In 2005, Combat Poverty commissioned a study as part of the Having Your Say Programme. This research assessed the extent and nature of student learning opportunities on social policy and policy engagement (e.g. policy analysis, policy development, policy promotion, policy evaluation) within the range of professional Community Development courses provided by third-level bodies in the Republic of Ireland.

The result of this research was a Directory that informs potential students of the learning opportunities in the area of Community Development work. This 2008 Directory is an update of this information. The directory contains information on 27 Community Development courses in Ireland. The directory is a comprehensive and useful guide that lists full-time and part-time courses offered by thirdlevel bodies.