Christians have called on the University of Nottingham to reinstate Theology and Religion as a degree, after the university scrapped studying single honours in the subject.

Prospective students will now only be able to study theology as part of a joint degree of Theology, Religion, Philosophy and Ethics.

It’s part of a wider cull, which includes Modern Languages, Music and Nursing.

Music alumni Sam Watts, who composed the theme tune for The Traitors, called the cuts “short-sighted,” saying: "The arts and art education are vital… the University of Nottingham music department set me up in my career.”

A petition against the decision has been set up by a Christian, Arabella Moore Smith, who said the “disrespect” to theology as a subject was “shocking”.

“Whether you believe in God(s) or not, Theology and Religious Studies is absolutely central to growth of the human psyche, culture, and our general moral awareness,” she wrote.

The university said it has made the decision to cut certain subjects, in light of "market share, tariff, projected current and future demand from students and employers, and revenue".

“In order to ensure that our institution is sustainable for current and future generations, we need to make tough decisions based on changes in student demand,” the university said.