FAQ 204
Is there any difference between how you consider applications submitted before and after the 15 January UCAS deadline?

UCAS rules commit us to considering all applications submitted before 15 January equally. For some courses, after 15 January we may only be able to take a limited number of the very strongest applicants. For most courses though, we're able to consider applications against exactly the same criteria we use earlier in the application cycle. This involves matching applicants' skills, qualifications and potential against the standards we consider necessary for success on their chosen course.