The University of Queensland (UQ) is considering scrapping its journalism degree and shedding staff in a radical shake-up of its Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences.

The ABC has obtained an "issues paper" written by the faculty's new executive dean, Professor Tim Dunne, which declares "demand for journalism is declining globally".

Professor Dunne's proposal is to disband the School of Journalism and Communication and merge its academic staff with the School of English, Media Studies and Art History effective from January next year.

"Whilst it is anticipated that the majority of positions will remain unchanged, there will be some duplication in positions and some professional staff positions in SJC may no longer be required," the paper said.

All current Bachelor of Journalism students are guaranteed the course will continue, but the future of the program, offered in some form for the past 80 years, is bleak.

"The change in the job market and falling demand suggest UQ should look for smaller cohorts of top students in the future," the paper said.

"Some elite universities now only offer postgraduate programs in journalism (eg Columbia, Melbourne, Berkeley) and this might provide a plausible direction for UQ.

"No academic programs would be withdrawn as a result of this change, ensuring that students have the opportunity to complete programs already commenced with the existing university program rules."

There is suspicion among staff the current crop of students will be the last to be offered an undergraduate degree in journalism, with the university more interested in research work that brings in outside funding.

In the issues paper, Professor Dunne blames a number of factors for the proposed changes including funding cuts outlined in last month's federal budget.

"In 2014, Commonwealth funding to communication courses provided $11,790 per full-time student," the paper said.

"The 2014 Commonwealth budget announced that from 2016, the Commonwealth contribution would be reduced by 49 per cent to just $6,021 per student."

But it also appears that UQ, which has seen a fall in the number of first preference applications in recent years, is being outcompeted by its Brisbane rival the Queensland University of Technology.

"UQ has dropped the OP for the BJournalism degree from OP8 in 2012 to OP11 in 2014," the paper said.

"UQ's main journalism competitor in Brisbane (QUT) has also seen a decline in first preferences, though has maintained its program cut-off at OP5."

Professor Dunne is scheduled to meet with staff in the School of Journalism and Communication on Tuesday.

Know more? investigations@abc.net.au