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Getting IT software

What software you can use as a student or member of staff, where to use it, and how to get it on University and personal devices.

Campus computers and virtual desktops

Most of the software you need for teaching, study or research is already installed on these computers, including widely used applications like MATLAB, SPSS, Maple and ChemOffice:

University-managed staff devices

If you're a member of staff with a University-managed device, most of the software you need for your work is already installed, including Microsoft 365 and standard academic applications like MATLAB.

To install additional software:

If anything else you need isn't there, or it needs administrator access to install, request it through the Self-Service Portal and the DDaT team will arrange it.

Visio and Project

Visio and Project aren't part of the standard Microsoft 365 applications and are no longer installed on University-managed devices. There are free alternatives:

  • Visio for the web, through Microsoft 365, for creating and editing basic diagrams
  • Microsoft Planner, in your browser through Microsoft 365, for project tasks
  • ProjectLibre and draw.io, through the Company Portal

If you need the full Visio desktop app or Project, find out how to request a per-user licence in Visio and Project: licensing and free alternatives.

Business systems

Agresso, SAMIS and Room Service are available through AdminDesk, a remote desktop you can open from your University device or your own computer, phone or tablet.

Your personal devices

You can access the full range of University virtual desktops from your personal device, as well as the following:

  • Microsoft 365 apps: install Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams and OneDrive on up to five personal devices, for students and most staff, while you're at the University. Some staff roles have a web-only licence instead.
  • Visio and Planner: use these in your browser, through the same Microsoft 365 account. The browser version of Visio covers basic diagrams such as flowcharts and org charts. More complex diagrams need a full Visio licence.
  • Secure Downloads: install other University-licensed software, such as EndNote and SPSS, on your personal laptop or computer. Sign in with your University account to see what's available to you.

There are also discounted and free options for personal devices:

Assistive technology

The University provides a range of assistive technology software, from screen readers to mind-mapping and text-to-speech tools. Some is available to everyone and some is arranged individually through the Assistive Technology Team.

Printing, VPN and other services

To use some University services on your own device, you'll need to install a small utility first. The guidance for each service explains what to install, for example the University Print Service and setting up the VPN on your device.

Finding or requesting other software

If you're looking for help with a particular application, including where it's available and how to install it, search the software guidance on the Self-Service Portal.

For anything else, including software that's licensed per person or bought by your department, such as Adobe Creative Cloud, staff can make a software request. Students should speak to their lecturer or course tutor, who can request it on the course's behalf.

Find guidance on specific software

Search software guidance You'll need to sign in with your University account

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