The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word SUCCOURS
I've seen this crossword clue in Independent
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U
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More clues leading to the result SUCCOURS
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "son onto University College programme, after dropping English (8)" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case son onto university college programme, after dropping english (8) = succours.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 SUCCOURS mean?
SUCCOURS verb- To give aid, assistance, or help.
- To provide aid or assistance in the form of military equipment and soldiers; in particular, for helping a place under siege.
- (obsolete except dialectal) To protect, to shelter; to provide a refuge.