He studied modern history and politics at the University of Reading, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree.
He then undertook postgraduate research at Birkbeck College, University of London, completing his Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in 1991.
[3] His doctoral thesis was titled "The philosophy of Irish Toryism, 1833-52: a study of reactions to liberal reformism in Ireland in the generation between the first Reform Act and the Famine: with especial reference to expressions of national feeling among Protestant ascendancy".
[8] Spence wrote the libretto for The Yellow Wallpaper, an opera by British composer Dani Howard based on the 1892 short story by Charlotte Perkins Gilman, which premiered at the Copenhagen Opera Festival in August 2023.
[10] He was announced as the winner of the award in June 2024, citing his work to promote "Free Learning" and Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.