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Usernames, passwords and MFA

All staff and students are assigned an ITS username and password, which provides access to computing facilities at Birkbeck. New student accounts are set up during enrolment and new staff accounts are set up when you join Birkbeck. Other users can request an account.

You can change or reset your Birkbeck password if you wish.

Information for students 

  • If you are a new student at Birkbeck, we will send your ITS username and password to the email address you provide during enrolment. 
  • Your ITS username and password will remain with you during your time at Birkbeck and they last until the end of October of the year you graduate for most students (end of December for taught Master's students). 
  • If you are interrupting your studies or re-sitting exams, you will retain access to computing facilities. 
  • Please read Birkbeck's privacy notice about ITS accounts.

information for staff

  • Information for staff is available on SharePoint (visible to staff only). 

Information FOR other users  

  • If you are not an enrolled student or a member of staff, you may be provided with an ITS username and password (for example, when hiring a room).
  • If you have a legitimate need to access computing facilities at Birkbeck, you can request an ITS username and password. Please ask a member of staff to request one on your behalf.
  • Bespoke accounts are provided for other users (eg visitors). Please complete the Bespoke Computer Account Request form within the IT Services tab in My Birkbeck for Staff.
  • Please read Birkbeck's privacy notice about ITS accounts.

multi-factor authentication (mfa)

  • Birkbeck uses Microsoft Multi-factor Authentication (MFA) to provide an additional layer of security on top of your username and password when you access College resources online. Once set up it is easy to use and provides increased protection from cyber-attacks.
  • MFA works by asking you to verify who you are when signing in. This can be done using a mobile app, text message or phone call.
  • MFA verification is currently required when logging in to Microsoft 365 (M365), Moodle and the Virtual Private Network (VPN). Other systems will be added in due course.
  • All staff and students are required to register for MFA (pdf file).
  • Further information about MFA is available on Sharepoint. This requires login to M365 with your Birkbeck email address and IT password (for students this is username@student.bbk.ac.uk). You may need to register for MFA before you can access this resource.