The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 13 letter word BACCALAUREATE
I've seen this crossword clue in Independent
B
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More clues leading to the result BACCALAUREATE
- Vocally support a city university, worried about scripture degree
- Graduate put out a reluctance, not new, to accept a diploma
- Motion perhaps supporting graduate with two C’s and a degree
- Exceptionally able and accurate? Get ‘A’ in academic qualification
- Heard to put artic into reverse at some degree
- A race at a club getting fancy European award
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "diploma" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case diploma = baccalaureate.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does BACCALAUREATE mean?
BACCALAUREATE noun- A bachelor's degree.
- A high school completion exam and qualification awarded in many countries (e.g. Finland, France, Moldova, Romania), designed to enable students to go on to higher education.
- A farewell address in the form of a sermon delivered to a graduating class.
- The International Baccalaureate.