Draft:Thomas More University of Applied Sciences

Thomas More is a Flemish university of applied sciences and a member of the KU Leuven Association. It was established at the beginning of the academic year 2012-2013 through the merger of Lessius Antwerp, Lessius Mechelen and Katholieke Hogeschool Kempen. Its registered offices are located in Geel and in Mechelen. With a community of nearly 22,000 students, 2,000 staff members and 250 researchers  , it is the largest university of applied sciences in Flanders. Thomas More’s leading principles are courage, enthusiasm, focus and trust.

History
In 2010, the Katholieke Hogeschool Mechelen and Campus De Nayer merged to form Lessius Mechelen. At the same time, the campuses of the former Lessius University College in Antwerp were renamed Lessius Antwerp. Together, Lessius Antwerp and Lessius Mechelen formed the entity Lessius.

In 2012, the Katholieke Hogeschool Kempen and Lessius continued as Thomas More. Thomas More is a collaboration between Thomas More Mechelen-Antwerp vzw (formerly Lessius) and Thomas More Kempen vzw (formerly K.H. Kempen). The name honours Thomas More, while also playfully referring to ‘more’, indicating that the merged institution represents a wider range of programmes, at more locations and with more partnerships.

Study
Thomas More also accommodates international students with a selection of degree and exchange programmes conducted in English. Students have the option to participate in a semester-long programme during the autumn or spring term, pursue an abridged year of study or enrol in a full three-year bachelor's degree programme. Additionally, Thomas More offers opportunities for graduated individuals who have already obtained a bachelor's or master's degree, such as pursuing a postgraduate certificate over one or two semesters or completing a short program to attain a second bachelor's degree within a year.

Thomas More developed more than 40 English-taught exchange programmes and 25 degree programmes. These programmes are open to exchange students from partner universities globally, offering opportunities for studies or internships. The degree programmes can be followed in Geel, Mechelen and Sint-Katelijne-Waver.

Locations
Thomas More offers education and trainings across 12 campuses in 7 locations in the province of Antwerp.

Research
In the field of research, Thomas More is active with 250 researchers across three main themes: caring and inclusive society, climate and sustainability, and digital and technological innovation. For this purpose, it has established seven expertise centres.

1. Budget and Financial Well-being

2. Care and Technology

3. Design and Technology

4. Education and Learning

5. Energy

6. Sustainable Biomass and Chemistry

7. Sustainable Business and Digital Innovation

Collaborations
In order to maintain practice-oriented education and research, Thomas More collaborates with various stakeholders. Three types of partnerships can be distinguished: partners in education, institutional partnerships and partners in recruitment. Partners in education are companies that are willing to contribute to Thomas More’s innovative and field-oriented education, while institutional partnerships serve to reinforce the relations with higher education institutions and organisations worldwide to build international ecosystems. Partners in recruitment are international companies that help Thomas More assist students with their international journeys.