Theology students are given advance warning that they may encounter disturbing images while studying the crucifixion of Jesus to give them a chance to leave if they fear getting upset, the Daily Mail reported.

Such "trigger warnings" are part of a trend that a number of universities are using to make students aware of the course content that they might find distressing.

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For instance, the University of Glasgow said that the trigger warnings are issued to potential theology students before studying "Creation to Apocalypse: Introduction to the Bible (Level 1)." University documents reveal that a lecture on Jesus and cinema sometimes contain graphic scenes of his crucifixion, giving students a heads up. 

The university's veterinary students are also warned that their coursework involves working with dead animals. And those studying 'contemporary society' are forewarned that they will be discussing illness and violence.

Forensic science students at Strathclyde University in Glasgow are also given a verbal warning at the beginning of some lectures where sensitive images involving blood patterns, crime scenes, and bodies are included.

At Stirling University, gender studies students are warned that the institution cannot exclude the possibility that they may come across material that may trigger a negative reaction, urging students to take all the necessary precautions to take care of their well-being in and around the program.

The university also allows students to leave class at any time they feel like but urges them to check in later during the day to confirm how they are coping.

Meanwhile, advocates said that the warnings help to preserve the mental health of vulnerable students. Critics, however, argued that the trend is creating a generation of "snowflake" students who are not equipped to deal with the harsh realities of the world.

"Universities are meant to be a place of learning where concepts are challenged and tricky subjects debated. That will become increasingly difficult if they go far out of their way to ensure everything survives the politically correct test," Scottish Tory education spokesperson Liz Smith said.

But Glasgow University said its duty is to cater and prioritize the well-being of its students.

TagsReligion, Religion Belief, crucifixion