Follow graduate creed (5)
I believe the answer is:
dogma
'creed' is the definition.
(I know that dogma is a type of creed)
'follow graduate' is the wordplay.
'follow' becomes 'dog' (dog can mean to follow or torment).
'graduate' becomes 'MA' (abbreviation for Master of Arts).
'dog'+'ma'='DOGMA'
(Other definitions for dogma that I've seen before include "Inflexible principle" , "Belief, precept" , "Firm doctrine" , "Code of belief" , "Inflexible principles" .)