Student Portal > IT help > Logging in

Logging in

As a fully enrolled UCA student, you are automatically setup 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 four campuses.
  • Access UCA systems such as myUCA, Office 365 and Managed Print.
  • 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: uou must be a fully enrolled student to qualify for a ucreative computer network account. If you are having trouble with enrolment, please contact the 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 your Library IT Adviser’s based in each campus 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, e.g. your enrolment is not complete. Speak to a Library IT Adviser 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 a Library IT Adviser at your campus 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 the Library IT Adviser (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).

  • Why does it keep asking me to set up some security questions?

    You need to set up 5 security questions on your account as soon as possible. These are used when using the password reset tool. You will be asked every time you log in until you choose them, so it is best to do it straight away. Once filled in, you will no longer receive the prompts.

    Occasionally the system will ask you to check the questions, this allows you to change them if you wish, or you can simply accept and continue to log in.

    If you do not set up the security questions and you forget your password, you will be unable to use the password reset tool.

  • 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 a Library IT Adviser.

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

    • Canterbury: +44 (0)1227 817314
    • Epsom: +44 (0)1372 202551
    • Farnham: +44 (0)1252 892710
  • 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.

    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 your campus Library IT Adviser.

  • 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 an MFA authentication request to your old phone. Please contact your campus Library IT Adviser.

  • 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, this sends codes via Wi-Fi or cellular data, rather than your phone signal.

    When setting up MFA, download the Microsoft Authenticator App from the Play/App Store and choose ‘Use verification code from app or token’ 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 your campus Library IT Adviser.

Multi-Factor Authentication

MFA adds more security for your UCA single sign-on credentials, giving more protection to you and your data. MFA reduces the possibility of unauthorised access should account details be compromised.

As UCA move to using single sign-on credentials for more applications the risk around compromised accounts increases. The same password now gives access to many UCA systems including emails, work and course related files.

Better authentication reduces the risk of your account being accessed by others, even with your username and password there will be an additional level of protection in place.

MFA or Additional Security Verification means that more than one piece of information is required to validate your right to access a system or application. Typically you provide some information, such as a password, whilst additional information, normally time limited, is given to you like a code via text message. You may already be using MFA to access your bank account details on line.

Using MFA provides another level of security designed to offer additional protection to both you and UCA. Passwords and usernames are increasing a target to those seeking to gain inappropriate access to systems. MFA enhances security by requiring an additional piece of information, over and above your single sign-on credentials before you can access UCA applications.

Your single sign-on details remain unchanged but you will need to provide a second form of authentication.

  • The first option is when the additional authentication is generated automatically when required and you can receive it using an Authentication app or by using a phone, either via a call or message. This option must be used when you initially set up MFA.
  • The other option for the additional authentication is your physical location. This means if you are physically on a UCA Campus (excluding the Halls of Residence) then this will be recognised and used as validation that you are a legitimate user of UCA IT systems. This option cannot be used to initially set up MFA.