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.

Education in the field of conservation and restoration of historical monuments plays a fundamental role in the preservation of cultural heritage. Due to the sensitivity of the subject and the scientific, technical, and cultural complexities involved, curriculum design in this field must be based on strong theoretical foundations and informed by successful international experiences. In recent decades, various countries have responded to the professional demands of this discipline by developing specialized programs in universities and higher education institutions. However, cultural, technical, and structural differences among these programs highlight the necessity of conducting comparative studies and critically evaluating curriculum models. Conservation and restoration of historical and cultural heritage is an interdisciplinary field that requires precise and goal-oriented curriculum planning for the training of specialists. This study aims to examine different curriculum models and conduct a comparative analysis of global experiences in the education of conservation and restoration. Although such models have not yet become institutionalized in Iran, and only a few instructors have occasionally experimented with these approaches, their application has been temporary and often limited to one or two semesters. Traditional teaching methods still dominate the academic landscape. Accordingly, this research first introduces several theoretical curriculum models, including the master-apprentice model, service-learning, praxis, and outcome-based learning. It then presents a comparative analysis of educational programs at various universities to identify their strengths, weaknesses, and effective patterns. The findings reveal that successful programs tend to establish a balanced integration of theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and interdisciplinary perspectives. Based on these results, it is recommended that the revision of conservation education curricula in Iran draw on international experiences—many of which employ diverse or hybrid models—while being carefully adapted to local contexts.