The Technological Higher Education Association (THEA) is the representative body of Ireland's 14 polytechnics. Polytechnics have a unique system that allows students to graduate from a two-year (associate degree program) through an entry-level degree to a master's and doctoral degree. The polytechnics degree is integrated into the Irish national qualifications framework, in line with the bologna framework, ensuring that the cutting edge skills needed by Ireland's knowledge-based industries are well aligned with the needs of Ireland's modern economy.