PROFESSIONALIZED MASTER THESES AS A RESULT OF COOPERATION BETWEEN UNIVERSITY AND INDUSTRY

The paper presents experiences and lessons learned gained during cooperation between university and industry involving realization of master theses in computer science in the area of games development. The Bologna Process and the EQF have an impact on promotion of the higher education and the process of its improvement. The role of higher education in the knowledge-based society is growing. One of the most important aspects imposed by those processes is cooperation between universities and industry. Such cooperation is valuable due to the increasing need for collaboration between the sector of education and industry. More and more popular among scientists, students and entrepreneurs became actions and programs strengthening such cooperation. Commercialization of research results and joint research projects give positive results for both, universities and companies. Moreover, many universities are aware of benefits of cooperation with enterprises in the context of education. This cooperation, in particular, is based on the construction of academic syllabuses and organization of additional activities and seminars for students. Important factors are also internships and development of diploma theses under the supervision of a mentor from industry.

The paper focuses on realization of diploma theses in the field of computer games development in the Institute of Computer Science at Lublin University of Technology. In particular, the paper describes:
1) The need for cooperation between university and industry including its advantages and limitations.
2) Methodology of preparing and performing master theses in the area of Computer Science (CS).
3) Aims and results of master theses including research and professional contribution including opinions of all partners (students, university teachers and entrepreneurs).
4) Examples of obtained solutions.
5) Lessons learned of cooperation between industry and university.