They compete every year in the British Universities and Colleges Sport Championships (or BUCS)[1] in both the Short Course and Long Course championships, both held at the international swimming pool Ponds Forge, Sheffield in November and February respectively.

They also have access to gym facilities at the Graham Sports Centre at Maiden Castle.

The BUCS championships at Sheffield twice a year are the most significant event of the club's competitive calendar.

The Inter-Collegiate swimming competition, hosted at Durham School on two separate nights (one for Hill colleges, the other for Durham colleges on the Bailey), is also a regular annual event with the winners receiving the Inter-College Cup.

Under Gary Hollywood's coaching DUSC had its most successful season finishing in 8th place overall at BUSA National Swimming Championships in 2004.