This article reflects upon the theories and methodologies that inform peace studies teaching and research practice. It explores the challenges faced by tertiary educators working within the narrowing confines of current university structures, and, by analysing the motives, process and methodologies that have shaped one particular program, suggests that a dynamic and adaptive approach to teaching is necessary to ensure relevance and currency. It promotes the idea of partnership between educators and students and between researchers and participants in order to ensure that activities contribute to constructive social change. It concludes that tertiary educators can and do contribute to promoting social justice by adopting emancipatory adaptive pedagogies and methodologies.