This study evaluates the curriculum of the Master’s program in Architectural and Urban Heritage Restoration in Iran, focusing on its effectiveness in preparing graduates for professional practice. The research investigates the extent to which the program aligns with contemporary labour market needs, technological advancements, and international standards in heritage conservation. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the study combines comparative analysis of curricula from leading universities with alumni surveys and semi-structured interviews, analysed through MaxQDA. Findings indicate a marked gap between academic training and professional demands, particularly in practical experience, digital technologies, legal literacy, and interdisciplinary competencies. Respondents stressed the importance of experiential learning, integration of sustainable and environmental approaches, and enhancement of both soft and hard skills. The study concludes with recommendations for comprehensive curriculum reform, including context-based learning, updated course structures, and the establishment of specialised tracks such as material-based conservation, structural interventions, theoretical perspectives, and heritage crisis management.

This paper analyzes the evolution of the undergraduate curriculum in historic monuments restoration in Iran, from its initial approval in 1985
to its comprehensive revision in 2022. Adopting an analytical-comparative approach, the study first explores the theoretical, historical, and practical contexts of the discipline's emergence within Iran's higher education system. It then provides a structural and content-based critique
of the earlier curriculum. The findings reveal that the original curriculum, which emphasized religious principles, cultural heritage, and basic technical training, gradually became less effective due to scientific developments, shifting field requirements, and the rise of new technologies. The 2018 revision resulted from a collaborative effort by university scholars and restoration professionals aiming to modernize the program, enhance practical training, eliminate redundant courses, add applied content, and align the curriculum with international standards. Key features of the revised curriculum include a purposeful reduction in course units, content standardization, improved integration of theoretical and practical learning, and a focus on technological competencies. Furthermore, the paper addresses the implementation challenges and resource shortages of the previous curriculum and proposes strategies to enhance the quality and efficiency of restoration education. Overall, this study emphasizes the necessity of dynamic educational planning, underlines the critical role of restoration in preserving cultural identity and strengthening social capital, and provides a framework for future curriculum reforms in the field of conservation of cultural and historical artifacts.