF/PFD day

You should complete the following steps before attending:

• Complete the online written pre-task by the deadline stated in your invitation. Applicants who miss the deadline may need to be rebooked.
• Confirm your attendance using any link provided by UKMC.
• Bring valid identification and any documents requested by Admissions.
• Proof of eligibility to fund your studies (either through self-funding or Student Finance England active application that you can access)
• Make sure you can access the email address for any important information about the day.
• Tell Admissions or the Wellbeing team as early as possible if you need a reasonable adjustment or additional support.

What happens on the day?

The timetable below is a general guide. Activities may finish earlier or later, and additional time can be provided where possible or where an agreed reasonable adjustment is in place.

Indicative time	Activity
09:00-09:50	Registration, first identity check and initial document or Student Finance checks.
10:00	Welcome, introduction to the day and explanation of the activities.
10:45	Barriers to study and information about UKMC support services.
11:30	Lunch and an opportunity to upload any requested documents.
12:00	Communication and research activity.
14:30	Individual reflection. Electronic devices must not be used during this activity.
Up to 16:30	Completion of remaining work and checks. You may leave once everything required has been completed.

PFD applicants may also complete additional degree-level decision-making activities and pre-session reflections. Full instructions will be provided in advance or on the day.

What skills and behaviors will be considered?

The lecturer and Assessment Delivery Officers will consider your written work alongside how you take part throughout the day. This may include your ability to:

• arrive prepared and follow instructions;
• communicate clearly and appropriately with staff and other applicants;
• contribute to discussions and group activities;
• research information and explain your ideas;
• work independently without another person completing the task for you;
• manage your time and remain engaged;
• reflect honestly on your experience and learning;
• use online systems and upload documents when requested; and
• ask for support appropriately when you are unsure.

Use of phones and electronic devices:

Mobile devices and the use of smart devices are prohibited during the afternoon assessment activity.

A clear warning will be given before the reflection begins, and

Phones may only be used during the initial general activities where they are needed for research, document uploads, or account access.

Conditions of Entry

Meeting the initial Admissions eligibility criteria through the application process (set out on the course pages)

Ability to evidence your eligibility to self-fund or have an active and eligible Student Finance England account/application

Identification

What should I bring to PFF?

• Valid physical identification requested by UKMC (digital copies are not accepted).
• Your Student Finance account number and the ability to access your account, where applicable.
• Your mobile phone and access to the email address linked to your account.
• Any documents requested by Admissions or Student Finance England.
• Any equipment, medication or support items you normally need.
• A willingness to take part, ask questions and complete the activities independently.

Identity checks and seating

Identity checks take place during registration, when you enter the classroom and before the afternoon reflection. Applicants are normally placed in random seating locations. These checks help protect the fairness and integrity of the process.

Support and reasonable adjustments

UKMC aims to make the PFF/PFD day accessible and supportive. If you have a disability, health condition, learning need or other circumstance that may affect your participation, contact the Admissions or Wellbeing team as early as possible.

Reasonable adjustments may include additional time, changes to the way instructions are provided or other appropriate support. Staff can explain the process and provide guidance, but they cannot complete assessed work or a Student Finance application on your behalf.

Results and next steps

The lecturer records an advisory academic outcome after reviewing your written work and the observations made during the day. Results are also moderated to support consistency and fairness. Admissions retains responsibility for the final admissions decision and will communicate the outcome to you.

Results may not be available immediately. Processing times can vary depending on application volumes, weekends and whether further review is required.

If you are funding your studies through a Tuition Fee Loan

We strongly advise looking through the informaiton and guidance on the SfE website, which is updated from time to time, Student finance for undergraduates: Overview - GOV.UK.

If choosing this route, it is essential that applicants are able to demonstrate practical digital, organisational and independent-working skills. You should be prepared to:

• securely access your own Student Finance account;
• provide accurate information about previous higher education study or funding;
• check your email inbox and application status;
• Provide identification which alligns to your student finance application
• read and respond to requests for further information or evidence reasonably requested;
• upload clear and accurate documents using the requested method;
• keep passwords and security information private (and not share with any individual); and
• ask for help promptly if you cannot access your account or do not understand a request.

Student Finance checks during the admissions process

As part of registration and the PFF/PFD day, you may be asked to log in to your own Student Finance account and show relevant information to an authorised member of staff.

This can include confirming your Student Finance account number, and checking information about previous Student Finance claims.

These are visual checks. UKMC staff will not ask for your password, take control of your account or copy detailed personal financial information. Only limited confirmation required for the admissions process is recorded.

If you cannot access your account or the check cannot be completed, the reason will be recorded and the Conversion Team will follow up with you after the event.

An access problem does not automatically determine the result of your PFF/PFD or your eligibility for funding.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use my phone during the day? Yes, where it is needed for research, document uploads or account access. It must not be used during the individual reflection.

What happens if I arrive late? You should arrive between 09:00 and 09:50. Applicants arriving after 10:00 will normally need to be rebooked unless an exceptional arrangement has been approved.

What if I cannot access my Student Finance account? Tell a member of staff. The issue will be recorded and Business Development will follow up with you after the event.

Will UKMC decide whether I am eligible for Student Finance? No. Eligibility and funding decisions are made independently by Student Finance England.

Can I still study if I am not eligible for Student Finance? Applicants may be able to study as self-funded students, subject to meeting the course entry requirements and agreeing the applicable fee arrangements.

What if I need more time? Additional time may be provided where operationally possible. Any reasonable adjustment agreed by the Wellbeing team will be applied.

Important information

This page provides general guidance about PFF/PFD and Student Finance. It does not replace the instructions in your booking confirmation, the terms of your application, official Student Finance England guidance or any course-specific requirements.

UKMC can provide general guidance and explain the steps you need to follow. You remain responsible for the accuracy of the information you provide and for managing your own Student Finance account.

Applicants must complete all required pre-PFF/PFD steps and provide the requested information and documentation before attending. This includes any required pre-task, identification, Student Finance account details and supporting evidence.

Applicants who have not completed these requirements, or who arrive without the information needed to complete the required checks, may be refused entry and asked to book a later PFF/PFD date. The session is not intended to be used to create accounts, locate missing documents or complete outstanding application requirements on arrival.

Need further help?

For questions about your application, PFF/PFD booking or general Student Finance guidance, please contact the UKMC Admissions Team.

Email: recruitment@ukmc.ac.uk

Telephone: +44 (0)161 478 0015