Praises unit, showing qualification (7,6)

I believe the answer is:

honours degree

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'praises unit' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I don't understand how they can define each other.

'showing qualification' is the wordplay.
'showing' becomes 'honours' (I can't justify this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'qualification' becomes 'degree' (university qualification).
'honours'+'degree'='HONOURS DEGREE'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Another definition for honours degree that I've seen is " from university".)

I've seen this clue in The Daily Express.

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