Sensational learner freed after university (5)
I believe the answer is:
lurid
'sensational' is the definition.
(similar in meaning)
'learner freed after university' is the wordplay.
'learner' becomes 'l' (as in a learner driver with L-plates on their car).
'freed' becomes 'rid' (I've seen this in another clue).
'after' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'university' becomes 'U' (abbreviation for university).
'rid' put after 'u' is 'urid'.
'l'+'urid'='LURID'
(Other definitions for lurid that I've seen before include "In shocking detail" , "Sensational; colourful" , "Unpleasantly vivid in colour" , "Ghastly bright" , "Gloomily threatening" .)