A Comparative Analysis of Iranian Translation Education: Benchmarking BA and MA ProgramsAgainst the European Master's in Translation (EMT) Competence Framework

Global translator training increasingly emphasizes alignment with internationalcompetency frameworks, such as the European Master's in Translation (EMT)2022 framework. However, the extent to which Iranian undergraduate andgraduate translation programs meet these standards is unclear. To address this gap,this study systematically benchmarks official Iranian BA and MA translationcurricula against the EMT framework. Using official curriculum documents fromIran, document analysis and gap analysis were conducted across the five EMTcompetence areas (Language and Culture, Translation, Technology, Personal andInterpersonal, and Service Provision). Many required courses emphasize linguistictheory and bilingual practice, aligning closely with the EMT's Language andCulture and Translation competence domains. The analysis revealed robustcoverage of these language/cultural and translation competencies, indicatingstrong alignment in these areas. In contrast, significant deficiencies emerged inthe integration of translation technology, service provision training, andpersonal/interpersonal (professional) skills. These findings, derived solely fromformal curriculum documents, may not fully reflect actual classroom practice orrecent instructional initiatives. The results underscore the need for targetedcurriculum reforms in Iranian translator education—incorporating technologicaltraining, service-oriented competencies, and professional skills—to align withinternational standards and enhance graduates' competitiveness in global markets.