Student Portal > IT help > Logging in

Logging in

As a fully enrolled UCA student, you are automatically set up with a computer network account and email.

This account entitles you to:

  • Use any computer (PC or MAC) connected to the ucreative network across our Schools
  • Access UCA systems such as myUCA and Office 365
  • Download and use Microsoft and Adobe software suites (you must request licences for Adobe - please see Student IT Discounts and Downloads)
  • Access student software discounts (when requiring a valid educational email address). 

As a new student, you will receive your username and password at the end of your online enrolment, within the Applicant Portal pages.

UCA utilises Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) to protect your account. MFA means that more than one piece of information is required to validate your right to access a system or application. This is done via text, phone call or a verification app.

MFA provides another level of security for both you and UCA. You will be prompted to set this up when you first log into your UCA account.

Please note: you must be a fully enrolled student to qualify for a ucreative computer network account. If you are having trouble with enrolment, please contact Online Enrolment Enquiries on 01622 620003.

FAQs

  • Where can I get my username and password?

    New students

    As a new student, you will receive your username and password at the end of your online enrolment, within the Applicant Portal pages.

    Current students

    Your username consists of your student number followed by @students.ucreative.ac.uk

    If you have forgotten your password, please use the password reset tool available within the ‘can’t access your account’ section on each login screen.

    If you need to change your password manually, please speak to an IT Advisor based in each School library (a valid UCA student ID card MUST be presented if you require a new password). Passwords cannot be changed over email.

  • Why can’t I log into my UCA account?

    There could be several reasons for this:

    • You made a mistake when typing in your password - passwords are case sensitive! Please try again
    • You have tried an incorrect password too many times. If this is the case, your account will lock. Please leave 20 minutes for the account to unlock and try again
    • There is an issue with your account, for example, your enrolment is not complete. Speak to an IT Advisor if you are unsure
    • You set the browser to remember your password but changed your password in the meantime. You will need to clear your saved password and type in your password manually.

    If you encounter difficulties, please see an IT Advisor at your School library.

  • I have forgotten my password, what should I do?

    Firstly, you should try the password reset tool. This is available within the ‘can’t access your account’ section on each login screen.

    If you need to change your password manually, please see an IT Advisor at your School library (a valid UCA student ID card MUST be presented if you require a new password). Passwords cannot be changed over email.

  • My account says it’s temporarily locked

    The system will lock you out if you fail to enter the correct username and password after 3 attempts. If this is the case, the system will automatically unlock after 20 minutes.

    If this keeps occurring, you may be logged into a UCA account on one of your devices which is automatically trying to log into the system with an old password. Please log out of all UCA accounts and log back in (this will include Adobe and Microsoft).

  • I am studying off campus (at home/abroad) and have forgotten my password. What should I do?

    Firstly, please try the password reset tool. This is available within the ‘can’t access your account’ section on each login screen.

    If unsuccessful, you will need to call an IT Advisor.

    For security reasons you will be asked questions to verify your identity. Passwords cannot be changed via email.

    Call us on 01252 918504.

  • I’m going to change my phone, can I set up a new number for my Multi-Factor Authentication?

    Yes, before you disconnect from your old phone, log in and authenticate using this link.

    You can now change/add your number.

    If you have already disconnected from your old number, you will need to have your MFA reset. Please contact the IT Advisors at studentITsupport@uca.ac.uk.

  • I’ve lost the phone I use for Multi-Factor Authentication, how do a receive my code?

    You will need to have your MFA reset, so you don’t receive MFA authentication requests to your old phone. Please contact the IT Advisors at studentITsupport@uca.ac.uk.

  • I don’t have much phone signal at my house, how do I receive my MFA authentication code?

    You can either use your landline or you will need to use the Authenticator App which sends codes via WiFi or cellular data, rather than your phone signal.

    When setting up MFA, download the Microsoft Authenticator App from the Play/App Store and follow the onscreen setup.

    If you have already set up your authentication method to text you, you will need to have your MFA reset. Please contact the IT Advisors at studentITsupport@uca.ac.uk.

  • Why don’t I always get asked for an MFA code?

    If you have chosen ‘Don’t ask again for 14 days’ when validating, then you should not be asked to validate for this time. If the system registers unusual activity during this time, it may request an earlier validation.

    If you are on campus (excluding halls of residence) and using a UCA computer or connected to the WiFi, this will be recognised and used as validation that you are a legitimate user of UCA IT systems.

  • I’ve received a code request, but I haven’t logged into anything, what should I do?

    If you receive a verification request when not trying to log on, then you should deny or ignore the request.

    Sometimes the verification is genuine, as it can be your device trying to connect to a system you have left yourself signed into. Be sure to close any UCA systems you are no longer using.

    If you are not logged into any UCA accounts, or are repeatedly receiving validation requests, change your password and virus scan any device you have used your UCA account on.