Start your journey
Here you’ll find everything you need to start studying with us as a distance learner.
First things first
Registration
To start your journey with the University of Salford, you need to complete online registration. Once you've officially registered, you'll be able to access all the resources you need for your course.
Make sure your funding is in place
If you are taking out a tuition fee loan to cover the cost of your course, it’s really important that you have applied for this as early as possible and have confirmation of your loan from Student Finance. If you will be sponsored for your course, you must have written proof in place, or if you are self-funding your tuition costs, you must be prepared to set up a payment plan.
Get familiar with our systems
Even though you might not be physically joining our campus, there are still lots of our services and systems that you'll be able to access during your studies and it’s worth getting your head around them before you start. The ones we mention aren’t the only tools that you’ll be using, but they’re a good start. Your school, course and module leaders will give you more information about the specific systems you’ll be using. You can also help develop your digital skills through our Library.
Usernames and passwords
There are two ways of signing into University resources and services. After registering you will receive details for your University email address (e.g. j.bloggs@edu.salford.ac.uk) and your network username (e.g. abc123). For security purposes these accounts have a temporary password which you will be prompted to change when you first sign in.
Your email address is used to sign into the following tools:
- Microsoft 365 account
- Blackboard
- the Student Hub
Your network username is used to access services such as:
- access Library Search
- adding credit to your printing account
- Advantage – the system for booking onto University events
Not sure which one to use? Look at how the sign in box is labelled for the system or resource you want to access. Does it ask for your email address or a username?
About changing your password
We recommend that you sign into your Microsoft 365 account, or the Student Hub, so that you will see the prompt to change your password to one that only you know. Your two accounts will synchronise, so that you will use your new password for your network username too.
Choosing a strong password is very important to protect your accounts. Don’t use the same password for everything and follow our Top Tips to Create a strong password.
One of the benefits of all of this is that you will not be prompted to change your password again, but if you do forget your password or want to change it for security reasons then register for Self Service Password Reset (SSPR) so that you can reset it yourself anytime, anywhere.
Multi Factor authentication (MFA)
University systems are protected by Multi Factor authentication (MFA). It requires a second form of authentication when logging in to any of the protected systems such as Microsoft 365 and its tools, the Student Hub and Blackboard. The first time you login to Microsoft 365 you will be prompted to register for MFA.
You will also be encouraged to sign up for Self Service Password Reset (SSPR)
Find out more about Multi Factor authentication (MFA) and Self Service Password Reset (SSPR) and watch our step-by-step videos.
Microsoft 365
When you register and have been given a University email address, you will be able to log in to Microsoft 365 to access your emails (Outlook), use collaborative spaces where you can chat to your peers (Teams), save your files in the cloud (OneDrive), as well as make to-do lists, store your notes (OneNote) and access Word, Excel, PowerPoint and more.
Student Hub
The Student Hub is your gateway for all things student. You can access it after registering by signing in with your University email address. It is the best way to access links to most of the systems you will use as a Salford student. You will also find links to University events, news stories and important announcements that you need to know about.
Blackboard
Blackboard is the University’s virtual learning environment. You can access it via a web browser and by installing its Blackboard app to your smart devices.
It is an essential tool as you will use Blackboard to view module announcements, access your learning materials, participate in discussion board topics, blogs and wikis, submit your work for e-Assessment and find your grades.
Once you've completed registration, you'll also need to log on to Blackboard to find all the materials related to your school induction.
You can find lots of information online, including a Blackboard tour video by visiting the Blackboard introduction and guide.
Advantage
Advantage is the system where you can find job opportunities, sign up to workshops and masterclasses and book appointments with different advisors across the university. You’ll use your network login to access Advantage so, once you are registered, take a look at what’s online and book in workshops and masterclasses to your heart’s content!
Getting help with IT systems and services
Visit the Skills website for additional support with accessing and using our IT systems.
If you still require additional guidance, the fastest and easiest way to get help with accessing IT systems or resources, is via the Digital IT Service Desk portal and its guides and FAQs.
For password enquiries, or if you are unable to use the portal, telephone +44 (0)161 295 2444 to speak to a member of the team (Monday to Friday 08:00-17:00 BST).
If you cannot call during business hours and are unable to log into the portal, email Digital-ITServiceDesk@salford.ac.uk
Drop-in Support at the Tech Bar: face to face help from the team’s ‘Tech Bar’ is available from Monday to Friday, 09:00 – 16:00 in the Clifford Whitworth Library.
askUS
Starting university is a big step for everyone, so askUS is here to help you navigate university and succeed in all areas of your life – not just your studies. askUS is your one-stop shop for student support, engagement and success and includes services such as:
- Wellbeing and counselling - get advice from experienced counsellors and wellbeing advisors
- Diversity and inclusion - we make sure you have fair and equal access to your education and university life, no matter what your circumstances
- Student Voice - sit on the sidelines or help us make the ordinary extraordinary. You decide!
- Funding opportunities - find out about opportunities to fund your business idea
- Careers and Enterprise - access career support and advice on starting your own business
- Money matters - get advice on financial support and how to make your money go further.
You can find out more about the different services offered by the askUS team on the askUS website.
You can also find askUS online in the Student Hub (once you’re registered) or contact them to find out more or ask a question. Call on +44 (0)161 259 0023 or email askus@salford.ac.uk.
Read our glossary for new students
To help you understand some of the common, and sometimes confusing, terms that are used across the University, we've created a useful glossary of terms for new students.