A university’s attempt to teach students about consent has backfired as students complain that being made to watch a play titled Can’t Touch This left them feeling “triggered”.

Essex University told undergraduates that they must attend a screening of the play, which explores the issue of sexual harassment during a typical student night out.

Sexual consent classes have increased in popularity in recent years at universities, with many now offering them during freshers’ week for incoming students.

Many universities decided to introduce the classes following calls by the National Union of Students to address “lad culture” and their high profile I Heart Consent campaign.

Essex University said they decided to screen the Can't Touch This film following a request from the students' union, which is campaigning for urgent change to the way cases of sexual harassment are dealt with on campus.

But the move backfired when students labelling the film “deeply insensitive and damaging” and calling for the “mandatory” screenings to be scrapped.

The university has since apologised after students claimed the play could upset those who had been victims of sexual assaults or harassment.

One student wrote on Twitter: "Please stop this policy and apologise to all the sexual assault victims you have placed in this horrendous position."