On prepositional vs. premodifying university names.

They are two different institutions. I think the one in the UK has a larger profile and reputation.

http://www.manchester.ac.uk/undergraduate/
http://www.manchester.edu/university/

The one in the UK is normally referred to as 'Manchester University'. there' no possibility of confusion for us Brits, as we've never heard of the other one.

Yes, that "of" is mysterious, isn't it? In general, the prepositional examples seem to suggest more professionalism, etc.

My own alma mater was always 'The University of Durham' when I was an undergraduate many years go, but I notice that most of its printed material now says 'Durham University'. I imagine that this is because it sounds less officious.

I checked a couple of dozen British universities on Google and Google Images, and found that nearly all have 'University of X' on their degree certificates, p

Don't be caught saying "The University at X". Hate that one.

fivejedjon Two exceptions (there are probably others) were Oxford Brookes University and Liverpool John Moores University. Both of these were named after people.

Yes, the personal name (PN) ones seem to always be PN + University. I wonder why.

Anonymous fivejedjon Two exceptions (there are probably others) were Oxford Brookes University and Liverpool John Moores University. Both of these were named after people.Yes, the personal name (PN) ones seem to always be PN + University. I wonder why.

Because 'The University of John Moores' would sound as if it belonged to John Moores.

fivejedjon .Because 'The University of John Moores' would sound as if it belonged to John Moores.

The Church of Saint John.

Is it St John's own church?