This is my first question/topic here. I'm actually posting this here since I thought that probably most people involved in neuroscience might be also doing something related in their studies or career. And also because this is the only place that I found so far where I can ask this.
I am finishing highschool and I'm also considering to study the wide field of neurosciences in university, especially in research. Formally, I know that many faculties can lead to neuroscientific research: Biochemistry, Medicine, Psychology, even Philosophy etc. but I'm also aware that there are new undergraduate courses named Neuroscience itself, which consist of really interesting programmes from a variety of fields (Neuroinformatics, Cognitive Science, etc. and everything with the prefix "Neuro-").
Unluckily, I found this kind of specific undergraduate courses only in the USA and UK, and unluckily, I am too late to apply to university in those countries (most application deadlines were in January).
I live in Europe (Italy) and our universities don't offer specific undergrad courses such as Neuroscience. Thus, I would like to ask what you could suggest me to study, in order to enter the world of the brain.
The specific areas of research that appeal me for now are Neuroprosthetics, but I also have an interest for the connection between neuroscience and philosophical/theological issues, which are often subject of debate also on this forum, as I notice ^^ Daniel Dennett for example is a philosopher of science, but I'd like to know what else could lead me to the field other than the "abstract" subjects.
A topic like neuroprosthetics would usually require something like biotechnology, I guess, but I'm not very sure about it. I don't think I would survive medical education, probably because that would mean plenty of years before entering real neuroscience. What about biochemical/biomedical engineering?
I would also really, really appreciate if you know any university in the world (where I can still apply this year) that offers courses similar to those I mentioned above (e.g. Neuroscience in UK/USA) - I'd be ready to study in Italian, English, German and French.
I know, this topic almost assumes the tone of a guidance counseling request, but I just want to know the opinions of neuroscience experts.
Thanks a lot in advance!