Colchester Institute is a large provider of further and higher education based in the town of Colchester. The institute includes the Colchester School of Art, Faculty of Creative Arts, the Centre for Hospitality and Food Studies, and the Professional Training Centre. Colchester Institute provides courses for a wide variety of learners including 14 to 19 year olds, adults, businesses and employers. Undergraduate and Postgraduate Higher Education courses are validated by the University of Essex.