Organisational changes to communications schools

Reports that The University of Queensland is considering “dumping its journalism degree” are incorrect.

UQ’s Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences is considering internal structural changes that would see the School of Journalism and Communication join the School of English, Media Studies and Art History early next year.

Faculty Executive Dean Professor Tim Dunne said there were no planned changes to programs and courses taught in the schools.

He said an issues paper had been sent to staff as part of a consultation process.

“UQ is a leader in communication and media studies, with our research ranked 20^th in the world in the QS World University Rankings by Subject last year,” Professor Dunne said.

“Cultural Studies and Communication and Media Studies research also rated at the highest level – well above world standard – in the 2012 Excellence in Research for Australia results, while Film, Television and Digital Media research rated above world standard.”

Professor Dunne said the changes would strengthen study and research in all aspects of communication. There would be clear advantages within UQ and for industry partners, with easy access to communication expertise across journalism, professional writing, public relations, creative writing and media studies.

He said the structural change, if implemented, would not result in changes to ongoing academic staff roles.

Staff on academic or professional fixed-term contracts would continue until their contract expiry date, followed by standard discussions regarding renewal.

Contact: Lesley Whitteker, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences communications manager, ph +61 (0)7 3365 2632, +61 (0) 417 496 397, l.whitteker@uq.edu.au