This field is focused on developing fundamental skills and methodologies that a professional worker requires to work face-to-face with communities. These direct practice skills and methodologies include key dimensions of practice such as micro-dialogue and communication skills, processes that sustain community livelihood, narrative community-based training processes and the development of an individualised professional practice framework that articulates the unique set of skills and attributes that a practitioner brings to his or her work.

Students who have studied previously in these areas have gone on to work for organisations like the United Nations Development Program, the World Food Program and various non-government organisations, as well as for government departments in central, state or local governments and research institutes. Many are also employed by the private sector as consultants and some have set up their own consultancy practice.