Canvas FAQ for students

Canvas is Imperial's online learning platform. You can use it to access teaching materials, submit assignments, view feedback, receive announcements from teaching teams, and engage with module learning activities. 

Sign in to Canvas using your Imperial username and password through the Canvas login page. Once signed in, you'll see your Canvas Dashboard with your enrolled courses. 

Yes. Canvas can be accessed through a web browser on most devices. You can also download the Canvas Student mobile app for iOS and Android devices. 

Modules are usually added automatically after your programme and module enrolments have been completed. Some modules may not become available until shortly before teaching begins. 

If a module is not visible: 

• Check that you are enrolled on the module.
• Allow time for enrolment information to update.

If the module is still unavailable after teaching has started, please contact your department. 

Your modules will appear on your Dashboard. You can also select Courses from the Canvas navigation menu to view all available courses. 

Module spaces typically contain: 

• Learning outcomes
• Teaching schedules
• Reading lists
• Assessment information
• Module announcements
• Learning resources and recordings

Your programme or departmental pages may also contain important information and guidance. 

Canvas displays announcements and recent activity on your Dashboard. You can also customise your notification settings to receive updates by email or mobile notification. 

Yes. You can: 

• Arrange and reorder course cards on your Dashboard
• Manage notification preferences
• Choose how and when Canvas contacts you about course activity 

No, your Canvas calendar only includes items from Canvas, your timetable can be found on your timetabling calendar.

You can combine your Canvas calendar with your Outlook calendar if you wish to see all your calendars in one place.

You are able to add an amount of additional information to your Canvas account profile including your pronouns, name pronunciation and a profile photo.

Photos on your Canvas profile must be a clear picture of you i.e. not wearing sunglasses, not generated by AI or be of other people or objects.  Uploaded photos that do not meet these criteria or that are inappropriate may be taken down by the institution and the ability to upload profile photos locked.

How to edit your profile

Many modules will use Canvas for assessment submission. However, submission methods vary between modules and departments.

Always follow the instructions provided by your teaching team and check the assessment information available within your module space. 

Where Canvas is used for assessment and marking, feedback and grades may be available through the relevant assignment area. Your department will provide guidance on how feedback will be released for your module. 

Imperial is introducing Canvas to provide a more consistent, accessible and user-friendly digital learning experience for students and staff. Canvas is replacing previous learning platforms, including Blackboard and Insendi (The Hub). 

Access to materials from previous years depends on departmental arrangements, migration, and archiving plans. Availability of historical content may vary between programmes and modules. 

If you need access to material from a previous course, please contact your department. 

The transition to Canvas is being managed across the university. Some departments and programmes may adopt Canvas at different points during the implementation period. 

For technical issues accessing Canvas, contact the ICT Service Desk (ASK). 
 
Please contact your departmental teaching team for questions about:

• Module content
• Assessments
• Missing teaching materials
• Course-specific information 

Visit the Canvas guidance webpages for step-by-step instructions, user guides and support resources.